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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

There are (2) two non-permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 positions located at the Snow Creek Research Station in Jefferson County.  Anticipated start date is Feb. 01, 2020 through May 30, 2020 for one and Feb 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020 for the second.

These positions support Native Fish Recovery, implementing monitoring programs for ESA listed summer chum salmon, by operating the Salmon Creek juvenile summer chum outmigrant trap February through April, and assisting in the operation of the Snow Creek weir through the month of May.  The summer chum trap is operated during hours of darkness and checked hourly.  Chum fry are counted and passed downstream, while a small portion of each night’s catch are withheld, marked with a dye, and released above the trap to estimate trapping efficiency based on recaptures. DutiesJuvenile trap operation for Salmon Creek outmigrant fry trap, and support for Snow Creek outmigrant weir.
Tasks include:
Installation, operation and removal of temporary trap for juvenile salmonids.
Handling, counting, and staining juvenile summer chum
Assisting with the daily operation of the Snow Creek permanent fish weir, for downstream juvenile salmonid trapping season.
Biological sampling of summer chum, coho and steelhead smolts.
Knowledge and compliance with hydraulic and ESA permit rules and hatchery and genetic management plans
Assessing and responding to weather and stream flow conditions.

Working Conditions
The schedule for this position is 24/7 (non-scheduled); up to 40 hours per week with some overtime; weekend and evening work is required with 10 hours per day between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. Inclement weather; cold, moving water; shifting, slippery surfaces; carrying, kneeling, lifting (50 lbs. max.); working alone and independently; wearing personal floatation devices (PDF), working with headlamps.  A heated trailer with a well-lighted workstation is located onsite for use during and between shifts.   This position requires some knowledge of juvenile salmonid trapping techniques, an ability to work night shift, and experience identifying juvenile salmonids and other fish species.  Valid driver’s license.

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

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.

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 work experience
4 years as a Scientific Technician
Experience with installing and maintaining temporary and permanent fish weirs and traps.
Experience with biological sampling of juvenile salmonids.
Experience with database management, particularly the use of Microsoft Access.

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.

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

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.