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. 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.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is to fill three (3) 3.5 months Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, Science Division.  The duty station is the District 4 Office, located at 2620 N Commercial Ave., Pasco, WA. 99301.

Conducts sampling consistent with the Priest Rapids and Ringold Springs Hatchery monitoring and evaluation plans.  Duties include collecting and recording biological data from adult salmon recovered from volunteer traps or recovered from carcass surveys, coded-wire tag recovery and decoding, and data entry.  Information gathered by this position will be used to determine the efficacy of hatchery mitigation programs and their impacts on naturally producing anadromous salmonid populations as well as assess the hatchery production’s contributions to harvest.  This work supports WDFW Mission Goals 1, 2, and 3.

Data entry and proofing.
Tasks include:
Enter sampling data into the TWS data base located on the project’s PC.  Work as a team to proof data entries.  Completed and accurate database is necessary for data analysis and reports associated with hatchery monitoring and evaluation.

Other duties as assigned
Tasks include:
Includes but not limited to equipment maintenance, obtaining and organizing supplies, participation in broodstock collection.

Working Conditions
Approximately 90% of the work is performed in a hatchery environment.  The work schedule is 40 hours per week and will likely include working weekends.  Work hours are generally 8AM to 430PM.  These positions are eligible for overtime when total time worked for the week exceeds 40 hours.  Must be able to work long hours wearing rain gear (provided by WDFW).  Fish handling and sampling can be very physical: this work often requires long periods of standing and repetitive bending over to lift and handle fish.  Staff may be required to handle hundreds of odoriferous fish ranging in weight of 5 to 40 pounds each during the course of a day.  Potentially hazardous conditions exist associated with using knives and bone saws, working in adverse weather condition such as wind and freezing temperatures, and in the presence of yellow jackets on warm days.

Union
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
The incumbent should be able to take direction from supervisor or other lead staff to accomplish biological sampling needed.  This position requires good decision making skills and good communication and interpersonal skills with other WDFW staff and with staff from other agencies.  The incumbent should have excellent organizational skills, take accurate field notes and also have good writing skills. This position must also possess a basic level of fitness (physical stamina, eyesight, hearing, dexterity, etc.) that allows for full participation in all field sampling.  Should have strong character and work well with the team.  Incumbent should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and its applications including Excel, and Word.

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.