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 will be used to fill two (2) 6-month non-permanent Scientific Technician 1 positions in the Fish Program, Science.  The duty station is located at 201 N. Pearl St. Ellensburg, WA. 

These positions will serve the summer as a members of the Ecological Interactions Team and will be responsible for data collection and data entry associated with the Yakima – Klickitat Fisheries Program’s Monitoring and Evaluation Program in the Yakima Basin.  These positions provide the field support (e.g. eletrofishing , PIT tagging, snorkeling,habitat assessment) and data entry neccessary to meet sampling objectives and annual contract deliverables.  These positions also will assist in data collection and entry for the spring Chinook egg-to-fry survival study in the Methow River basin.  These positions support the agency mission by providing sound science to inform decision making.

Assist with backpack electrofishing sampling, population estimates and PIT tagging. 
Tasks include:
 Ability to safely maneuver in the river and carry a bucket of water weighing up to 25 lbs or net fish being shocked by the electrofisher operator.   Ability to transcribe data, identify, measure, weigh, and PIT tag fish, and carry equipment in a backpack up to 30 lbs.

Assist with egg-to-fry survival study in the Methow River Basin
Tasks include:
Wading into the river to construct artificial redds and planting fertilized gametes within eggs boxes, data collection for site surveys, Laboratory sampling, and data entry.
 
Assist with comp/capacity and precocious male snorkeling surveys.
Tasks include:
Ability to row and maneuver a raft down river to study sites, snorkel upstream along the bank and down center channel to identify all fish species.  Also to identify areas of spawning Chinook and snorkel active redds looking for precocious males.
 
Office/Laboratory Work
Tasks include:
Mounting fish scales for ageing, process data in the laboratory and enter data on the computer for data collected in the field.
 
Other
Tasks include:
Repair and maintenance of equipment, and miscellaneous tasks assigned by senior technicians and/or team biologist.
 
Working Conditions
The work hours are 7:00 am to 5:30, Monday – Thursday.   Work will be snorkeling or wading in the creeks and rivers of the upper Yakima and Wenatchee River sampling salmonids. Working in the river has inherent dangers.  The incumbent must be comfortable and able to snorkel upstream and downstream, wade in the river for extended periods of time, in high/swift water conditions, on slippery and uneven surfaces, carry loads of approximately 30 lbs, and work under inclement weather conditions.   Must successfully complete WDFW snorkeling training, first aid/CPR, and other state required training within the first two weeks of employment.
 
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.

A high school Diploma or GED.
 
Preferred experience:
Background in fish science with knowledge and snorkeling, backpack electrofishing, PIT tagging, and identifying salmonids.
Ability to collect data following set protocol with minimum supervision.
Ability to accurately record data.
Effectively communicate basic study objectives to the general public, landowners, etc..

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)

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.