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 for one (1) permanent Scientific Technician 3 positions in the Fish Program, Science,  Hatchery-Wild Interactions Unit.  The duty station is located at 3515 Chelan HWY 97A, Wenatchee, Washington  98801.
 
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Within the Fish Program – Science Division, the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit works to ensure that salmonid hatcheries, and the products produced, are managed using scientific principles 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 Supplementation Research Team within the unit, this position will lead data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of both ESA and non-ESA hatchery programs in the Wenatchee River basin.

Specifically, this position is a critical member of the Juvenile Monitoring Component of the Supplementation Research Team and serves as a crew leader and oversees both field data collection and laboratory activities associated with hatchery monitoring and evaluating programs funded by Chelan and Grant County PUD in the Wenatchee Basin. Performs advanced technical scientific duties in the field or office and is required to exercise discretion in selecting or modifying existing protocols or techniques as it relates to the monitoring and evaluation plan. Analyzes and prepares data summaries for internal and external coordination with various fish management entities (including but not limited to PUD’s, USFWS, USFS, NOAA Fisheries and Tribal Agencies). Supervises technicians in data collection and entry.

Juvenile Monitoring Activities
Tasks include: Serves as crew leader and oversees the daily field operation of monitoring activities to include 1) rotary smolt trap operation in the Chiwawa and Wenatchee rivers; 2) electrofishing surveys in the Chiwawa River and Nason Creek; 3) PIT tagging target species; and 4) managing and uploading files to regional databases. Plans and carries out mark-recapture efficiency trials at specified times in order to estimate the abundance of target species within the Wenatchee Basin. Ensures that biological data (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental metadata (GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length, etc.) is accurately collected and recorded. Regularly communicates and coordinates with Project Lead Biologist to ensure established procedures and logistics are being executed. Provides input and recommendations to maximize project efficiency. Assists Project Leader in the hiring and training of new staff.

Data Processing and Management
Tasks include: Lead worker that trains and checks the work of others entering data into local and regional databases. Ensure data is properly stored, organized and proofed for errors. Queries and analyzes data as part of contract deliverables (e.g. monthly summaries, annual reports, and operational summaries to funding entities) and Agency priorities. Provide real-time catch summary and environmental conditions updates to Project Leader, funding entities, and other co-managers.
 
Other Duties as Assigned
Tasks include: As a lead technician with diverse and highly technical skills assist in all other aspects of field duties and data collection within the scope of expertise. May be required to lead field studies as part of the Team, Unit or Division activities (e.g., PIT tag array operation, radio telemetry, Egg to Fry survival studies, etc.). Author and update protocols, contribute to trainings and safety meetings, and provide feedback for operations on demand.
 
Project Equipment and Inventory
Tasks include: Oversees the maintenance, organization, and accountability of project related lab and field equipment. List, organize, and inventory all project equipment quarterly. Identifies equipment needs and repairs or purchases new equipment when required.
 
Working Conditions
Night, weekend, split, and on-call will be required. Work in excess of 40 hrs per week is occasionally required to complete field activities.  Will travel locally with possible overnight travel required.  Maintain and foster professional working relationship during all interactions.
 
Work in inclement weather during all hours of the day; walking up to 10 miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently; lifting up to 75 lbs. Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (AQUI-S and MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol) is required.  Equipment responsible for: Rotary smolt traps, electrofishing equipment, PIT tagging equipment, pumps, generators, chainsaws, various hand tools, trucks, boats, rafts, GPS and computers

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.

Graduation from High school or GED, including one year of high school science AND four years of experience as a Scientific technician. 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:
Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary smolt trap, electrofishing and mark-recapture methods and study design.
Experience training and leading seasonal field crews.
Ability to identify juvenile and adult salmonids.
Familiarity with the life-history and populations of salmonids in the Upper Columbia Basin.
Ability to apply PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software (P4).
Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.

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
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.