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 to fill one (1) non-permanent 6-month full-time Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit. The duty station is the Pasco Enforcement Detachment located at 2620 North Commercial Ave, Pasco, WA 99301.  Anticipated start date is May 1 – October 31.

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.  This entry-level technician position for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit in coordination with the Enforcement Program throughout Washington with the emphasis on western Washington.

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.

Office Support
Tasks include:

1. Collect, organize and compile data from check stations on iPads.
2. Complete and submit weekly activity reports

Equipment Maintenance
Tasks include: Maintains vehicle, maintains check station site, trailered electronic reader board, and I-Pads in a safe and working order.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Approximately 20% office and 80% field and 20% in the office.  There is a 24/7schedule, work week will be Sunday to Saturday depending when check stations are scheduled, often on weekends and holidays, 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week but occasionally will exceed the daily and weekly hours, will be required to respond on short notice to infested AIS watercraft during non-scheduled hours.  This position may require frequent travel throughout the state and overnight travel up to four days at times.  Often interacts with the public during mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Works 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.  Must safely transport and operate equipment including trailered electronic reader board, trailered hot-water pressure washer and 1 ton 4×4 truck. Must be efficient in personal computers, smart phones, and I-Pads.

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.

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

• Experience conducting watercraft AIS inspections and/or decontamination of watercraft;
• Experience using computers, electronic tablets and data collection applications such as iForm;
• Experience working cooperatively with WDFW Law Enforcement;
• WSDOT Road Safety certification.

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.

A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (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.