State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
invites applications for the position of:
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 *03450W
SALARY: $2,426.00 – $3,135.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 04/10/15
CLOSING DATE: 04/23/15 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
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.
Scientific Technician 2
(Part time, Nonpermanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1), nonpermanent, part-time Scientific Technician 2
position located in the Wildlife Program, Diversity Division, Region 6. The duty station is either in the South
Puget Sound Wildlife Area, Lakewood, Pierce County, OR at the Natural Resource Building, Olympia, Thurston
County with travel in the localized area.
This position will be up to 40 hours per week from May 15 to July 15 then reducing to approximately 30 hours
per week from July 16 to November 15. From late May thru mid-July, this position will be scheduled primarily
evenings, weekends, and daytime shifts as program needs arise.
This position is responsible for collecting essential data used to evaluate the outcomes of western pond turtle
reintroduction and the survival and movements of black-tailed deer. This position reports to the District 11
Wildlife Biologist 4. This technician will primarily work alone in rugged conditions, occasionally over water and
in forested environments. The technician will conduct radio-telemetry tracking and collect associated data
during periods of peak work volume.
Western pond turtle is a state endangered species associated with wetland ecosystem in the South Puget
lowlands and Columbia River of western Washington. They are being reintroduced at suitable sites in an effort
to move toward recovery. Field surveys are conducted to assist biologists and managers in locating pond turtle
nests that contribute to a head-starting program. Project findings are delivered to WDFW managers and other
conservation partners to assist in restoration and recovery assessment and planning. Findings support and
Job Bulletin
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direct management decisions and restoration activities with on-the-ground implications for land use activities.
Columbian black-tailed deer are a common native species in Washington enjoyed by the public for viewing and
hunting purposes. They are also prey to many valued predators in the state. Due to these complexities and
limited research on this species, our understanding of the importance of forest management to black-tailed
deer ecology is incomplete. The goal of the current study is to relate black-tailed population dynamics to land
use by monitoring individual deer in various landscape settings for movements, reproduction, survival, and
survival of offspring.
DUTIES:
Conduct radio-telemetry tracking of adult western pond turtles, excavation of nest chambers,
placement of data loggers, restoration of nesting hill and surrounding habitat, placement of nest
exclosures and field marking. Assist with capture, handling and release of turtles as needed.
Conduct radio-telemetry tracking and associated data collection of doe and fawn black-tailed deer;
enter data in PDA using Pendragon forms; respond to mortality events of deer to determine cause
of death as trained, and complete data forms; assist with capture and processing of deer, as
needed.
Responsible for care and maintenance of telemetry equipment, binoculars, scopes, tripods,
electronic devices and assigned vehicle.
This position may be extended to assist with other duties as assigned, such as trapping and/or
surveys for Mazama pocket gopher that cannot be completed by existing staff. These activities will
be of secondary importance and may occur as time and funds are made available.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of: principles and procedures of biological research and management; standard laboratory
and field methods; statistical techniques; population measurement techniques;
Ability to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods while observing and interpreting behaviors of wildlife
species.
Ability to search for and identify western pond turtles and black-tailed deer by sight in the field.
Knowledge of radio telemetry theory and techniques.
Document, interpret and communicate wildlife species/habitat information in a detailed manner.
Think critically in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Use standard laboratory and field equipment.
Follow directions, show initiative, and work efficiently without supervision.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (especially MS Word and Excel) software.
Knowledge of and experience using GPS technology.
Must be reliable, punctual and demonstrate good scientific ethics and integrity and demonstrate a
flexible and creative approach to problem-solving in the field.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete all tasks to satisfaction, and show a
willingness to perform routine and repetitive work without sacrificing performance.
Level of physical fitness necessary to walk at least three miles off trail with up to 15 lbs.
Navigate in unfamiliar, undeveloped and rugged terrain in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to operate a variety of small hand and power tools.
Willingness to complete necessary training and apply pesticides under direct supervision of others.
Capable of working 8-10 hours under all weather conditions.
Ability to drive a 4X4 vehicle.
A valid Driver’s License is required for this position.
Preferred
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of
experience as a Scientific Technician 1 OR Graduation from high school or GED including one year of
high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist,
chemist, or zoologist.
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.
At least one field season (minimum of 1 month) radio tracking western pond turtles.
Experience searching for and identifying black-tailed deer by radio-telemetry in the field.
Knowledge of western pond turtle biology, ecology and nesting behavior. Knowledge of principles and
Job Bulletin
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procedures of biological research and management; standard laboratory and field methods; basic field
survey techniques.
Experience to systematically conduct repeated surveys for focal species and maintaining detailed
documentation.
General radio-telemetry tracking experience.
Experience working independently in remote locations.
Experience with trapping and handling of pocket gophers including applying PIT-tags.
Capable of sustained digging with hand tools in hard, rocky substrate for 6 hours per day.
Experience with trapping small wild mammals or birds.
Experience with direct handling of wild small mammals or birds, including applying identification tags.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
· Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, rain and sometimes over difficult terrain and
surfaces.
· Work outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Work hours include weekends,
evenings and holidays.
· Work may be performed independently or as part of a team; work may be routine and at times tedious,
or highly varied. Field work occurs in wetland and forested environments with uneven walking
surfaces.
· Field work hours may be highly variable.
· Work in wetlands that may require the use of chest waders while safely and securely operating
electronic equipment.
· Carry equipment weighing up to 15 pounds over uneven terrain.
· Daily travel to field sites located within 50 miles of assigned work location. Occasional regional travel
may be required to collect or distribute animals to facilities.
· Safely operate motor vehicles.
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.
How to Apply:
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:
· A cover letter describing how you meet the qualification of this position (generic cover letters will not be
accepted)
· A current resume (please make it succinct)
· Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional references)
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.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working
environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity
diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, 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 (360) 902-2207.