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 posting will remain open until filled with an initial review of applications on April 11th, 2019. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the job at any time

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ocean Sampling Program is recruiting to fill (1) Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 ocean port sampling position.  Employment will begin April 29, 2019, with an anticipated duration of 5 months. The duty station for this position is located in Neah Bay, Washington.

DutiesDuty: Conduct port sampling of ocean recreational and commercial fisheries.

Tasks include: Collection of catch effort and biological data from ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries through angler interviews and examination of marine fish catches. On a daily basis, provide feedback and make judgements regarding sampling protocols and field procedures which directly affect the statistical validity of data used by ocean fisheries managers to regulate the exploitation of ocean fish populations while promoting the conservation of fish populations through the sustainable harvest of fish stocks which directly affect the economies, livelihoods, and unique culture of Washington’s coastal communities. Port Samplers also record, summarize, and tabulate field data utilizing electronic devices (iPads), software programs, and paper forms; including the daily synchronization of data collection devices to external databases, and the reporting of all data on forms error free and in a timely manner to fisheries managers for in-season quota management. Additional responsibilities include regular professional interactions with sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen to explain WDFW research procedures and objectives to enlist their cooperation in reporting fish encounters, recording the types and locations of catches, and overall fishing effort.

Working Conditions
Generally 40 hours/week, Monday-Sunday. Weekend and holiday work, occasional overtime, as well as non-consecutive days off are required. Shifts are generally 8 hours, but vary with sampling needs and angler effort. Shifts begin as early as 4AM and can end as late as 10PM.  Travel required within assigned port daily and occasional travel to Montesano or other ports within Washington. Please note: WDFW does not provide housing for these positions.

Field work duties will occur 100% in the field. Sampling will be performed in all types of weather conditions. Staff will work over water and are required to wear a personal flotation device. Applicants should be able to lift up to 40 pounds of weight, and be able to perform sampling activities (walking, kneeling, bending, and climbing in and out of moored boats) over the course of a full shift.

Union 
This position is in a 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.

QualificationsA high school diploma or GED, including one year of high school science; and two years of experience as a scientific technician OR two years of lab or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. *Applicants must have access to a vehicle and a driver’s license valid in Washington State. Successful applicants will have good oral communication skills and an understanding of basic data collection; training on specific sampling techniques and fish identification is provided.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 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 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.