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.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1), full time, non-permanent Scientific Technician 1 position located in the Habitat Program, Science Division. This research is part of the Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW) studies investigating the effectiveness of fish habitat restoration in streams of Western Washington.  Study sites are located in Kitsap county. This positions’ duty station will be located at the Big Beef Research Station in Kitsap County.

The purpose of this position is for data collection of fish habitat variables in focused field research streams of Washington State.  This research is part of the Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW) studies investigating the effectiveness of fish habitat restoration in streams of western Washington.  Study sites are located in Kitsap county.  This position is about 95% fieldwork.  Duties include fish habitat data collection; driving on logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks; hiking off-trail through sometimes dense vegetation up and down steep slopes; and care and management of equipment.  Work will require travel to and among sites within the study area, and will require overnight stays during the workweek at provided housing. Camping within the work area may be required to achieve desired results.

These activities directly relate to the agency’s performance measures 1.1.1. conduct surveys of fish, wildlife, and habitat; 1.1.2. conduct research of fish; and 1.1.4. produce scientific reports and publications.

DutiesThis position is about 95% fieldwork involving assistance with data collection of fish/fish habitat variables in focused field research streams of Washington State.

Assistance with data collection of fish habitat variables in focused research streams;

• Off-trail hiking through sometimes dense vegetation and downed trees, up and down steep slopes or within sometimes very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, or hardpan. Climbing on log jams to count individual pieces of wood. Driving on narrow logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks and utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions. Carrying up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior. Bending, squatting, or crawling may be required within/during transit to study sites to achieve desired results. Using GPS to navigate to previously sampled study sites. Camping within the work area may be required to achieve desired results.

Assist with fish population data collection in focused research streams:

• Off-trail hiking through sometimes dense vegetation and downed trees, up and down steep slopes or within sometimes very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, or hardpan. Driving on narrow logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks and utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions. Carrying up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior. Bending, squatting, or crawling may be required within/during transit to study sites to achieve desired results. Capture fish using a backpack electrofisher. Count fish using snorkel survey techniques. Identify fish species

Maintain and care for equipment, vehicle, housing:

• Care for and maintain assigned equipment. Ensure that assigned vehicle maintenance is conducted at prescribed intervals. Ensure that assigned housing remains undamaged and is left in the condition it was in when assigned.

QualificationsEducation/Experience:

• HS diploma or GED including one year of high school science;

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field.
• Knowledge of stream habitat survey methods, primarily the USEPA EMAP methodology for wadeable streams.
• Ability to identify morphological characteristics of streams.
• Knowledge of work area.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to hike, bend, squat, crawl, and carry up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain.

Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:95% of this work will be conducted outside. Hazards include but are not limited to; normal hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle on developed roads, increased hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle on narrow logging roads with heavy truck traffic, steep, slippery, and uneven terrain, insect bites and stings, unstable rocks and logs, unpredictable wildlife and domestic animals. Work will be conducted in rain, wind and hot/cold conditions. Remoteness of work sites requires the person to be in good physical condition. Camping within the work area may be required to achieve desired results.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days):Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 6:00pm
Travel Requirements:Some travel may be required to help accomplish tasks within other work areas
Tools and Equipment:GPS, handheld measuring tools, surveying equipment, snorkel gear, backpack electrofisher
Customer Interactions:Communication with land owners may be required to access work sites

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.

How to Apply
To apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov, include 3 professional references, and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A current resume (your completed profile does not substitute for resume)

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Emailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the on line profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirmation 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.