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 (1) one non-permanent part-time hourly Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Science – Hatchery Wild Interaction,The duty station is 1049 Port Way, Clarkston, WA 99403.

This position supports this mission by assisting the SEWA Salmon Recovery Science team in collecting, analyzing and reporting data relevant to status and trends of ESA-listed summer steelhead and spring chinook populations across Southeast Washington. The primary duties and responsibilities of these positions directly benefit and allow the completion of project goals, and therefore help to achieve and fulfill the goals and objectives of WDFW.
Furthermore, the position contributes to WDFW’s strategic plan, “Goal V: Science.  To promote development and responsible use of sound, objective science to inform decision-making.”  Specifically, the position provides management information related to, status and trends, evaluations of hatchery operations/strategies, hatchery/wild interactions science, and habitat actions.

Specifically, under the supervision and direction of the team leader, Asotin project biologist and the senior technician, Fulfill contract requirements and deliverable specifications, under BPA and IMW projects (Asotin Creek Steelhead Project, Walla Walla Monitoring & Evaluation, Small Stream Steelhead Escapement), as specified in annual statements of work, including, but not limited to:  Assist with construction, assembly and installation of fish weirs, traps and other equipment; Assist with daily operation and maintenance of adult fish traps and rotary screw traps; Collect and record physical and biological data, such as species, size, PIT tags, scale samples, and other data, as necessary; Collect, enter and verify data in spreadsheets and related databases.

DutiesAdult and juvenile salmonid weir/trap construction, installation, daily maintenance and data collection.
Tasks include: 
-Conduct daily adult and juvenile trap checks,
-Assist with trap repair and construction and instream installation and weir/trap removal,
-Collect, and record accurate biological data and field observations,
-Accurate identification, safe handling and anesthetization of adult and juvenile ESA-listed salmonids and other fish species commonly encountered,
-Upload and management of juvenile PIT tagging files from P4 to PTagis,
-Make trap operation decisions based on observations of environmental conditions,
-PIT tagging of adult and juvenile salmonids.
-Prep and maintain field gear for daily use.

Data entry and preliminary quality assurance and control 
Tasks include: 
-Review data daily to ensure accuracy and quality
-Data backup, and uploading to PTAGIS website

Other duties as assigned
Tasks include: 
-Assist colleagues within Fish Science and Fish Management, as assigned by supervisor and agreed upon.

Working Conditions
This position is intended to be a part-time hourly position. Weekday hours can be scheduled dependent on student’s school schedule; weekends are mandatory.  Interactions with the public are common during fieldwork.  Walking on slippery stream substrate, in cold water and on and around adult and juvenile fish traps in cold temperatures are inherent in typical daily duties. Extreme temperatures are encountered throughout the field season. Operations and fieldwork may be required during irregular and non-standard work hours and under arduous and varying weather and field conditions

Union
This position is 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 adult weirs and/or rotary screw traps
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.

***The ideal candidate will be currently pursuing a degree in the fisheries field. (or closely related).
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 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.