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

This position contributes directly to the two agency goals above by working as a lead field technician under direct or close supervision who follows established protocols to collect data.  These data are used in analyses and assessment of fish and habitat data using common and established scientific principles and techniques to better understand Chinook populations in the Lower Columbia River Evolutionary Significant Unit.

This is a five-month (August-December) non-permanent Scientific Technician 3 position located in the Fish Program, ESA/Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit.  This position reports to the Region 5 Chinook Viable Salmonid Population Monitoring Lead Biologist.  This position assists the lead biologist responsible for implementing the project and will be responsible for specific pieces of the overall project.  Duties for the position include, but are not limited to: 1.) supervising and conducting spawning ground surveys for Chinook salmon for several Lower Columbia River populations including the Washougal, Kalama, White Salmon and EF Lewis, 2.)  supervising and conducting weir operations at the Washougal River Resistance Board Weir, and 3.) overseeing data entry and QA/QC.

• Responsible for coordination and logistics of daily operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Supervises and trains up to 10 Scientific Technician 2s.
• Leads and conducts spawning ground surveys using protocols established by the lead biologist and science staff.
• Conducts QA/QC exercises in the field to ensure data quality/integrity.  Consults with lead biologist about any abnormalities with data.  Provides feedback to technicians.

Supervises and conducts adult weir operations on the Washougal River.
Tasks include:

• Responsible for coordination and logistics of daily operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Supervises and trains up to 10 Scientific Technician 2s.
• Leads, coordinates, and participates in the installation and removal of the weir.
• Leads and conducts weir operations using protocols established by the lead biologist.
• Coordinates with Washougal Hatchery staff to ensure weekly broodstock collection goals are met.

Oversight of data entry and data QA/QC exercises to ensure data integrity.
Tasks include:

• Oversees technicians entering data into electronic data capture devices (iPad and Toughpads with MS Access) and Microsoft Excel and Access on a personal computer.
• Oversees technicians conducting data QA/QC exercises.   Consults with lead biologist and Biological Data System ITS staff to develop advanced QA/QC queries in MS Access.

Assists with project administration and logistics.
Tasks include:

• Enters and approves Total Time.
• Enters vehicle data into VMTS and State Motor pool portal.
• Orders supplies.
• Accurately completes Order Payment Forms and P-card transaction reporting forms.
• PDP evaluations/expectations.
• Mentors staff.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
The work schedule is a 80/20 split field/office time and will vary based on the time of year.  The duties should-be-accomplished within a 40-hour workweek over four to five days.  Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required during certain times of the year.  Some local and regional travel may be necessary to attend trainings, meetings, or pick-up/drop-off gear.  Overnight travel is rare but possible.
Fieldwork
Primarily field contacts are with landowners and resource users (anglers).  These contacts may be hostile.  Landowners’ pets and wildlife encounters are other potential field encounters.   Works outdoors under cold, wet slippery conditions, works alone in remote locations, works early and late hours (some in darkness).  Lifts up to 70#, walks streams up to 5 miles per day under cold, wet slippery conditions and climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.  Willingness to sample carcasses of dead and rotting salmon despite very strong odors.  Exposure to insects, thorny/spiny vegetation, pollen, inclement weather, and cold or hot conditions may be common.  Be able to climb in and out of boats.

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 Experience:

• Experience conducting spawning ground surveys via foot and/or pontoon raft for Pacific Salmon.
• Experience installing, maintaining, operating, and removing resistance board weirs.
• Experience handling and tagging adult salmonids (Floy, carcass, opercle, PIT).
• Experience supervising and coordinating field staff.
• Experience with adult salmon identification.
• Experience conducting QA/QC exercises on large, complex datasets.
• Knowledge of salmonid life histories.
• Knowledge of basic methods of problem solving
• Ability to use intermediate functions in MS Office (specifically MS Access).
• Ability to work productively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with others.
• Ability to reason logically.
• Ability to perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.

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.