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Website link here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.governmentjobs.com\/careers\/washington\/jobs\/2722779-0\/scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-01699-20<\/a><\/p>\n Washington is\u00a0America’s Top State<\/a>\u00a0according to\u00a0U.S. News (2019)<\/a>\u00a0and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.<\/p>\n The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.\u00a0 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees\u2013field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at\u00a0www.wdfw.wa.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n This recruitment is to fill\u00a0one non-permanent 8-month position located within the Fish Program, Fish Management, Marine Resources.\u00a0 The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA.<\/p>\n This position supports coastal marine fish management through fieldwork and data related activities including recreational and commercial fishery port sampling, age structure preparation, fishery independent surveys and research, and data entry and basic summarization.\u00a0 The position entails collecting data from nearly 100 species of groundfish (e.g., rockfish, flatfish, Sablefish) and coastal pelagic species (Pacific Sardine, Pacific Mackerel, Northern Anchovy, Jack Mackerel, Squid spp.) across numerous commercial fisheries distinguished by gear type, and the Washington coastal recreational bottomfish fishery.<\/p>\n Resource scientists and managers use the critical scientific information collected by this position to assess and regulate a diverse variety of coastal marine fish species along the US west coast, supporting highly valuable ocean fisheries. The work conducted by this position is directly linked to WDFW’s mission to ensure “Sustainable management of marine resources to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the state’s fishing industry and to enhance recreational and commercial fishing in state and off-shore waters.”\u00a0DutiesCollect biological, catch, and effort information on marine fish fisheries at Washington’s coastal ports.\u00a0 These fisheries include recreational groundfish, commercial groundfish, and commercial coastal pelagic species fisheries.\u00a0 Dockside sampling of these fisheries occurs at all major coastal ports of Washington including Ilwaco, Chinook, Westport, La Push, and Neah Bay.\u00a0 Participate in fishery independent research surveys of groundfish and coastal pelagic species conducted off the Washington, Oregon, and California coast.<\/strong> Collect biological, catch, and effort information from commercial groundfish fisheries<\/u>\u00a0including midwater trawl (Pacific Whiting), bottom trawl, setline (Sablefish, Halibut), and pot (Hagfish) gear types.\u00a0 Species compositions and biological information from landings of these fisheries are collected and processed by the technician at fish processing plants located at Washington’s major coastal ports.\u00a0 Logbook and fish ticket information are collected from the vessel at the port of landing or from plant personnel, then verified against species compositions and biological samples collected. Coordination with fish plant personnel, commercial dealers and vessel captains is necessary to develop an effective sampling strategy and collect all required information.<\/p>\n Collect biological and species composition information from commercial coastal pelagic species fisheries<\/u>\u00a0including the anchovy baitfish fishery.\u00a0 Samples of the catch from these vessels are typically collected dockside and processed by the technician at the Region 6 laboratory.\u00a0 Coordination with commercial net pen operators and vessel captains is required to collect representative samples effectively from these landings.<\/p>\n Track fishery activity and prioritize all sampling efforts to meet fishery dependent sampling goals.\u00a0 Collect samples from landings according to established protocols ensuring random and representative samples are collected.<\/p>\n Assist with survey operations on single day groundfish research cruises off the Washington coast<\/u>.\u00a0 Follow strict standardized survey methods ensuring fishing effort and data collection protocols are followed onboard agency and chartered research vessels.\u00a0 Collect effort information including the GPS location and depth of various survey operations, drift direction, drift speed, active fishing time, angler number, and gear specifications.\u00a0 Collect species composition and biological information from catch.\u00a0 Scan all catch for coded-wire tags and passive integrated transponder tags using blue wand tag detectors.\u00a0 Tag select species with external Floy tags using Floy tag pistol grip tagging guns.\u00a0 Descend released rockfish with barotrauma using descending devices.<\/p>\n Assist with survey operations on multiday (up to three weeks) coastal pelagic species research cruises<\/u>\u00a0off the Washington, Oregon and California coasts.\u00a0 Live onboard commercial vessels conducting research surveys.\u00a0 Utilize onboard sounding equipment and plotters. Daily contact via phones and\/or email with other participants of the surveys is required for temporal and spatial coordination. Ensure that daily transect lines are being followed while collecting start and stop times, GPS location, water temperature, depth, and ocean conditions at each fishing location as well as the captain’s estimates of catch in a provided logbook.\u00a0 Collect species compositions and biological information on the catch, which consists mainly of fish smaller than 20 centimeters.<\/p>\n All biological and species composition sampling requires the identification of approximately 100 species of groundfish and roughly 10 coastal pelagic species found on the Washington coast. Species compositions involve identifying, sorting, enumerating, and weighing fish by species or species complex.\u00a0 Biological information collected on these species can include length, weight, sex, stage of maturity, and samples of ovaries, otoliths, Lingcod fins, or herring scales.\u00a0 All data collection is done in real time on digital platforms including iForms, Microsoft Access forms, and Microsoft Excel.\u00a0 The technician is responsible to summarize and ensure the integrity of all data collected through QA\/QC and data submission protocols.<\/p>\n Process samples at the Region 6 headquarters laboratory.<\/strong> Maintain survey, dockside sampling, and laboratory equipment.<\/strong> Other duties as assigned.<\/strong> Working Conditions<\/strong> This work is conducted at-sea, at recreational and commercial fishing docks, in laboratories, and offices.\u00a0 While at-sea onboard agency research, charter, or commercial fishing vessels, extended trips require living on vessels with limited or reduced accommodations (i.e. bunking in shared space, water restrictions for bathing, basic cooking facilities).