Full-Time/Permanent

Scientific Technician 3

Fish Program – Hatcheries – CWT Lab

Natural Resource Building

Olympia, WA. 98501

Are you a problem solver that enjoys a challenge? Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to juggle several high-priority scopes of work, and who want the opportunity to independently problem-solve.

WDFW employees are provided one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation – find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Our ideal applicants will have a positive can-do attitude as they collect/sample data.  In addition, the candidate will share our values of trust, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is eager to work hard and have fun in an environment where there’s never a dull moment.

The successful candidate for this position will report to the one or more of the supervisors listed above and will work on one or more of a variety of fisheries projects in the region to assist with peak workload.

Work in the Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit, in a laboratory setting, processing all tagged salmon heads, totaling up to 100,000, from all the salmon fisheries, spawning ground recoveries and hatchery rack returns recovered from Washington waters. This position is the team lead for the CWT lab.  Directs daily operation of all staff and provides training to new employees, monitors workflow and ensures priority work is completed in a timely manner, monitors and maintains supplies and equipment

Lead worker, trainer, and Equipment manager

Tasks include: 

• Leads day to day activities of lab activities, trains and mentors’ staff.
• Determines lab priorities in conjunction with supervisor.
• Maintains adequate supply inventory to ensure other lab staff can effectively and efficiently complete their responsibilities. 
• Keeps communal supply area stocked and updates MSDS safety sheets as needed. Accurately completes and submits P-Card daily transaction log. 
• Ensures that purchases made comply with state statutes, rules and guidelines. 
• Knows the operation of laboratory equipment (i.e.: microscopes, electronic detectors, PC’s, pneumatic coring machines, etc.), learns its functions and limitations, and maintains the equipment.
• Responds appropriately to equipment malfunction, seeking assistance when necessary and ensuring equipment is fully operational prior to resuming its use.
• Effectively instructs and guides others in the use of equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and skill in cleaning and maintaining electronic detection equipment and pneumatic coring machines, noting signs of wear and replacing parts as needed.
• Maintains a file with equipment instruction manuals.

Coring and dissecting specimens

Tasks include: 

• Work collaboratively with other employees to ensure snout counts and data are correct. 
• Count accurately. 
• Keep samples organized by fishery. 
• Print legible.
• Review/recheck work after interruptions.

Reading and transcribing data onto appropriate forms

Tasks include: 

• Able to interpret/decipher and organize data. 
• Transcribe error free data. 
• Record data in all fields.
• Review/recheck data for errors after interruptions. 
• Print legible.
• Appropriate manual dexterity and physical skills.
• Foreseeing potential problems and getting clarification on what the process should be. Able to listen and follow instructions. 
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Stay focused – able to concentrate. Able to use a microscope.

Data entry into appropriate fisheries and recovery years

Tasks include: 

• Enter data into the correct recovery year, fishery and assigned batch number.
• Able to enter alpha and numeric characters accurately.
• Review/recheck data for errors after interruptions.
• Type accurately while using a computer keyboard.
• Knowledge of watersheds, drainages and major waterways including; the ocean, Puget Sound, Columbia River and the Snake River throughout and surrounding Washington State for freshwater and marine water fisheries.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work setting including hazards:

• The work is performed in a laboratory setting approximately ninety-five percent of the time and up to five percent may be in the field at various hatchery locations throughout the state.
• The odor in the lab, at times, can be extremely unpleasant and the tissue samples are bloody.
• This position requires manual dexterity and mobility and the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and accommodate numerous interruptions while performing multiple tasks.
• This position requires lifting of equipment , snout bags, and garbage cans weighing between 15-75 pounds, with assistance as needed.

Schedule: 

Travel Requirements: 

Tools and Equipment: 

License:

AND

OR

AND

Note:  College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Two years as team lead experience highly desired

Knowledge of all aspects of the coded-wire tag process.

Knowledge of software such as MS Word, Excel, and data bases

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification. 

In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume
• Three professional references

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION WAFWP: 

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

“As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore; we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.   Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

This recruitment is essential, and functions directly related to survival of ESA listed species. Or functions that are legally required or treaty obligated for ESA species

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

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