The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. 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.
 
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–field 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 www.wdfw.wa.gov.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, non-permanent, Scientific Technician 1 position located in the Wildlife Program. The duty station for this position is located in the Region 2 office in Ephrata, WA. The employment duration is approximately 5 months starting April 15, 2017 to September 30, 2017.
 
This position reports to the Pygmy Rabbit Reintroduction Project Coordinator. The technician is based out of the Ephrata office and will primarily work in Douglas and Grant Counties.

Animal capture and translocations

• Captures/traps animals within breeding enclosures, collects biological samples and data, then translocating them to the wild.
• Assists with directing interns and volunteers during capture events.
• Maintains and organizes capture equipment and supplies.

Field Surveys

• Performs field surveys for pygmy rabbit burrows on recovery areas, following established protocols.
• Collects biological samples for ongoing research (genetics, health monitoring)
• Game camera deployment and monitoring
• Shrubsteppe habitat assessment

Infrastructure maintenance and animal husbandry

• Construction or repair of breeding enclosures, release pens, artificial burrows, and capture apparatuses with use of hand tools
• Vegetation management within enclosures: irrigation maintenance, weed control (manual and herbicide), plantings.
• Disease monitoring: sample collection and preparation, microscopy analysis, data recording following protocols, and medicinal treatment
• Providing supplemental feed and water
• Rodent and predator trapping/removal

Data Management

• Organizes field data and entry into spreadsheets and databases (Excel and Access)
• Enters and manipulates spatial data with use of GPS units (Garmin), mobile data apps, and GIS software (ArcGIS)
• Maintains records of volunteer efforts and daily activity logs

Wildlife Program Support

• When primary duty schedule allows, will assist other local Wildlife Program activities in need of support, including surveys for other species (e.g. songbirds, Washington ground squirrels, monarch butterflies), bird banding, and habitat assessment/restoration.

Education: Graduation from high school or a GED, including one year of high school science.
Licenses: Valid Washington State or other state Drivers License

• Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques.
• Able to collect spatial data with GPS units and mobile devices.
• Able to handle remote field conditions, navigation, and strenuous hiking/snowshoeing.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Work well in a team setting.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Wildlife handling, capture, and sample collection.
• Familiarity with GIS software.
• Carpentry skills.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience.
*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.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces.
• Work hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday but can often include early mornings,  evenings and occasional weekends.
• Walk, bend and stoop, often while carrying heavy loads (40-50 lbs).
• Walk up to 10 miles in varying field conditions with sampling equipment.
• Load and transport gear and use carpentry hand tools.
• Travel up to 10% of the time.
• Safely operate motor vehicles with 4-wheel drive and ATV in field conditions.

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 qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• 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. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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