Description

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 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 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 posting will be used to fill multiple positions. It will remain open until all positions are filled. The initial review of applications will begin on March 9, 2019. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the job at any time. It’s to your advantage to apply quickly. 

WDFW serves Washington’s citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities. This is a entry level Inspector/Decontaminator for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Enforcement Unit. The position objective is to protect state waters by inspecting and decontaminating trailered watercraft for AIS.DutiesInspecting Recreational and Commercial Watercraft and Mandatory Check Station operations: 

• Inspect watercraft at check stations for AIS.
• Conducts standardized interview to fill out watercraft inspection form (electronic) documenting the inspection.
• Determines if watercraft meets clean & drained (dry) requirements.
• Identifies AIS on watercraft (if applicable).
• Interacts with the public.
• Transports trailered electronic reader board, deploys signage alerting watercraft of check stations.

Watercraft decontaminations:

• Basic watercraft decontaminations of watercraft out of compliance with Clean and Drained regulations (pull drain plugs, drain standing water, remove vegetation).

Equipment/station/facility Maintenance:

• Maintains inspection/decontamination station facilities, to include but not limited to; cleaning public restrooms, litter pick-up, landscaping & maintenance.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science.
• A valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Washington

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, or Environmental Science.

Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions:
Work week will be Sunday to Saturday depending when check stations are scheduled, often on weekends and holidays, 8 to 10 hours a day/40 hours a week but occasionally will exceed the daily and weekly hours, and will be required to respond on short notice to infested AIS watercraft during non-scheduled hours. Approximately 80% field and 20% office. Works outdoors occasionally during inclement weather, day and night, and must be able to lift 50 pounds. This position may occasionally require travel throughout the state and overnight stays.

Background Investigation
For candidates that make it through the selection process, a thorough background investigation may be required due to the nature and security requirements of the job. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program has strict guidelines relating, but not limited, to personal and employment characteristics, arrests, convictions, and illegal drug usage, etc.

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.

Tools and Equipment:
Must safely transport and operate equipment including trailered electronic reader board, trailered hot-water pressure washer and trucks. Must be efficient in personal computers, smart phones, and I-Pads.

Customer Interactions: 
Interacts with the public at mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

How to Apply
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
If you do not fill out the application profile employment history section and provide references in the application profile, then please attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualification of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please ATTACH a cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted). Failure to attach a cover letter will eliminate you from continuing to compete for the position.

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

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.