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) 8.5-months non-permanent Scientific Technician 3 positions in the Fish Program, Fish Management – AIS.  The duty station is located at 2315 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) serves Washington’s citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities. The strategic objective of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program is to protect state waters by managing AIS. The incumbent is the field supervisory position of the AIS Prevention Unit in coordination with the Enforcement Program throughout eastern Washington.

The primary duties are supervisor of field staff at Mandatory Watercraft Checks Stations (MWCS), quality control and quality assurance of check station data, data entry of notifications of vessels from other states, conduct mandatory checks on watercraft. Key measurable objectives are number of watercraft inspections, number of inspections for QAQC, and prevent the introduction and spread of priority AIS. The position objective is to protect state waters by inspecting and decontaminating trailered watercraft for AIS.

1. Inspect watercraft at check stations with Enforcement Officers for AIS, conducts routine inspections, identifies and preserves possible AIS from watercraft, report watercraft if infested with AIS so that it will be decontaminated with trailered hot water pressure washer; records data on electronic form using I-Pads;
2. Interacts with the public, conducts standardized interview to obtain watercraft data, performs routine data entry;
3. Check station set up and removal, transport trailered electronic reader board, deploy signage alerting watercraft of check stations, Tasks require ability to lift 50 lbs, extensive travel and strenuous outdoor work that may include overnight stays
4. Maintains vehicle, maintains check station site, trailered electronic reader board, and I-Pads in a safe and working order.

AIS decontamination for Mandatory Watercraft Check Stations (MWCS).
Tasks include:

1. If prohibited AIS is suspected or detected, conducts routine and complex decontamination of watercraft using complex hot-water pressure capable of heating water to at least 140 degree Fahrenheit.  Safely operating decontamination equipment in variable weather conditions;
2. Transports trailered decontamination unit.

Supervision and Mentoring
Tasks include:

1. Supervises up to 12 Scientific Technician 2 staff;
2. Supervises and mentors staff in order to support an effective motivated team;
3. Sets goals and objectives, develops strategies to implement, and implement performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and program performance objectives are met;
4. Monitors and inspects work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work;
5. Manages personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, performance issues, etc. in a positive manner for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit;
6. Participates in team meetings, communicates status of ongoing projects, and coordinates work schedules with team for the purpose of maintaining open communication; and
7. Responsible for planning and maintaining work systems, procedures, and policies that enable and encourage the optimum performance of staff and other resources within the unit.

Data entry, Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Tasks include:

1. Collect, organize and compile data from check stations on I-Pads and computer;
2. Organize and compile data from notifications by other states of watercraft movement;
3. Quality Control and Quality Assurance for the Mandatory Watercraft Check Stations database and notified by other states database.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Approximately 40% field and 60% office.  The work hours are a 24/7schedule, variable depending on office work and supervisor duties to assist staff and check station work which is will be open up to 7 days a week. May occasionally be required to exceed these hours or work outside of normal business hours during holidays and weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  Interacts with the public on a regular basis at MWCS. Occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Standard office environment, at computer for extended periods of time, outdoors around water and on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, occasionally during inclement weather, day and night, and must be able to lift 75 pounds.  This position requires frequent statewide travel and overnight stays up to five days at times.  Must safely transport and operate large equipment i.e. roadside reader board, motor vehicles and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

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/Desired Qualifications:
Job knowledge to perform the essential activities of this position including:

• Experience using computers, electronic tablets and data collection applications such as iForm;
• Experience conducting Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) on large data sets;
• Experience conducting watercraft AIS inspections and/or decontamination of watercraft;
• Experience conducting decontamination of watercraft using complex hot-water pressure capable of heating water to at least 140 degree Fahrenheit;
• Experience working cooperatively with WDFW Law Enforcement;
• WSDOT Road Safety certification.

Other skills and abilities for full performance of essential functions including strong to excellent skills and attitudes in the following areas

• Oral and written communications;
• Interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty;
• Creativity and innovation both in working independently and in team building;
• Public service and partnership building motivation;
• Use of smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops; and
• Use of software including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and iForms;

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 document 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.