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 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.

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. 

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.