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) 2.5-month non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Fish Management.  The duty station is the WDFW Region 3 Headquarters located at 1701 South 24th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902-5720.   Anticipated start date is May 15, 2018 through July 31, 2018.

Creel surveys will be conducted in the Yakima River from Union Gap upstream to the Roza Diversion during the spring chinook sport fishery and in the Columbia River from McNary Dam upstream to Priest Rapids Dam during the sturgeon fishery (July).  Technicians will record length, gender, fin clips, and scan fish for the presence of coded wire tags and PIT tags.

Working conditions
Applicants will be required to work alone in remote locations. Work will include working weekends and possibly holidays.  Schedule must be flexible to handle the various projects and contingencies.  Ability to work long hours, weekends and holidays is required.

Field work:
Properly identify adult salmon and native fish to species,
Collect angler effort and biological data during interviews with anglers on the river,
Must be able to legibly and accurately record all data,
Work safely alone or as a team, and in extreme conditions checking anglers and collecting fish,
Work effectively with anglers and staff,
Ability to routinely lift 20lbs with occasional lifting up to 50lbs,
Properly maintain and operate State vehicles,

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.

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.

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.