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

There are currently 9 non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, WDFW/Fish Science/Hatchery-Wild Interactions. The duty station for this position is located at 3515 Chelan HWY 97A, Wenatchee, Washington 98801. The employment season for these positions vary March 15 through November 30.

(5) five 8.0 month full time Non-Permanent Scientific Technician 2 positions,
(1) one 6.0 month full time Non-Permanent Scientific Technician 2 position,
(2) two 2.5 month full time Non-Permanent Scientific Technician 2 position
(1) one 2.0 month full time Non-Permanent Scientific Technician 2 Position

As a member of the Supplementation Research Team within the unit, these positions will conduct data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of hatchery programs in the Wenatchee River basin. These activities will encompass several large scale field projects that are critical to on-going research of salmonids in the area (Aquaculture, Juvenile, and Adult components) . This position will be working outdoors conducting field work as part of a team  consisting of biologists and technicians.  Primary duties include operating established fish    collection infrastructure, collecting biological samples, accurately recording data, and assisting with database management.  Position requires ability to work a flexible  schedule,  work  long hours, and meet labor  demands.

DutiesJuvenile Monitoring
Tasks include:
Function as part of a team performing routine monitoring activities (rotary smolt trap and electrofishing) to inform population estimates of target species within the study area. Accurately collect and record biological (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental data (GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length, etc.). Support and adapt to program sub-components (e.g. Wenatchee Basin Thermal Monitoring) by deploying, downloading and maintenance of thermal data loggers. Drive work vehicles in inclement weather conditions. Regularly communicate and update Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed. Provide input to maximize project efficiency.

Adult Monitoring
Tasks include:
Perform routine monitoring activities to enumerate escapement for steelhead and Chinook (e.g. redd counts and carcass surveys). Walk/row long stretches of streams and rivers. Assist in the operation of Tumwater Dam Fish Ladder. Accurately record biological and environmental data (e.g. GPS waypoints). Drive work vehicles while trailering in challenging weather conditions. Maintain and operate survey equipment (e.g. rafts and trailers) .
Conduct routine updates with supervisor and crew on field activities and data collection. Assist in database entry and data summaries upon request.

Aquaculture Monitoring
Tasks include:
Gather and record biological data (e.g. origin, sex) at adult salmonid trap sites in support of broodstock collection and run composition activities. Travel to multiple hatchery facilities for broodstock collection, spawning, and juvenile fish sampling. PIT Tag adult salmonids and work with established software (e.g. P4) to record and upload essential data. Ensure effective communication with hatchery and M+E staff to maximize established manpower. Gather, record, and manage data from multiple species (e.g. Chinook, steelhead) over broad time scales for hatchery evaluation. Enter data into established databases and perform quality control checks. Assist in data summaries upon request.

Other duties as assigned
Tasks Include:
Assist in field duties with other projects located in the Wenatchee  Field Office (e.g. egg to fry studies,    radio telemetry, fish ladder operations at Priest Rapids Dam). Perform quality control of data collected from various field projects. Perform equipment inventory, maintain vehicle fleet, and assist in field office facility management.
Support monthly and annual reporting upon request.

Team Member
Tasks include:
Attend and assist in making contributions to Supplementation Team trainings, classes, project development meetings, protocol updates, and safety needs. Assist in performing tasks essential to Team operations and  functions .

Working Conditions
Work in inclement weather at night; walking up to 6 miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently; lifting up to 75 lbs. Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (AQUI-S and MS-222) and sterilization chemicals  (alcohol) is required.

Union
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by agreement between the State of  Washington , Department of Fish and 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.

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.