Please see the following website for application link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2514056-0/scientifc-technician-2-non-permanent-07049-19

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. 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.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

This recruitment is to fill six (6) 3.5-month Non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Fish Management.  The term of employment is August 29 through December 13, 2019. The duty station is the WDFW District office located in Pasco, WA.

The Scientific Technician 2 plays a key role in the pursuit of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s mission to conserve, enhance, and restore native fish populations in Washington State.   These positions provide technical assistance to project leads collecting biological data on harvested salmonids including length, origin, and presence of any tags.  These activities of the Scientific Technician 2’s are directly related to the conservation pf native fish populations in south central Washington.  These positions will conduct creel to monitor fall Chinook, coho, and steelhead fisheries in the Hanford Reach (Columbia River) and Yakima River from August through October.  This monitoring makes it possible to allow recreational fishing opportunities, and provide estimates of harvest and wild impacts.   From late October through mid-December, the technician will assist on stream surveys for post-spawn fall chinook recovery in the Hanford Reach and in the lower 30 miles of the Yakima River. Stream surveys are conducted primarily by boat with three crews of three technicians conducting surveys daily.

Duties

Conducts Field Surveys
Tasks include:
Conduct steelhead and fall Chinook creel surveys.  Identify fish species found in southeast Washington.  Collects biological data/samples in fish species including sex, length, marks, origin, scales and genetic samples.  Scan fish for coded wire tags, and recover and read CWT’s.  Accurately record and tabulate all data associated with the above listed fishery surveys. Field work will include hiking shorelines and boat operation.  Applicant must be able to routinely lift up to 20 pounds with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.  Applicant must be able to work alone in remote locations and also be able to function as a member of a field team during stream surveys.

Other duties
Tasks include:
Maintains vehicles, boats, equipment, and tools to ensure proper function and safety.  Compiles with WDFW policies and procedures related to safety and security.  Assist with other fish management duties as assigned.  Compile and check field data as well as enter data into computer using Microsoft Office programs.

Working Conditions
40 hours/week, may require working more than 8 hours/day in remote locations alone or in a team setting.  Work may require working evenings, weekends and holidays. Interactions with the public/anglers during creel surveys.

Work is conducted in the office and field settings and may involve many hours of vehicle travel.  Field work is conducted during inclement weather (including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain and snow).  May require hiking over rough and slippery terrain for long hours (10+hours per day).  Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife including rattlesnakes, or illegal activities (marijuana growing operations, meth labs, poaching, etc.) are possible.  Individual may work with chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil).  Manual hand tools, knives, PIT tag readers, CWT wands, cameras, satellite phone.

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.”

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:
Scientific Technician 2:  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 high school science and two years of laboratory of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist or zoologist.

Ability to record research data cleanly and accurately.
Ability to work as a team member or independently.
Be timely, dependable and be willing to have flexibility in their work schedule.
Verbal communications (communicate with the public during field sampling, communicate with supervisor or other lead staff if problems arise or if further instruction is needed).
Able to follow directions or ask for clarification so tasks are completed properly
Organized and detailed oriented (very important so data is collected correctly and completely).

Preferred experience:
1+ years fisheries experience
Degree in fisheries or closely related field.
Proficient identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species in eastern Washington.
Experience working with ESA listed Steelhead and salmon.
Proficient use of personal computer including Microsoft Office programs.
Proficient and safe operations of motor vehicles.
Operation and maintenance of field sampling equipment including: CWT readers, PIT tag readers, knives, etc.

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

Supplemental Information

To 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.