Full-Time/Non-permanent
2-months
Scientific Technician 2
Pasco, WA
This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WFDW’s legal obligations. Essential and critical function: Maintain animal husbandry, maintain hatchery operations to ensure fish/animals stay alive and associated testing/vet response etc.
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.
We are seeking five (5) highly motivated and experienced Scientific Technicians to work alongside a diverse team promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid population. This opportunity is located in Franklin County.
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 Scientific Technician 2 plays a key role in the pursuit of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s mission to conserve, enhance, and restore native fish populations in Washington State. These positions provide technical assistance to project leads collecting biological data on post-spawn fall chinook including length, origin, and presence of any tags. These activities are directly related to the conservation of native fish populations in south central Washington. These positions will conduct stream surveysfor post-spawn fall chinook recovery in the Hanford Reach (Columbia River) and lower 30 miles of the Yakima River from late October through mid-December.. Stream surveys are conducted primarily by boat with four crews of 2-3 technicians conducting surveys daily.
Duties
Conducts Field Surveys
Tasks include:
Technician will be responsible for conducting fall Chinook and coho stream surveys. Must be able to identify fish species found in southeast Washington. The majority of the field sampling is conducted by boat/cataraft but will include hiking shorelines. Biological sampling will include gender, length, marks, origin (CWT and otolith sampling), age (scales), and spawn success (egg retention). Technician will need to be able to accurately record and process all data associated with the above listed surveys. Applicant must be able to routinely lift up to 20 pounds with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Applicant must be able to work alone in remote locations and also be able to function as a member of a field team during stream surveys.
Other duties
Tasks include:
Maintains vehicles, boats, equipment, and tools to ensure proper function and safety. Compiles with WDFW policies and procedures related to safety and security. Assist with other fish management duties as assigned. This position will require the daily wearing of masks and stringent compliance with protocols to reduce the risk of exposure or transfer of the Corona virus. Must be familiar with Excel and capable of proofing and entering field data into computer.
Working Conditions
Working sitting, including hazards: Sampling will be conducted in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River with limited access to amenities (fuel, food, first aid/hospitals). Work will require the ability to work alone as well as with a team in remote locations. Work will be conducted on the water and along shorelines of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers. Field work is conducted during inclement weather including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain and snow. May require hiking over rough and slippery terrain. Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife including rattlesnakes, or illegal activities (marijuana growing operations, meth labs, poaching, etc.) are possible. Individual may work with chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil).
Schedule: Position is full-time, 40 hours/week, five eight-hours shifts. Work will require working weekends and holidays. Be timely, dependable and be willing to have flexibility in their work schedule.
Tools and Equipment: Manual hand tools, knives, PIT tag readers, CWT wands, life jackets, and hip/chest waders.
Travel Requirements: Sampling will require travel to sampling locations, towing, and boat operation.
Union
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.”
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications and experience:
Degree in fisheries or closely related field.
1+ years fisheries experience
Proficient identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species in eastern Washington.
Experience working with ESA listed Steelhead and salmon.
Proficient use of personal computer including Microsoft Office programs.
Proficient and safe operations of motor vehicles.
Operation and maintenance of field sampling equipment including: CWT readers, PIT tag readers, knives, etc.
Ability to record research data cleanly and accurately.
Ability to work as a team member or independently.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
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 (please make it succinct)
Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
Pursuant to the Governor’s Directive, 20-08, this position will be subject to one furlough day per week through one day per month beginning September 1, 2020, through November 30, 2020.
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.
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
“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.