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Scientific Technician 2 , Non-permanent *07121-18

Salary
$2,595.00 – $3,353.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Non-Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-07121
Closing
7/23/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
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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 recruitment is for (1) one 5-months non-permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Hatcheries-Coded Wire Tag Unit.  The duty station for this position is located the Natural Resource Building, Olympia, WA.

Work in the Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit, in a laboratory setting, processing all tagged salmon heads, totaling up to 100,000, from all the salmon fisheries, spawning ground recoveries and hatchery rack returns in Washington waters.  The salmon heads are collected from both marine and freshwater collection centers throughout Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, ocean areas, Columbia and Snake River and their tributaries.  The data is used by biologists and managers to meet specific deadlines for pre-season planning and in-season management.

Duties
CORING AND DISSECTING SPECIMENS
Tasks include:
Work collaboratively with other employees to ensure snout counts and data are correct. Count accurately. Keep samples organized by fishery.  Keep tools and equipment in the same location so that all employees can find them. Avoid writing over data on the snout labels. Avoid tearing or destroying data labels. Print legible. Review/recheck work after interruptions. Organizing skills. Maintain visual acuity. Appropriate manual dexterity and physical skills. Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Be considerate to other employees. Stay focused and concentrate. Listen and follow instructions. Foreseeing potential problems / getting clarification on what the process should be.READING AND TRANSCRIBING DATA ONTO APPROPRIATE FORMS
Tasks include:
Remember differences among the 11 fisheries year to year. Able to interpret/decipher and organize data. Transcribe error free data. Record data in all fields. Review/recheck data for errors after interruptions. Print legible. Appropriate manual dexterity and physical skills. Pay close attention to detail. Able to adapt to data changes. Maintain visual acuity. Foreseeing potential problems / getting clarification on what the process should be. Able to listen and follow instructions. Able to communicate verbally and written. Stay focused – able to concentrate. Able to use a microscope.

DATA ENTRY INTO APPROPRIATE FISHERY AND RECOVERY YEAR
Tasks include:
Enter data into the correct recovery year, fishery and assigned batch number. Able to enter alpha and numeric characters accurately. Review/recheck data for errors after interruptions. Able to associate words with numbers and vice versa. Type accurately while using a computer keyboard. Knowledge of watersheds, drainages and major waterways including; the ocean, Puget Sound, Columbia River and the Snake River throughout and surrounding Washington State for freshwater and marine water fisheries. Hand/eye coordination. Knowledge of 11 different fisheries. Pay close attention to detail. Stay focused – able to concentrate. Foreseeing potential problems / getting clarification on what the process should be. Able to communicate verbally and written.

OTHER DUTIES AS NEEDED OR REQUIRED

Working Conditions
The work performed in a laboratory setting and the schedule is 40 hours per week, 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  May travel to various hatchery locations throughout the state.  The odor in the lab, at times, can be extremely unpleasant and the tissue samples are bloody. This position requires manual dexterity and mobility and the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and accommodate numerous interruptions while performing multiple tasks. It also requires lifting of equipment, snout bags, and garbage cans weighing between 15-60 pounds. Able to use a microscope, PC and other lab equipment.

Tools:
Coring machine or handheld corer, scalpels, knives – various assortment, V-Detector and wand, cutting boards, magnet, air compressor, platform truck, microscope and PC.

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.

Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.  OR Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied 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.

Supplemental Information
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)

You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01

Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

  • Yes
  • No
02

Do you have working knowledge and use of CWT Electronic Detection Equipment?

  • Yes
  • No
03

Do you have experience in a laboratory?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact