Description

The Washington 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. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect. 

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

DutiesSamples recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish including halibut, and shellfish catch to determine catch per unit of effort and species composition in order to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and marine fish. Collects coded-wire tags (CWT) and biological data sampling.
Tasks include: Samples catch to obtain stock composition (DNA), age structure (scales), length information (legal and sublegal proportions) and hatchery/natural-origin proportions (mark-status proportions). Properly implements angler interview procedures and sampling protocols, and accurately records data on electronic forms. Observes, counts, and accurately identifies all salmon and marine fish species. Samples all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic CWT detection device. Classifies, sorts, and enumerates marked tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged and unmarked untagged salmon. Recovers snouts with CWTs from Chinook and Coho salmon to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling. Samples recreational salmon catch for biological data including DNA, age, and sex ratios. Distributes voluntary Salmon Trip Report (STR) forms and collects completed forms.

Other duties as assigned
Tasks include:
May include assisting with on-the-water boat surveys of sampling site effort evaluations, reviewing data, maintaining equipment, and other tasks as needed.

Working Conditions
This position is 24/7 (non-scheduled); 8-10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. 40 hours per week, and weekend and evening work is required.  Work is done in the Puget Sound/Strait of Juan de Fuca area with seldom overnight travel. Includes occasional contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated.

The work is conducted primarily in the field.  May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, and boating for conducting angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, rain gear, equipment holsters, personal flotation device (PFD), agency identifying clothing, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, and transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles

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.
QualificationsRequired 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 high school science and two years of laboratory of 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 the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Preferred experience
At least 6 months experience conducting creel surveys or sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.  Able to identify all salmon species, common marine fish species, and shellfish species.
Familiar with salmon, marine fish and shellfish life histories, and sport fishing regulations.
Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
Experience working with members of the public.
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 and preferred experience 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.

Veteran Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (Example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (Example:#10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov