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. 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.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This is a one (1) project permanent, full-time Scientific Technician 3 position in the Fish Program, Science/Statewide Quantitative Synthesis and Reporting Unit.  The duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA.98501

The mission of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. WDFW has several goals to achieve this mission, one of which is to conserve and protect native fish and wildlife. The incumbent will contribute directly this goal by collecting and managing data that is used to understand the distribution, behavior, and abundance of native freshwater fish. This information is critical in understanding key freshwater habitat characteristics that are important for understanding and managing native freshwater fish populations and how they may be impacted by flood control proposals in the Chehalis River Basin.

This position serves as the lead scientific technician for the Chehalis River fish-habitat and home range study as well as the fish density study and will report directly to the Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 project manager. The fish-habitat and home range study is designed to gain an understanding of native fish distribution, habitat use, and home range in the Chehalis watershed with a focus on mountain whitefish and Pacific lamprey. The fish density study will investigate native freshwater fish density in the Chehalis watershed. The incumbent is responsible for leading day-to-day field work, overseeing non-permanent technicians, and collecting and managing high quality data. In addition, the position will be responsible for database management and helping with data analysis.

Data reconciliation and analysis as well as database management
Tasks include:
Data QA/QC. Evaluates data collected to ensure accurate and logical content. Uses mathematical techniques and various software tools to summarize data. Assists lead biologist with data analysis. Manages databases.

Oversees scientific technician 2 positions
Tasks include:
Helps with planning and organizing weekly fieldwork for the team while considering inclement weather, stream flow, and safety concerns. Helps to ensure proper training and monitoring of scientific technician 2 positions. Reviews field data to ensure accurate, logical, and complete data was collected in a timely manner, problem solve in the field as needed.

Performs other duties as required
Tasks include:
Conducts special projects and research as requested by supervisor.

Operation and routine maintenance of assigned field gear, watercraft, and equipment.
Tasks include:
Organizes, obtains, maintains, and tracks all field equipment and ensures safety requirements are met. Develops equipment, supplies, and materials inventories. Assists project manager with ordering and re-supplying project needs. Maintains field vehicles.

Working Conditions
With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (rain and river flows) the work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule during the field seasons. Length of work days may vary day-to-day and may include overnight camping. Hours over 40 per week accrue as comp. time.  Daily travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is extremely rare.  Part of the position requires working in an office setting to perform data QA/QC and database management, helping with data analysis, as well as helping to plan field operations and crew schedules.  Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season due to the fact that the river flows through private property.

The majority of field surveys are conducted in the Chehalis watershed at summer low flow conditions; however, additional surveying for radio tracking fish will be conducted year round and often independently. To access field locations, hiking down and up steep slopes while carrying field gear will be required. Job duties require long hours of exposure to likely warm temperatures (summer) and cool temperatures (fall and winter) and long hours of work in dry suits or waders. Snorkeling will mostly occur in a downstream direction in moving water. Job duties require frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting. Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples. The job requires the safe use of electrofishing equipment and various chemicals including Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222).  The job duties require lifting and moving heavy objects (50-100 lbs) including large buckets of water to transport fish, sampling gear, and other equipment. Safe use of hand tools and power tools is required. Proper use of global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to successfully complete the job.

Incumbent must be capable of accomplishing the above duties and tasks while maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and adhering to WDFW workplace safety policies.
Incumbent must have an up-to-date First AID/CPR certification and be a registered snorkeler according to WDFW policies. If the incumbent does not have these certifications prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.

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.

• Experience identifying and handling native freshwater fish species and knowledge of freshwater fish ecology
• Experience working in the Chehalis River Basin
• Experience collecting fish using various techniques (e.g., seining, electrofishing (including raft electrofishing), hook and line)
• Experience operating boats in a river setting
• Experience snorkeling
• Experience supervising others
• Ability to manage workloads and schedules for field crews, organize and prioritize tasks, remain focused and work efficiently
• Ability to manage and maintain computer files and use data collection software (e.g. Microsoft Excel, iForms) including the use of computer tablets for data collection
• Ability to perform data QA/QC and maintain one or more database(s) of field data
• Ability to be mindful and safety conscious, including reminding others of appropriate safety practices to minimize the likelihood of accidents
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with field crew, coworkers, other state, federal, and tribal organizations as well as the public
• Initiative and willingness to work as part of a team or independently in remote field conditions.
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Ability to hike long distances

Cover letter on how you meet the qualifications.

A resume

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.

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.