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

This recruitment is to fill one (1) 4-month non-permanent full-time Scientific Technician 1 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 4. The duty station is located the Ballard Locks at 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle, WA.
 
This position will provide technical support to the WDFW Region 4 Office and Lake Washington salmon managers.  The primary responsibility will be identifying, counting, and recording the number of adult salmon as they pass through the fish ladder and large lock at the Ballard Locks.  The technician will review, record, and tabulate fish count data that has been collected at the Ballard Locks.  These counts are used for in-season run estimates for sockeye, Chinook, and coho salmon and aid in the development of annual escapement estimates and pre-season forecasts.  This is a journey level position and this technician will collect the fish count data and conduct the data review, recording, and tabulation process with minimal oversight.

Identifies and counts live adult salmon at the Ballard Locks.
Tasks include: 
Accurately identifies and counts live Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon at the Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing window.  Wearing a safety harness, walks the length of the large lock and counts adult salmon migrating through this area.  Detonate explosive devices to haze sea lions away from the fish ladder, in crowded areas with people watching.
 
Reviews, records, and tabulates adult salmon count data.
Tasks include: 
Accurately records collected data and enters into logbook daily.  Accurately reviews, records, and tabulates all salmon count data.
 
Follows all relevant safety protocols at the Ballard Locks.
Tasks include: 
Always wears a safety harness while walking the length of the large lock.  Always wears a life preserver while walking out on the piers.  Communicates/coordinates with the USACE staff at the Locks to ensure safety.
 
Other duties as assigned.
Tasks include: 
Provides support and assistance to the Lake Washington Area Biologist as needed.

Working Conditions
The primary work schedule will be 40 hours per week, and will include work on some weekend days and holidays.  The work will be conducted on a set schedule between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, four days per week, and will likely include one weekend day per week. Some contact with the public, including visitors to the Locks.  This position requires the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.  Work will occasionally occur during periods of inclement weather.  Acute vision is important for proper adult salmon identification.  Attention to detail and good record keeping are required for accurate data recording.
 
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.

Research and gathering information: Effectively and correctly identifies, collects, organizes and documents count data.
Requires previous experience identifying Pacific salmon.
Recordkeeping: Consistently and accurately documents information and updates records/databases.
Using Personal Computers: Understands basic computer operation with experience in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Ability to work independently with very little direct oversight.
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Working knowledge of salmon life history.
Experience collecting biological samples from Pacific salmon or other fish species.
Experience handling live fish.
 
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). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

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.  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, 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.