\u00a0 Hazards include rough seas, exposure to severe,\u00a0 inclement weather, vessel mechanical failure, wet, slippery decks and docks, exposure to specimen preservative chemicals, risk of puncture wounds and infection from tagging equipment or fish spines, heavy lifting of up to 60lbs unassisted, and repetitive stress injury from biological sampling and computer data entry.<\/p>\n Equipment:<\/strong> Union<\/strong> QualificationsGraduation from high school, GED, including one year of high school science, and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.\u00a0 OR Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.<\/p>\n College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for experience, provided the course work included at least six semesters or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.<\/p>\n Preferred\/Desired Experience:<\/strong> Physical Capabilities:<\/strong>\u00a0 Capable of climbing ladders, climbing on-board a vessel, walking and balancing on docks and vessels that are wet, slippery, steep, and or moving.\u00a0 Able to repetitively lift up to 50 pounds, work over a 10 hour work shift, work in inclement weather, hear and communicate over loud motors or fish processing equipment, and read computer monitors.\u00a0 Possess average fine motor skills.<\/p>\n At sea Qualifications:<\/strong>\u00a0 Able to work at sea without seasickness impairing performance, and able to tolerate being at sea for up to 3 week at a time.\u00a0 Able to operate agency research vessel safely, conduct routine maintenance, and basic repairs.\u00a0 Skilled in collecting real time data on electronic devices while in the field including at sea data collection.<\/p>\n Computing:<\/strong>\u00a0 Possesses basic skills using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, and email software. Capable of entering data into electronic devices including laptops and tablets accurately with minimal errors. Can proficiently review and compile data collected by themselves for quality control. Familiar with coastal commercial groundfish databases.<\/p>\n Communication Abilities<\/strong>:\u00a0 Strong skills in diplomacy and relationship building between coworkers, stakeholders, and the general public. Capable of communicating and being easily accessible at any time via phone and e-mail and able to use a CB or VHF radio.\u00a0 Can clearly communicate verbally and in writing with individuals and groups within and outside of the agency.<\/p>\n Supplemental InformationT<\/strong>o apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at\u00a0www.careers.wa.gov<\/a>\u00a0and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:<\/p>\n A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)<\/p>\n A current resume (please make it succinct)<\/p>\n Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)<\/p>\n Please note:<\/strong>\u00a0 Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification.\u00a0 E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile. Veteran Preference Notice<\/strong>
\nScientific Technician 2<\/strong><\/div>\n
\nTasks include:<\/strong>
\nCollect biological information on whole fish and filleted carcasses landed by recreational groundfish anglers.<\/u>\u00a0 Samples are collected and processed at dockside sampling stations, fillet stations and boat launches at coastal ports.\u00a0 Recreational dockside sample design requires communication with other WDFW units (i.e. the Ocean Sampling Program), and charter and private skippers to coordinate daily schedules and logistic matters to achieve sampling objectives.\u00a0 Additionally, the operation of an agency research vessel may be required to fulfill these duties.<\/p>\n
\nTasks include:<\/strong>
\nPrepare fish fins, otoliths, or other structures for age reading<\/u>, and dissect fish specimens for biological data collection, coded wire tag retrieval, and\/or preservation.<\/p>\n
\nTasks include:<\/strong>
\nMaintain, clean, and organize sampling equipment per unit protocols and schedules. Direct or assist with unit vehicle and vessel maintenance and cleaning following unit protocols and schedules. Direct or assist with vehicle mileage reports and\/or vessel operations logs.<\/p>\n
\nTasks include:<\/strong>
\nAssist other projects as needed including, but not limited to, the Region 6 Shellfish Unit’s razor clam stock assessment field work, recreational razor clam fishery creel sampling, and Willapa Bay oyster sampling.<\/p>\n
\nThis schedule is highly variable and very demanding depending on the activity.\u00a0 Schedule flexibility is crucial as work is dictated by ocean\/weather conditions as well as by vessel offload schedules.\u00a0 Fieldwork is non-scheduled 24\/7, up to 80 hours per week, and weekend and evening work is required.\u00a0 Office and laboratory based work is typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.\u00a0 Travel requirements are highly variable depending on activity.\u00a0 Extended travel up to one month may be required to accomplish at-sea surveys. \u00a0This position will interact with commercial skippers, crew and research biologists and scientists (state and federal) during research surveys, and with office staff and dockside crew at commercial fish dealer\/processing plants. Interaction with the general public while port sampling and providing basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities is required.<\/p>\n
\nThe use of the following items will be needed for sampling duties; iPad, computer, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, scissors, scalpels, forceps, measuring boards, totes\/bins, paper forms, labels, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, Floy tagging guns, fume hood, dissection microscopes, glues, solvents, saws, glass slides, pressure washer, fishing tackle and gear, VHF radio, compass, personal floatation device, marine survival suit, rubber boots, rain gear, agency outboard motor boat, and vehicles.<\/p>\n
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
\nSampling Qualifications:<\/strong>\u00a0 Able to collect data systematically with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and completeness and understands sampling concepts such as randomness and bias.\u00a0 Must have exceptionally strong marine fish identification skills.\u00a0 Must have a strong knowledge of commercial and recreational marine fishing gears and methods and be familiar with commercial fish processing plant operations. Prior skill at procedures for collecting biological age structures from a variety of marine fish species.\u00a0 Know how to use, troubleshoot, and make minor repairs of electronic sampling and tagging (CWT and PIT) equipment.<\/p>\n
\nUpon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.\u00a0 You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.\u00a0 In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at\u00a0www.careers.wa.gov<\/a>.\u00a0 Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.<\/p>\n
\nTo take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:<\/p>\n