Description
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 for two (2) 3-month non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Fish Science, Statewide Quantitative Synthesis and Reporting Unit.  The duty station is the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, WA.  Anticipated start date is July 1, 2019.

These positions serve as field technicians for the Chehalis River Native Fish Occupancy and Density Study. This study will focus on occupancies and densities of native freshwater fish in tributaries of the Chehalis River Basin during summer months. Incumbents will be responsible for helping with fish and habitat surveys collecting high quality data.

Incumbents will be responsible for helping with fish collection, including but not limited to backpack and raft electrofishing, fish handling, and collection of biological data. Incumbents will be responsible for fish enumeration and identification while snorkeling in potentially fast moving water. Incumbents will be required to collect high quality, uncontaminated environmental DNA samples. Technicians will also efficiently and accurately collect habitat data. Be advised that technicians may be required to work long hours in inclement weather, hike 5-10 miles in a work day, and carry 50lbs of gear.

DutiesConducts fish occupancy and density surveys
Tasks include: 
Follows established fish occupancy and density protocols. Helps to conduct backpack and raft electrofishing surveys. Identifies fish species and collects biological data including fish size and weight measurements. Follows established snorkeling protocols. Collects water samples for eDNA following established protocols to ensure high quality, uncontaminated samples. Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms.

Conducts habitat surveys 
Tasks include: 
Follows established protocols collecting habitat data, including measuring bankfull width, depth, substrate type, and flow. Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms.

Performs other duties as required
Tasks include: 
Conducts special projects and research as requested by supervisor, such as data QA/QC.

Working conditions
With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (rain and river flows) the work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.  Daily travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is extremely rare.  Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season.

Field work:
The fish surveys are conducted in the Chehalis watershed at spring and summer low flow conditions. To access locations, hiking down and up steep slopes while carrying field gear will be required. Fish collection, and eDNA sampling will occur in a field setting. Snorkeling in fast moving water will be required.

Job duties require long hours of exposure to likely warm temperatures and long hours of work in dry suits or waders. Job duties require frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting. Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples. The job may require the safe use of various chemicals including Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222) and AQUI-S.

The job duties require lifting and moving heavy objects (50-100 lbs) including large buckets of water to transport fish, sampling gear, and other equipment. Safe use of hand tools and power tools is required. Proper use of global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to complete the job. Electrofishing equipment including backpack electrofisher and raft electrofisher will be used in a river setting.
Incumbents must have an up-to-date First AID/CPR certification and be a registered snorkeler according to WDFW policies. If the incumbent does not have these certifications prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.

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).

QualificationsRequired Qualifications
Scientific Technician 2 Minimum Qualifications: Graduation 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 school science AND two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

*College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Preferred Experience

• Experience identifying and handling native freshwater fish species
• Experience backpack and/or raft electrofishing
• Experience snorkeling
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Ability to use handheld GPS units
• Ability to manage and maintain computer files and use spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
• Knowledge of freshwater fish ecology
• Ability to use computer tablets for data collection
• Ability to hike and swim long distances
• Initiative and willingness to work as part of a team in remote field conditions.

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:
Cover letter
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.

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.