See job details here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/1762408/permanent-scientific-technician-3-05236-17

 

This recruitment is for one (1) permanent Scientific Technician 3 in the Fish Program, Science, Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit.  The duty station is located at 3515 Chelan HWY 97A, Wenatchee, WA  98801.

Within the Fish Program-Science Division, the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit works to ensure the salmonid hatcheries, and the products produced, are managed using scientific principles and within an ecosystem context so that fish populations are protected, restored, and enhanced to produce a suite of sustainable conservation and utilization benefits.  As a member of the Supplemental Research Team, this position will conduct data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of hatchery programs in the Wenatchee River basin.   These activities encompass several field projects that are critical to ongoing research of salmonids in the area (Aquaculture, Juvenile, and Adult components).  Specifically, this position will provide critical support for the Adult Monitoring Component of the Team.  This position will be working outdoors leading teams of technicians conducting field work.  Primary duties include operating established fish collection infrastructure, conducting established fish counts, collecting biological samples, accurately recording data, actively managing databases, and performing quality control of collected data.  Position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, work long hours, perform specialized tasks, communicate effectively, and meet labor demands.
Duties
Adult Monitoring Activities
Tasks include:
Perform, and lead field crews, in routine monitoring activities to enumerate escapement for steelhead and summer Chinook Salmon (redd counts and carcass surveys). Walk/row long stretches of streams and rivers in remote locations. Accurately collect, record, and perform quality control of biological (tags, marks, scales, genetics, weight, length, etc.) and environmental data (GPS waypoints, water quality, temperature, survey time, and survey length). Support, adapt, and assist in developing monitoring program sub-components (e.g. Observer Efficiency Project). Drive work vehicles while trailering in challenging weather conditions. Regularly communicate and update Project Biologist and Team Leader to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed. Provide input and feedback to maximize project efficiency and staff productivity. Support Project Biologist and Team Leader in hiring and training of new staff.Data Processing and Management
Tasks include: Ensure data is properly recorded, stored, entered, and organized. Lead database entry of collected field data. Perform quality control and quality assessment of entered data. Conduct and lead routine updates with Project Biologist and Team Leader to ensure data quality, data management, and data flow are meeting established standards. Lead and contribute to standard data summaries upon request (e.g. monthly summaries, real time data needs). Assume principal role in adapting to potential new technology (e.g., tablets) for data collection and mapping (e.g., GIS). Manage PIT Tag files related to both spring Chinook reproductive success study and monitoring and evaluation activities

Assist in Operation of Fish Passage Facility and Fish Ladder
Tasks include: Assist in the operation of Tumwater Dam fish trapping facility and ensure trap and equipment are maintained and in good operation condition. Follow established procedures and regularly communicate with Project Leader at Tumwater Dam. Assist in the training and development of field crews. Act as a Crew Leader upon request for certain work shifts. Help Project Leader ensure DVR system is operating at full potential and downloaded on a scheduled basis. Perform marking and tagging (e.g., PIT Tags), gather tissue samples, and collect biological data to meet adaptive research needs.

Team Member
Tasks include:  Maintain and operate survey equipment (e.g. rafts and trailers) for the Adult Monitoring Component. Assist Project Lead in identifying and purchasing project equipment. Perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance. Attend and assist in making contributions to Supplementation Team trainings, classes, project development meetings, protocol updates, and safety needs. Lead and assist seasonal staff in performing tasks essential to Team operations and functions (vehicle maintenance, submitting P-card statements, shipping samples, etc.). Perform other duties as assigned. Provide input on hiring, and serve on hiring committees for seasonal employees.

Support other Research Projects
Tasks include:  Assist in data collection, labor needs, and project demands for field research projects in the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit. This includes working on established projects such Juvenile Monitoring, Aquaculture Monitoring, Fish Ladder Operations, Weirs, Radio Telemetry, Egg to Fry Studies, etc. Follow and execute established research procedures for other projects.

Working Conditions
Work in excess of 40 hours per week is occasionally required to complete field activities. Night, weekend, split, on-call, and flexible shifts will be required.  Will travel locally, and occasionally regionally or statewide (<5%).  Work in inclement weather at night; walking up to 5 miles in streams in remote locations independently; lifting up to 75 lbs.

This position is also responsible for: Trucks, boats, rafts, trailers, GPS, tablets, pumps, generators, nets, various hand tools.

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.

Qualifications
Graduation from High school or GED, including one year of High school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
OR
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural science, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semesters or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Familiarity with rafting, rowing, and trailering.
Experience conducting spawning ground and carcass recovery surveys for salmonids.
Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.
Ability to apply PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software.
Experience training and leading seasonal field crews.
Degree in Fisheries or closely related field.

Supplemental Information
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.