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

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Puget Sound Sampling Unit is recruiting to fill (2) Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 port sampling positions.  Employment will begin approximately May 1, 2018 with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2018.  The duty station for these positions is the Port of Friday Harbor, 204 Front Street, Friday Harbor, WA  98250.

The position collects and summarizes recreational salmon, halibut, lingcod, marine fish, and shellfish catch and biological data to meet fisheries sampling goals.  The employee obtains stock composition (CWT and DNA), age structure (scales), length information for legal & sublegal proportions, and hatchery/natural-origin proportions (clipped/un-clipped status).  The sampling goals for these fisheries are set by biometricians.  Tribal and WDFW biologists use this data to determine the status of the resource and to manage fisheries resources.

Participates in special studies.
Tasks include: Collects additional catch and biological information for salmon, marine fish, or shellfish.  These studies are intensive and require additional people at the sampling sites and on the water and can vary from year to year.

Other duties as assigned.
Tasks includes:  Reviewing data, filling out timesheet and other paperwork, maintaining equipment, and other tasks as needed.

Working Conditions
Non-scheduled – 40 hours per week, weekend and evening work required.  8 – 12 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.  Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel.  Interacts with the general public during data collection and provides basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities.  Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public.  Includes contact with some individual who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated.  Liaison to regional supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.

Field work: Majority of work is outside.  Inclement weather, rough water, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, lifting (40 lb. max.).  Working and standing in confined spaces, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, raingear, equipment holsters, personal floatation device (PFD), agency identifying clothing, biting and stinging insects, and use of knives.  Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

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.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Preferred/Desired experience:
At least 12 months of experience sampling fisheries in Puget Sound.
Must be able to identify all salmon species, common marine fish species, and shellfish species.  Must be familiar with salmon, marine fish and shellfish life histories, and current sport fishing regulations.

A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position and indicate your port preference(s). (A 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.