The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and providing sustainable fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.
Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees–field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, customer service representatives and others—manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species,maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial
fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is for one (1) 3-month full-time non-permanent Scientific Technician 3 in the Fish Program,Fish Management, Region 4. The duty station for this position is 111 Sherman St., LaConner, WA. 98257.
Anticipated start date is October 1st through December 31, 2014.
As the supervisory bull trout spawning ground survey technician, the primary duty is to provide technical support and field supervision during the collection and organization of spawning ground data of ESA listed bull trout in northern tributaries of Puget Sound (WDFW Region 4, Districts 13 and 14) for stock assessment of the populations which are unique to the tributaries in which they spawn.

This position works independently of but reports to the supervisory area biologist and supervises a temporary scientific technician. Leading the Scientific Technician 2 the position will conduct bull trout spawning ground surveys to enumerate redds and biologically sample encountered dead fish. Conducting surveys may require
safely operating drift/pontoon boats, motorized boats, motorized vehicles (including ATV’s), bicycles, and any other equipment necessary to successfully accomplish surveys in remote areas. The position holder will also enter data collected in the field to established spreadsheets and/or databases in a timely manner and prepare
figures and tables for the area biologist to incorporate into annual reports as needed.

DUTIES:
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=959671[9/8/2014 12:46:39 PM]
Bull trout spawning surveys Tasks include:
Conduct spawning ground surveys in remote tributaries of Skagit, Snohomish, and possibly Whatcom Counties which may require driving 2 hours each way to reach and return from index. Accurately identify freshwater stage adult and juvenile salmonids including char. Hike up to 12 miles in a day and over consecutive days in waders and carrying survey equipment and personal supplies during late fall and early winter surveying for new redds Record observations of live and dead fish observed, redds, and species. Locate, identify origin species,and enumerate new redds. Redd origin species identification will require extensive knowledge of
spawning habits of fish with spawning temporal and spatial overlap from late September through December.
Identification and biological sampling of fish carcasses in a variety of field conditions and terrains.Use good judgment to determine if road and weather conditions are conducive to reaching a survey site by truck or other means when faced with inclement winter weather or unforeseen conditions.
Use good judgment to determine if the survey team should terminate a spawning survey prior to or during the survey if weather or stream conditions change.
Supervise scientific technician

Tasks include:
Direct daily survey activities of the technician.
Ensure technician has both survey and personal protective equipment necessary to complete daily work
effectively and safely. Personal protective equipment for this position may and will include, life jackets,
quality waders and wading belt, first aid kit, food, water and clothing appropriate for extended exposure
to wet and cold weather.
Approve time sheets before deadline following prompts by fish program payroll designee.
Complete administrative responsibilities as required by HR and give to supervisory area biologist for
filing. Responsibilities will include new employee paperwork, in season paperwork as required, and exit
interview.
Data compilation, quality control and quality assurance, and summarization
Tasks include:
Review, record, and tabulate data. Data editing and data entry for field surveys and biological data
collection. Organize and archive raw data. Accurately collect and record basic resource information into
prescribed electronic or written form.
Key field data using Microsoft Excel and Access (or other software).
Write and prepare summaries of field surveys for further analysis by supervisor or other WDFW
staff. Prepare tables and figures of finalized data as assigned by supervisory area biologist for inclusion
in reports.
Working Conditions
40 hours a week and days as needed to keep surveys within timing interval. All weather conditions, from dry
and hot to extreme cold and snow. Hiking over very difficult terrain both in and out of moving water long
distances while carrying gear (up to 12 miles daily). Hazards include strains, sprains, breaks, scratches,
lacerations, infections, animal encounters and drowning. This position spends up to 14 hours daily in chest
waders. Individual will be responsible for making sure waders are properly dried overnight in preparation for
next day. Position will be required to safely use an axe, handsaw, chainsaw or combination as necessary to
clear trees that have fallen across forest roads that block return path. Maintain survey equipment and inform
supervisory area biologist of equipment or repairs of existing equipment needed to conduct surveys.
Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of
Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP). As a condition of
employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other
fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=959671[9/8/2014 12:46:39 PM]
Previous experience: Must have no less than 5 spawning seasons of experience conducting bull trout
spawning ground surveys in the Skagit, Stillaguamish or Snohomish basins and no less than 5 years of
experience performing salmon spawning ground surveys in the Skagit Basin. Imperative successful applicant is
highly familiar with Skagit watershed including major tributaries and historical spawning indexes because
applicant will begin surveying and coordinating surveys immediately upon start date.
Ability to carry up to 75 lbs of equipment short distances to access sites and over log jams (e.g. portaging and
carrying equipment to site).
Ability and desire to walk many miles (~ 12 mi) in large and small streams and through rugged terrain and all
weather.
Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate
options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
Resourcefulness in Problem Solving:Uses intelligence, common sense, past experiences, hard work and
tenacity to solve particularly difficult or complicated challenges
Creative and Innovative Thinking: Develops innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace
challenges
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
To 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:
Cover letter on how you meet the required qualifications and competencies.
A current resume (please make it succinct)
Three professional references (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. 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.
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted
and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A
resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your
application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in
your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be
verified and documentation may be required.
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.