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

This recruitment is to fill one (1) non-permanent 6-month full-time Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit. The duty stations are the Spokane Regional office located at 2315 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA.

DutiesZebra and Quagga Mussel Early Detection Monitoring
Task Include:
Surveying high risk bodies using multiple methods such as horizontal and vertical water plankton tows, artificial substrates, visual shoreline surveys, water quality measurements, and eDNA throughout Washington.

Office work
Tasks include:
Data entry; organizing and filing; and summarizing data

Equipment Maintenance
Tasks include:  
Maintains vehicle, watercraft, trailer, electronic tablet, laptop, smart phone, and complex mobile water quality laboratory in a safe and working order.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Approximately 20% office and 80% field.   Workweek will typically Monday to Friday obtaining 40 hours, but will be required occasionally to exceed these hours or work outside of normal workweek during holidays and weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  Sunday to Saturday.  This position requires frequent statewide and overnight stays up to five days at times.  Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork.  Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Outdoors on water and land during Washington’s inclement weather June to November, mostly as a team, but may work independently in remote locations, day and night, walk up to five miles on uneven ground, must be able to lift 75 pounds, and pack 50 pounds.  Must safely transport and operate large equipment up to a 25-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.  Valid Washington State driver’s license.

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.

Required certification and experience:  
WA State Boaters card or equivalent
Experience and excellent safety record operating vehicles, motorized watercraft at least 15 feet in length, and towing trailers;
Experience using Microsoft Windows, smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

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.