DescriptionThe 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

There is (1) one permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Region 5 Fish Management, ESA-Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit. The duty station is Region 5 Office, located at 5525 S. 11th St, Ridgefield, WA.

This position contributes directly to agency goals by following established protocols to collect data in the field which is used to better understand and manage ESA-Iisted populations in the Lower Columbia River (LCR) and its WA tributaries.

This position is responsible for collecting data needed to measure Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters in the LCR.  Duties include, but are not limited to; conducting adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, participate in mainstem Columbia River salmonid seining targeting chum, and assist in the installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of adult fish weirs.  This position will also assist with data entry into established spreadsheets and databases, proof field datasheets, scale cards, databases, and spreadsheets.  These positions will assist with the monitoring of the health and diversity of steelhead, Chinook, coho, and chum salmon populations throughout the LCR and its WA tributaries.  These efforts provide information needed to assess stock status and maintain sustainable recreational opportunities, which includes working in conjunction with other field technicians, biologists, hatchery staff, IT staff, program managers in Region 5, other agencies, and the public.

The primary objectives of these positions are to assist with measuring VSP parameters for summer/winter steelhead, Chinook, coho, and chum salmon throughout the LCR and its WA tributaries. These positions conduct fieldwork to collect data needed to estimate escapement, hatchery/wild proportions, and document spatial distribution.  These positions are also responsible for data entry and proofing of biological and survey data into standardized spreadsheets and databases.

DutiesSalmonid VSP monitoring
Tasks include:
•    Steelhead, Chinook, and chum projects:
o  Conducts salmonid spawning ground surveys on LCR tributaries using protocols established by the lead species biologist to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate unbiased  adult salmonid estimates.
•   Walk up to six miles a day conducting stream surveys to collect spawning ground data
•    Identifies and enumerates adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds
•   Collects biological data from live and dead adult fish and carcasses
•   Chum project

• Participate in seining activities to capture broodstock for hatchery programs.
•  Assist with mark/recapture programs to generate spawner estimates.

•    Chinook project
o Installation, removal, maintenance, and operation of adult monitoring weirs

• Captures, identifies, enumerates, handles, and tags/marks salmonids
• Collects biological data from live adult fish and carcasses
• Collects broodstock for hatchery programs
• Standby may be required at the weir site

Assist with the construction, installation, installation, and removal of adult and juvenile monitoring weirs, traps and equipment (including electrofishing).
Data collection, entry, and management
Tasks include:
•   Field data collection
o  Accurately records and/or proofs data collected during field activities
o  Uses various handheld data collection devices: tough pads, I-pads, GPS’s, PIT tag readers, and CWT detectors
o  Use of backpack electroshocking equipment
•   Data entry
o  Uses a computer to enter and proof data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases (e.g. Traps, Weirs, Surveys (TWS) and Juvenile Migrant Exchange (JMX))
•   Conducts data QA/QC exercises
o  Transcription error proofing.
o  QA/QC queries in Access databases
•    Data management
o  Ensure all biological sample collections and data forms are submitted in a timely manner

• Download, proof, and submit finalized GPS data

General administration and other duties as assigned
Tasks include:
•   Administrative tasks

• Completion of Total  Time
• Completion of vehicle/boat logs
• Completion of travel expense vouchers when appropriate

•    Training
o Attend required training and Agency meetings as necessary
•    Other duties

• Other tasks as directed by supervisor, which may include but not limited to: assisting with snorkels, hatchery sampling and spawning, environmental parameter data collection, and assisting with non-salmonid fish and wildlife monitoring.

Working Conditions  Approximately 80% of the time is fieldwork and the work schedule is 24/7.  Interacts with landowners in the field; discusses the projects’ objectives and intent of surveys being completed in the area.  This position works anywhere from municipal to remote areas and drives on highways to logging roads.  Also may interact with personnel from other State and/or Federal agencies.

Field work
Standby may be required if staff presence is needed to monitor fish, trap box capacity, and to protect agency resources at an adult weir on the Washougal River,  while it is operated (typically August 1 through October 31on an annual basis).

Conducting spawning ground surveys by foot or cataraft.  Operating, sampling, and tagging salmonids at traps, weirs or seining sites. Installing and removing fish monitoring equipment (weirs and traps). Walking long distances through rough and heavily vegetated environments transporting survey.

Working outdoors and exposed to hot (day time temperatures >100 degrees at times) and cold (air temps in low 30’s combined with wind speeds >25 mph) conditions and often with wet slippery footing.  Must be able to lift (with or without assistance) large, live fish (typically up to 30 lbs).  Repetitively carry loads up to 70 pounds short distances over rough terrain.  Walking up to six miles per day over rough terrain under adverse weather conditions.  Climbing in and out of boats.  Safely and competently operate non-motorized pontoon catarafts in whitewater conditions (up to class 3 rapids).  Must accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long work hours.  Sampling spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors.

These positions are also responsible for:  towing boats, using hand and carpentry tools (including winches, pulleys, and blocks), operating catarafts, 4×4 vehicles, deploying 200′ beach seines, using CWT detectors, handheld data loggers and GPS units, collecting biological samples, using a computer and possibly a palmtop computer, backpack electrofishers, DO meters, and most importantly the brain.

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) union.  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 and possess the following:
Valid driver’s license (driving record abstract may be requested}
Basic operation of a personal computer
Ability to do basic functions in MS Excel and Access
Physical ability to repetitively walk up to six miles per day over rough terrain under adverse weather conditions
Physical ability to repetitively carry loads up to 70 pounds short distances over rough terrain
Ability to operate oar-powered vessels such as drift boats, catarafts, pontoon boats in white water conditions through class 1 – 3 rapids
Ability to identify salmonid redds
Ability to identify all adult and juvenile salmonid species found within the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries
Knowledge of adult trapping techniques including resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs
Knowledge of electrofishing techniques
Knowledge of fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols
Knowledge of CWT and PIT tag detector operation
Ability to operate handheld GPS and data logger devices
Ability to attain basic CPR/First Aid certification
Ability to work a shifting schedule
Ability to work alone and/or with others

Preferred /Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of basic skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting
Knowledge of basic carpentry skills
Advanced use of MS Excel and Access
Ability to operate a motorboat using propeller propulsion
Ability to operate a motorboat using jet-pump propulsion
Completion of USFWS or WDFW certified Motorboat Operation Certification Course (MOCC)
Ability to swim and snorkel in rivers.

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:
Resume
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.