TWO (2) OPENINGS
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
REGIONAL DIVERSITY TECHNICIAN
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 (ST2)

Ephrata, Washington is the current duty station. However, depending on the successful candidate, one (1) position has the optional duty station of Wenatchee, Washington or Ephrata, Washington.

This is an opportunity to actively contribute to the monitoring and recovery initiatives for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including the Columbian sharp-tailed and Greater sage-grouse, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, Washington ground squirrel, and northern leopard frog. 

Collaborating with field recovery teams, engage in reintroduction and recovery programs through surveying to ensure the thriving success of these key species. 

                     

Lek Survey of Sharp Tailed Grouse – Credit: Tom Munson 

Picture yourself in the field, 

Assisting with capture, translocation, and reintroduction efforts for pygmy rabbits, which will involve assisting the pygmy rabbit team with live trapping at burrows.

In this dynamic role, 

Survey for Washington ground squirrel, set up camera stations for fishers, and conduct nesting survey efforts for common loon, western/Clark’s grebe, and various raptors.

With your amphibian experience, 

Support the reintroduction efforts for northern leopard frogs, including collecting egg masses and transport for captive breeding.

We are seeking a candidate, 

Who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

Some of what our Regional Diversity Technician will enjoy doing, 

Conduct surveys for species of greatest conservation need: 

• Conduct field surveys using 4×4 trucks to access sites. Use binoculars, spotting scopes, GPS units, mobile data collection devices, mapping software including Arc Pro, ArcOnline, Avenza, OnXHunt, and collect biological samples.
• Follow established survey protocols for lek counts and search for greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, during spring months.
• Transect grid surveys for pygmy rabbit burrow systems and collect fecal pellets for DNA analysis during late summer and winter.
• Perform surveys for calling frogs, egg masses, and metamorphs in wetland habitat for northern leopard frog during spring months.
• Additional survey work will include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and pollinators using established methods.

Assist with recovery and reintroduction efforts for threatened and endangered species: 

• Assist with capture and vaccination of wild pygmy rabbit populations.
• Maintain and establish breeding enclosures and acclimation pens.
• Assist with monitoring released frogs and the presence and absence searches across their range.
• Work with temporary enclosures and bull frog management.

Data management:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Approximately 80% of time in the field surrounded by the Eastside Cascades Mountain forests, and Columbia Basin shrubsteppe habitat. About 50% of the time will work independently and other times with field recovery teams.
  • May encounter inclement weather conditions such as below freezing and snow in the winter to over 90 degrees during the summer.
  • Will also work in wetland habitats with mud, biting insects, and water up to four (4) feet deep and occasional deeper lakes. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
  • Heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) of various field equipment including fencing material, passive integrated transponder (PIT) monitoring arrays, and trapping supplies. Bend, stoop, hike, walk, and snowshoe in winter, up to ten (10) miles a day in rough terrain.  
• Schedule:
  • Typically, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.  Hours will vary due to weather, time of year and species.  
  • Will have regular early morning hours during spring and summer, or late hours during the night.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Fieldwork sites are mostly located within a 1 -3 hour drive of the Ephrata duty station. Will operate pick-up trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) and snowmobiles. 
  • Overnight travel could be an option for short periods of remote fieldwork. 
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Hand tools, 4×4 pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and snowmobile, GPS units, binoculars, mobile phone/mobile data collection (iPad), laptop.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Will often work on and around private lands and may interact with landowners, and the recreating public as well as other staff and Agency partners and volunteers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

Please Note: 

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• At least three (3) months of previous experience in field-based wildlife projects or wildlife survey techniques.
• Wildlife handling, capture, and sample collection.
• Ability to collect spatial data with GPS units and mobile devices.
• Familiarity with GIS software (ArcPro)

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

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

 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 NOTE: 

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

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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Subject line must 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. 

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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone at 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

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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