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 is recruitment is for (6) six non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Wild Salmon Production Evaluation Unit.The duty stations are as follow: Green River at 12748 Green Valley Road, Auburn, WA; Skagit River at 923 Hoag Road, Mt. Vernon, WA; Nisqually River at 14024 Yelm Hwy.Anticipated start date is January 15, 2019, through July 30th.

These positions work as part of a team to operate and maintain a juvenile salmon screw/scoop traps. Primary responsibilities on the traps are to capture, identify, enumerate, mark, and take biological samples from migrating juvenile salmonids, and to record, enter, and proof data.
These data are used to estimate juvenile production for wild Chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon, and steelhead. These positions directly contribute to Goal 1 of achieving healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations by analyzing results from monitoring of major population groups of ESA-listed salmon and steelhead.  The positions also contribute to Goal 5 of promoting the development and responsible use of sound, objective science to inform decision making by producing and communicating scientific information related to abundance and productivity of ESA-listed salmon and steelhead.

DutiesDuties and Tasks:
Operate, maintain, clean, and repair juvenile salmon traps continuously from approximately mid-January thru June or early July when conditions permit, sampling entire catch from trap a minimum of twice a day. Identify juvenile salmonids to species and enumerate by age, origin, and mark. Externally mark a portion of the catch for release above the trapping location to estimate trapping efficiency. Collect biological data and samples from a portion of the catch of each species (such as length and scales samples).

Record and verify field data for accuracy; enter data into computer spreadsheets/ databases. Provide summaries to project lead biologist via phone or internet.

Maintain, repair, clean, organize and keep an inventory of agency equipment including travel trailers used for office and employee housing. Keep a clean and organized work sites to promote project efficiency and provide a professional appearance. Assist in the installation of juvenile salmon weirs operated by WSPEU at other trap locations.

Employee maybe asked to assist in data verification and analysis and help with related work projects within the work unit.

Union
These positions are 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).

QualificationsGraduation 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.

Preferred work experience

1. Familiarity with juvenile salmon and trout identification and life histories.
2. Knowledge of safe live fish handling techniques.
3. Previous experience operating a juvenile salmon screw trap
4. Ability to collect high quality biological data, follow data collection and entry protocols, and maintain project spreadsheets & databases (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel).
5. Some experience working with hand tools and power tools.
6. Good communication skills, teamwork, and professionalism.
7. Able to work independently with little oversight.

Supplemental InformationTo 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 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.