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 recruitment is for (1) 5.5-month Career Seasonal Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program-Region 5.  The duty station is Pasco Office located at 2620 North Commercial Ave, Pasco, WA. 9930.  The season is from April through October.

The Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program (NPSRF) has removed more than 4.8 million Northern Pikeminnow from the Columbia River System where they are the primary piscine predator of juvenile salmonids.As a result of the NPSRF, predation on juvenile salmonids has been reduced by up to 40% from pre-program levels.This position oversees two or more NPSRF registration stations under the general supervision of a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2.The Scientific Technician 2 provides quality control for Fishery field data collected by themselves and other technicians while working assigned locations.

DutiesSet up and staff mobile field registration stations as part of implementation of the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program.
Tasks include: Fills out, completes, and files daily angler registration forms.  Conducts angler exit creel surveys to determine Northern Pikeminnow eligibility and to record other angler catch.  Completes and issues angler pay vouchers.  Collects and records biological data from all Northern Pikeminnow and other fishes kept.  Examines all Northern Pikeminnow for spaghetti or other external tags.  Ensures that program rules and regulations are consistently applied to all participants.  Proofs and is responsible for data accuracy, completeness and quality.  Organizes field vehicle and/or office, and stocks/maintains appropriate supplies for field operations.

Individually scans all eligible Northern Pikeminnow with PIT tag reader for recovery of PIT tags from consumed juvenile salmonids and select Northern Pikeminnow.
Tasks include:Accurately records PIT tag data, proofs data log book and reports all tag recoveries.  Processes fish with PIT tags per program protocols and assists with fish dissection and tag recovery as directed.

Informs the public and provides general information about participation in the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery.
Tasks include: Explains and describes relevant angling regulations, fishing techniques, when, where and how to catch Northern Pikeminnow.  Provides year to date harvest and effort totals by registration station as well as historical peak harvest information.  Provides and/or explains angler resources on these topics along with how and where to get useful information.  Answers angler and/or public questions and otherwise promotes the program.

Responsible for operating, cleaning and maintaining program equipment as needed at registration stations and at field offices.
Tasks include:Maintain clean work area, clean work vehicle, walk-in cooler area.  Clean all ice chests, freezers, biological sampling equipment, ice jugs, program vehicles, and other equipment.  Responsible for maintaining program equipment and arranging for timely repair or replacement of equipment as needed.

Other duties as assigned
Tasks include: Other duties as assigned by supervising biologist

Working Conditions
Work is performed outdoors 85% of the day, often in remote locations and in inclement weather during days, evenings and nights, including weekends and holidays throughout the field season. Work schedule is typically four 10 hour days per week with locations and days of the week rotating.

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.

Preferred candidate will have work experience in the following areas:
Identifying Northern Pikeminnow and other Columbia River fish species, including juvenile salmonids.
Knowledge of biology and life history of Northern Pikeminnow and other Columbia River fishes.
Familiarity with recreational angling gear and methods.

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.

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.