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 recruitment is to fill five (5) non-permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 1.  The duty station for this position Pasco, WA.

Scientific technician responsible for monitoring the Hanford Reach sport fisheries (summer/fall Chinook, sockeye, coho, steelhead) and conducting stream surveys to collect and sample post-spawn fall chinook and coho. Sport fishery sampling is conducted from July through October and stream surveys are conducted in November and December. Technician must collect information from anglers through on-site interviews and sample the harvest. Technician must record effort (fishing times), species (both caught and released), conduct routine index angler and trailer counts, and collect biological information from the harvest. Data will be used to estimate and manage harvest, determine origin of harvest, and estimate impacts to ESA Listed steelhead.

Stream surveys will be conducted by boat and on foot in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River adjacent to the Department of Energy Hanford site and the Hanford Reach National Monument.    Technicians will conduct river surveys to sample post-spawn fall chinook in the Hanford Reach and lower Yakima River.  Staff will conduct surveys by boat and/or foot. Technicians will record length, gender, fin clips, scan fish for coded wire tags, and remove otoliths to determine origin. Data from the river surveys will be used to determine origin and age composition of the return.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:
1+ years fisheries experience
Demonstrated working knowledge and ability to identify native fishes of the Columbia River Basin.
Degree in fisheries or closely related field.
Experience working with ESA listed Steelhead and salmon.
Experience with Microsoft Excel.

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.