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, Hatchery Wild Interaction Unit.  The duty station for this position is located at 401 S. Cottonwood, Dayton, WA  99328.

This journey level position is to assist in the collection of field and spawning data necessary to evaluate the mitigation and recovery efforts for primarily fall Chinook (but can also include spring Chinook and summer steelhead) by the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan.  This position includes field data collection, accurate data entry into large data sets, and summarization of such data that helps the agency meet its goal of healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations. The primary purpose of this journey level position is to assist in the sampling and spawning of fall Chinook at Lyons Ferry Hatchery (including recovery and reading of coded-wire tag, biological sampling such as length, sex scales, etc…), conduct spawning ground surveys, data entry and QA/QC of entered data.  The incumbent will also create and upload/download PIT tag information to/from the PTAGIS website, and provide data summaries (table and graphs) for annual reports as requested.

Assisting with other duties as required
Tasks include: 
Tasks may include data entry, data proofing and assisting other staff in various needs to ensure projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Working Conditions
This position is a combination of both office and field duties and typically Monday through Friday, 40 hours/week, with some weekend and work outside the normal work hours may be required.  For most of the year, the employee will be scheduled Monday – Friday to provide office and field support to Snake River Lab biologists.  Some variations in work schedule could occur during the fall Chinook spawning season, and during the spring months.  This could involve working weekends, nights and/or holidays.  Safety hazards include slippery conditions in/near the streams, loud noises, extreme heat and cold, bites or stings from insects or snakes.  Occasional travel is expected for completing field surveys and/or for attending conferences/meetings.

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.

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.

Preferred work experience
Have basic biological understanding of salmonid species, particularly fall Chinook, spring Chinook, summer steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, and if possible in the Snake River Basin.

Physical or environmental requirements associated with performing key work (e.g. lifting, carrying, and climbing)

1. Capable to lift objects that weigh up to 50 lbs (5-gallon buckets of water, fish, and field gear)
2. Capable to walk 4-5 miles in a flowing stream under all weather conditions including climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.
3. Able to swim.
4. Able to work in adverse conditions including rain, snow, wind, extreme ambient temperatures (heat and cold), or in small cramped spaces.
5. Able to see coded-wire tags that are 1.5 and 3 mm long.
6. Able to drive vehicles with either automatic or manual transmissions.

Mental requirements

1. Proficient in working with Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Access, Excel and Word.  Have a keen eye for detail.  Be able to identify and correct when data seems to be incorrect or missing.
2. Professional behavior – Able to maintain calm demeanor when interacting with WDFW staff, the public, personnel from other state, federal and tribal agencies, and privatel landowners.
3. Ability to accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long hours.
4. Ability to effectively multi-task.

Willingness

1. Willing to sample salmon carcasses in various states of decay with very strong odors.
2. Willing to, at times, begin work very early in the morning to assure tasks are completed within the allotted timeframe.
3. Willing to work long days, weekends, nights, and some holidays when fieldwork and/or other projects require it.
4. Willing to work outdoors under all weather conditions.

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.