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

The first review will be on applications submitted before or on August 7th. Additional applicants will be considered after that until all positions are filled.

There are 10 non-permanent Scientific Technician 2, spawning ground survey positions available in Region 6. Durations of positions are 9.5, 9, 4.5, 4, 3, and 2 months. Anticipated start dates are between September 15 and October 15, 2019. The duty station is the Region 6 office is in Montesano, WA and Chehalis, WA.
DutiesThese positions will be responsible for recording and monitoring the natural spawning escapement of adult Chum throughout Grays Harbor basin or natural spawning escapement, distribution, and diversity of salmon and steelhead in the Newaukum River Basin.  Escapement will be determined by conducting live/dead, redd, and distribution surveys recording live and dead fish counts, counting and geo-referencing redds, and biological/mark sampling of carcasses.  Other duties may include assisting at regional hatchery facilities, conducting habitat assessments, and data management. Three of these positions will be concentrated on carcass mark recapture of chum, three will be concentrated on the spatial distribution of Chum in the Grays Harbor basin, and four will be concentrated on redd surveys in the Newaukum Basin.
Working conditions

Roughly 90% of the work will be conducting field work. This includes drive time to and from sites plus gear and equipment maintenance. Work schedules are generally 40 hours per week which may include weekends and holidays.  Flexible work hours are required given the changing conditions related to weather, stream flow conditions, and fish numbers. Work hours vary daily based upon those conditions.

Majority of field surveys are conducted by foot in upwards to 5+ miles in length in remote areas. Potential dangerous and physically demanding conditions may exist, including high and swift water, slippery and uneven stream environments thus requiring moderate strength, agility, and flexibility.  Pontoon/rafts will be used in larger waters, so prior boating experience is desired. Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.

You must be able to swim.  Be able to work in chest waders and rain gear for extended periods of time. You must be able to work well independently or in teams in both field and office environments.  You must be able to take accurate field notes, use electronic data collection techniques, and follow instructions and established survey protocols and procedures.   You must have a valid driver’s license.

Union
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

QualificationsScientific 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.

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:

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.