Job Summary:
This position is a project permanent seabird and marine mammal observer and member of four-person field crew conducting boat surveys in Puget Sound, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast of Washington south to the Columbia River. This position collects information on the distribution of marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals in relation to Navy facilities and tracks seasonal changes in
distribution and abundance of these species for various projects. The marbled murrelet is a seabird that was listed under the federal Endangered Species Act as a Threatened species in California, Oregon and Washington and it is listed as Threatened by Washington State. The marbled murrelet recovery plan outlined recovery strategies including developing and conducting standardized at-sea surveys. These surveys allow researchers and managers to model population trends and evaluate progress towards recovery. In addition, when developing the Northwest Forest Plan for managing federal forest lands, it was decided that at-sea murrelet population trends were to be used to assess the effectiveness of the plan. The surveys conducted for the Navy provide information on the density of murrelets, other seabirds, and marine mammals relative to Navy facilities in the Northwest and is ultimately used by USFWS and NOAA during ESA Section 6 consultations to assess impacts of Navy training and facility development. These projects are Federally funded and research on seabirds and marine mammals is necessary to address USFWS, NOAA, and WDFW research and management needs.
There are 3 positions available. Project duration is October 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.
DUTIES:
Primary duties include:
Use line transect distance sampling techniques including identifying and counting individuals by species, estimating distances to each species group.
Enter data into a specialized software program called DLOG2 on a laptop computer during surveys in accordance with the Marbled Murrelet Effectiveness Monitoring survey protocols and protocols developed for the Naval Base Monitoring Program.
Maintain equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
Work in adverse weather and sea conditions in a small boat (24 feet) with a 4 person crew
Work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Transport and lift equipment weighing up to 25 pounds over uneven and slippery surfaces.
Live and work cooperatively with a team of four people.
Marbled Murrelet Monitoring Project: travel is expected Monday through Friday of each week with surveys originating from one of four ports including Neah Bay, LaPush, Westport and Ilwaco. Technicians will live in a trailer and hotels during the week. Per Diem will be provided when overnight stays away from duty station are required. A Motor Pool vehicle will be provided for transportation from duty station (TBD) to field sites.
Naval Base Monitoring Project: Day trips are expected to each of 5 sites within Puget Sound, although overnight stays in hotels are possible. Per Diem will be provided when
overnight stays away from duty station are required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED including one year of high school science;
AND,
Two years of experience as a Scientific Technician OR two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
College coursework 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 hours or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.
Competencies
Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Ability to identify all of Washington’s seabirds in flight and on water and from considerable distances.
Ability to identify all of Washington’s marine mammals from considerable distances.
Previous field experience using line transect distance sampling from boats.
Accurately and efficiently enter detailed data into a laptop computer.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with stakeholders and co-workers.
Physically capable of withstanding long hours in a small boat (24 feet) at times in adverse weather and sea conditions.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following three items to your profile before completing the online application:
1. A cover letter describing specifically how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae listing experience relevant to this position
3. Three professional references with current contact information including name, phone number and email address (personal references do not count as professional)
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. E-
mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov
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.