Scientific Technician 3
The position duration is approximately 5 & 1/2 months. Anticipated start date is January 16, 2017 through June 30, 2017, with a possibility of extension through September 14, 2017. The workweek will be Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to approximately 5:00 PM. While the duty station is in Olympia, fieldwork occurs throughout the Chehalis River Basin and employees can expect to spend approximately 95% of their time in the field (4 days/week) returning daily to Olympia.
Duties
Field survey activities:
- Assist the lead Biologist supervise a field crew of 1 to 4 techs surveying for terrestrial stream-associated salamander, instream Western Toads, and off-channel wetlands for fish and amphibians.
- Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands.
- Drive logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks.
- Collect, classify and record data in the field using tablet computer, GPS, digital cameras and paper collaboratively with others. Insure the completeness and integrity of the crews’ data daily.
- Using logic, project knowledge, and established quality control methods evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
- Works respectfully with private landowners and act as a point of contact in the field.
- Maintain vehicles and equipment (nets, inflatable boats, waders, electronic equipment).
Office Tasks:
- Offload field data collection equipment.
- Limited data entry from paper forms and field notes.
- Data QA/QC using Excel or other database systems.
- Complete required administrative paperwork and trainings in an accurate and timely manner.
Qualifications
Education: Graduation from high school or a GED, including one year of high school science;
Or a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, or Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
Licenses: Valid State-issued Driver’s License
Abilities: The Scientific Technician 3 provides information between the crew and other research staff and will need effective communication skills. Must use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously; conduct field surveys visually and audibly identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features; think and act in a safe manner; work independently and as part of a team; accept supervision and supervise; follow prescribed protocols and procedures; willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual and dependable manner; follow oral and written direction; operate field equipment (e.g. GPS, digital camera, iPad’s, nets, and inflatable watercraft) to collect data; develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators and foster this behavior within the crew through behavior, action, and direction; demonstrate competence and confidence to make decisions for a team in the field in the absence of consensus or clarity; perform varied outdoor work in inclement weather; tolerance for difficult field conditions.
Knowledge of: Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Professional*: Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 2 or 3
OR Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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 course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
Experience supervising an aquatics field crew conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; familiarity with lentic habitats associated with stream systems especially those in alluvial floodplains; knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research; ability to safely and humanely capture fish and herpetofauna using varied nets, seines, minnow traps and electrofishers under standard protocols; familiarity with technology including both Windows and iOS handhelds/apps; ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness; ability to act safely and decisively in the field; ability to adapt to challenges in order to complete project objectives. Varied natural history experience including animals and plants is beneficial for these positons and applicants are encouraged to describe experience and how it applies to these positions.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/1587025/scientific-technician-3-11638h