For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-scientific-technician-2—fish-program—seven-7-openings—non-permanent—00334-22-olympia-washington/502774503?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular

Salary- $2,864.00 – $3,701.00 Monthly

WDFW is seeking candidates who are dedicated stewards of Washington’s salmon, fish and wildlife resources. If you are wishing to apply your conservationist background, and looking to make a difference in the future of freshwater species and their habitats, then apply to become a Scientific Technician! 

As our Scientific Technicians, you’ll provide technical assistance, participate in Northern Pike and Carp removal efforts, fish stock assessment projects, and assist with the conservation of native resident fish populations.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (WDFW) mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. 

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself participating in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management.

This is an opportunity to collaboratively lead a team, set goals, develop strategies, and ensure the program performance objectives are met. 
 
The optimal candidate has applied experience in fish and wildlife management, principles, and procedures. 
 
The best suited candidate has strong work ethic, the ability to take initiative, work independently, and has excellent inter-personal communication and relationship skills.

We are seeking a candidate that will work hard to serve WDFW staff, agency partners, and the public.

Duties

Our Scientific Technicians, 

  • Conduct gill net surveys associated with suppression activities of invasive fish species.
  • Collect and record biological data on fish including species identification, total length, fork length, weight, sex, and maturity. 
  • Collect biological samples including ageing structures, genetic tissue and diet samples. 
  • Check fish for existing tags/marks and uses a variety of techniques to mark fish.
  • Euthanize non-native species to support suppression activities. 
  • Record effort and catch data.
  • Occasionally transport and operate research vessels of varying size during field surveys.
  • Maintain and repair fish sampling equipment including but not limited to gill nets, dip nets, anchors, ropes, electronic balances, PIT tag readers, and GPS units. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:    

  • Work is primarily conducted in field and warehouse settings and involves many hours of vehicle travel. 
  • Field work is conducted during inclement weather (including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow, ice, and working in cold water for long periods of time).
  • Duties are performed on a boat for long hours on large bodies of water – boat conditions include slippery, wet, uneven surfaces and wavy conditions – repetitive heavy lifting associated with setting and pulling gill nets (up to 50 lbs.). 
  • Repetitive lifting and carrying equipment weighing 75 pounds or more for short distances.
  • Occasionally, work may be conducted in an office setting and will require many hours working on a computer and looking at a monitor for long hours while entering data and checking data sets for quality assurance.

Schedule:   

  • Typically, work schedule is 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (extensive overtime is likely) – may require working more than 8 hours per day on a boat in a team setting. 
  • Work is conducted primarily during the day but may extend into the evening on occasion.

Travel Requirements: 

  • Extensive travel times within the workday.

Tools and Equipment: 

  • Boats, manual hand tools, electronic balances, handheld PIT tag readers, handheld GPS, net repair tools, fish picks, knives. 
  • Personal protective equipment, including, PFDs, rain gear, waders, boots, gloves, ear protection, and eye protection.

Customer Interactions:

  • May interact with the public at boat ramps and on the water.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

OR 

  • Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

OR

  • 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.

AND

Certifications/Licenses:

  • Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience with:

  • Conducting gill net surveys.
  • Identifying of eastern Washington fish species.
  • Setting and pulling gill nets.
  • Conducting suppression activities including handling large numbers of fish in various states of disposition and euthanizing invasive fish species.

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.