SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 3 *01551H

Salary
$2,984.00 – $3,883.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Non-Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-01551H
Closing
2/26/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 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.

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.

Scientific Technician 3
(Full-time; Non-Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill two (2) full-time, non-permanent Scientific Technician 3 positions located in the Habitat Program, Science Division.  The duty station is in the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County.

These seasonal (non-permanent) positions support field research in the Chehalis River Basin by surveying for stream-associated amphibians in the upper basin; Western Toad instream breeding within the whole basin; and both fish and amphibians in off-channel wetlands in the floodplain. Data from this study will inform and evaluate habitat restoration, potential impacts of proposed flood control alternatives and watershed plan development in the Chehalis River Basin.

The position duration is approximately 6 months. Anticipated start date April 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. The workweek will be Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to approximately 5 PM. While the duty station is in Olympia, fieldwork occurs throughout the Chehalis River Basin and employees can expect to spend approximately 95% of their time in the field (4 days/week) returning daily to Olympia.

Duties
Principal activities include:

  • Assist supervising a field crew of 1 to 5 surveying for stream-associated amphibians, Western Toads in streams and rivers of all sizes, and off-channel wetlands for fish and amphibians.
  • Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands to access sites.
  • Conduct rubble-rouse surveys in steep headwater streams, kneeling and bending for extended periods.
  • Boat or wade river networks and ponds safely using non-motorized craft while surveying.
  • Drive daily via logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks.
  • Collect, classify, and record biotic and habitat data on various devices or paper.
  • Using logic, knowledge of the project area, and established quality control methods, evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
  • Work respectfully with private landowners while surveying on or near their property.
Qualifications
Education: Graduation from high school or a GED, including one year of high school science.
Professional: Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician or Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist or zoologist.
Licenses: Valid State-issued Driver’s License.
Competencies: Knowledge, experience, and/or fluency with: principles and procedures of biological research; standard laboratory and field methods; fish, wildlife, and habitat ecology.
Abilities:

  • Conduct field surveys for aquatic species by both visually and audibly identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
  • Do field work for extended time on hands and knees, bending, squatting, walking and crawling through these and other similarly challenging environments carrying and deploying field equipment of up to 40 lbs.
  • Tolerate inclement weather and difficult field conditions, including working in clear cuts and wetlands.
  • Collect genetic tissue samples from captured amphibians and fishes.
  • Operate common electronic and scientific equipment to collect data.
  • Follow prescribed protocols and procedures, making independent judgments in the field as needed.
  • Use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously.
  • Effectively practice quality control methods to evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
  • Perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual and dependable manner.
  • Follow oral and written directions and consistently apply excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Work independently as required and supervise as part of a team of 2-6 persons.
  • Maintain a professional relationship with coworkers, landowners, and collaborators.
  • Think and act in a safe manner.
  • Drive 4WD vehicles on logging roads utilizing a CB radio for safety.
  • Safely operate non-motorized watercraft in moderate river currents.
  • Abide by all applicable agency policies.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Well-qualified candidates will have:

  • Three (3) years professional experience conducting aquatics field research and supervising an aquatics field crew, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Familiarity with lentic and lotic habitats associated with stream systems, especially those in alluvial floodplains.
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research.
  • Varied natural history experience including animals and plants, both locally native and non-native.
  • Experience safely and humanely capturing fish and amphibians using varied nets, seines, minnow traps and electrofishing backpacks under standard protocols.
  • Familiarity with technology including Windows computers, MS office software, iOS handhelds/apps(iPads), digital cameras, GPS, laser range finders, etc.
  • Ability to navigate (by vehicle or foot) throughout the landscape to reach remote study locations using primitive (map/compass) and modern (GPS/nav apps) means, and record location data on maps.
  • Emotional intelligence and ability to interact positively with entire community, including your crew.
  • Knowledge of geography, culture, and history of the Chehalis Basin.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
The work schedule will typically be Monday through Thursday, 40 hours per week, but applicants must be able and willing to work alternative work schedules including nights, weekends, and overnight stays.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

  • Safely work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces in less than desirable landscapes up to 95% of the time.
  • Work schedule is typically 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Thursday.
  • Spend extended time on hands and knees, bending, walking and crawling.
  • Transport equipment weighing up to 40 pounds over long distances and uneven terrain.
  • Travel by vehicle up to 200 miles per day to survey locations.
  • Safely operate motor vehicles and small boats/kayaks.
  • Work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Communicate effectively with co-workers, other agency staff, and the public.
  • Make decisions in the field in relation to work duties and safety of crew members.
  • Selected candiates will receive training for safety, agency policies and procedures, survey protocols, and species identification.

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.

How to Apply
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
If you do not fill out the application profile employment history section and provide references in the application profile, then please attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A current resume (please make it succinct)
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional).
  • A Cover Letter describing how you meet the qualifications.

Please ATTACH a cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted). Failure to attach a cover letter will eliminate you from continuing to compete for the position.

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
*What best describes your level of education?

  • High School or GED
  • Associate’s degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • None of the above
02
*Have you successfully completed college level coursework in biology, wildlife, or zoology? If yes, please provide the course title(s) and whether they included a lab. If no, please enter N/A. Answering No or N/A will not automatically bar you from consideration.
03
*What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
04
What best describes your field biology experience? Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

  • I have less than 12 months of experience
  • I have 12 – 23 months of experience
  • I have 24 – 35 months of experience
  • I have 36 – 47 months of experience
  • I have 48 or more months of experience
  • None of the above
05
*Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions, including snow and extreme heat, and/or over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks and mud? Y/N

  • Yes
  • No
06
*Are you willing and able to perform work requiring you to carry up to 40 pounds? (Y/N)

  • Yes
  • No
07
*What best describes your experience with using a GPS receiver? (check all that apply).

  • I have never used a GPS receiver.
  • I have used a GPS unit to record a geographic position and/or to navigate to a point.
  • I have used a GPS receiver to collect location data and download it to a computer.
  • I am an expert in the use of GPS receivers and have trained others in their use.
08
*Please briefly describe your experience conducting field surveys and collecting data. -Include the type of survey conducted, the data collected, and where and how you obtained this experience.
09
Are you willing to travel up to 200 miles each day to survey locations?

  • Yes
  • No
10
*Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.) Y/N

  • Yes
  • No
11
*Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact