For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3534943/stream-habitat-survey-technicians-scientific-technician-2-6-openings-non-pe

Salary– $2,864.00 – $3,701.00 Monthly

Follow standardized sampling protocols to collect fish habitat data from focal research streams.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Utilization of a GPS to navigate (off-trail) to previously sampled study sites.
  • Classification of stream mesohabitats within sample reaches.
  • Identify bankfull stage.
  • Collect and record transect measurements (wetted and bankfull widths/depths, substrate samples, depth measurements).
  • Enumerate large woody debris.
  • Observe and identify juvenile and adult fishes

Ensure that field data collection forms are complete and deliverable and plan subsequent sampling activities.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Ensure that data collection forms are complete on a daily basis.
  • Error check and tabulate field data following standardized protocols.
  • Reference spatial data and photographs.

Assist with fish population data collection in focal research streams.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Capture fish using a backpack electro-fisher.
  • Enumerate fish using standardized snorkel survey techniques.
  • Identify fish (salmonid) species and collect relevant biodata.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Work Setting, including hazards: 
    1. 95% of the work occurs outside in the field – it includes operating a motor vehicle on developed roads and on unimproved logging roads with heavy truck traffic; traveling by foot over uneven/unstable rocks and logs, steep, slippery, and uneven terrain (risk of strains/sprains), exposure to insect bites and stings, contact with vegetation bearing thorns, needles, and/or irritants.
    2. Unpredictable interactions with wildlife, domestic animals, and private landowners – additionally, work will occur in all weather conditions typical of Western WA from June-October (rain, wind, wildfire smoke, and hot/cold conditions).
    3. Remoteness of work sites sometimes limits outside communication (e.g., poor cell/radio reception in river canyons); camping for the duration of a work week may be required to achieve sampling goals in all IMW complexes; ability to hike, bend, squat, and crawl, and occasionally carry or move sampling equipment (sandbags/buckets of water) that weigh up to 50 lbs. and frequently carry sampling gear (first aid kit/water/electronics) that weigh up to 30 lbs. by hand or with a backpack over difficult terrain.
  • Schedule: 
    1. Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (4 days a week/10-hour days).
  • Travel Requirements: 
    1. Regular travel between IMW complexes and overnight camping will be required to accomplish sampling goals in multiple work areas.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    1. GPS, handheld measuring tools, surveying equipment, snorkel gear, backpack electro-fisher, 4×4 vehicle, and radios.
  • Customer Interactions: 
    1. Communication with landowners is required before accessing some study sites.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Please 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.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field.
  • Knowledge of stream habitat survey methods, primarily the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program (EMAP) methodology for wadeable streams.
  • Ability to identify morphological features of streams.
  • Knowledge of the study area (Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal, or Lower Columbia River) IMW streams.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: 

As a result of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) issued on August 9, 2021, all Washington State Agencies are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials – your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor prior to your first day of work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)

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.