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 one (1) 6-month Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management Unit.  The duty station for this position is the Mill Creek Office located at 16018 Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek, WA.  98012.  Anticipated start date is May 28, 2019.

This position contributes to this mission by providing the data needed to manage recreational and commercial fishing opportunities while ensuring the long-term conservation of salmon and steelhead populations and by contributing to the recovery of federal ESA listed anadromous stocks.

The person in this position collects field data associated with adult salmon in the Lake Washington watershed. The person in this position also reviews, records, and tabulates data gathered by themselves and by others. Conducts spawning-area counts for adult salmon, collects biological data from salmon carcasses, and monitors fish passage counts at the Ballard Locks. Explains research projects and sampling procedures to sport fishermen and members of the public to enlist cooperation and support for agency priorities. Reviews, records, and tabulates data gathered during spawning ground and salmon carcass surveys in Lake Washington tributary streams, as well as during visual counts at the Ballard Locks. This is a journey level position and this technician will collect field data and conduct the data review, recording, and tabulation process with minimal oversight.

DutiesConducts spawning area surveys and carcass surveys for adult salmon. Identifies and counts live adult salmon at the Ballard Locks.
Tasks include:
Accurately identifies and counts Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon redds in Lake Washington tributary streams. Walks streams and floats rivers on rafts to access and count salmon redds and carcasses. Takes biological samples from salmon carcasses in the field. Identifies and counts live Chinook, sockeye, and coho at the Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing window. Explains research projects and sampling procedures to sport fishermen and members of the public to enlist cooperation and support for agency priorities.

Reviews, records, and tabulates adult salmon redd, salmon count, and carcass related data.
Tasks include:
Accurately reviews, records, and tabulates field data and enters into logbook daily.

Follows all relevant safety protocols while conducting spawning area surveys and fish counts at the Ballard Locks.
Tasks include:
Familiar with the hazards of swift-water streams. Able to walk safely and efficiently in streams, and can safely and effectively operate a raft on rivers where salmon spawning ground surveys are conducted. While conducting fish counts at the USACE Shipping Locks in Ballard, always wears a safety harness while walking the length of the large lock. Always wears a life preserver while walking out on the piers.  Communicates/coordinates with the USACE staff at the Locks to ensure safety.

Other duties as assigned.
Tasks include: 
Provides support and assistance to the Lake Washington Area Biologist as needed.

Working Conditions
The primary work schedule will be 40 hours per week, and will include work on some weekend days and holidays. A portion of the work will be conducted on a set schedule between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, four days per week, and will likely include one weekend day per week.

Field work:  This position requires the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time, often outdoors in remote locations over rugged terrain. Work will involve walking and (occasionally) rafting in swift-water streams or rivers to survey salmon spawning areas. Work will occasionally occur during periods of inclement weather.  Acute vision is important for proper adult salmon identification. Attention to detail and good record keeping are required for accurate data recording.  This position will work with District 12 fish biologists, staff from US Army of Engineers, staff from King County, and staff from the Muckleshoot Tribe.  Some contact with sport anglers and members of the general public, including visitors to the Locks.   Valid driver’s license.

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.

-Research and gathering information: Effectively and correctly identifies, collects, organizes and   documents count data.  Collects biological data from salmon carcasses.
-Requires previous experience identifying Pacific salmon and salmon redds.
-Recordkeeping: Consistently and accurately documents information and updates     records/databases.
-Using Personal Computers: Understands basic computer operation with experience in Microsoft    Excel and Word.
-Ability to work independently with very little direct oversight.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
-Working knowledge of salmon life history.
-Experience collecting biological samples from Pacific salmon or other fish species.
-Experience handling live fish.

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.