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 one (1) 8-months Career Seasonal permanent full-time Scientific Technician 2 position in the Fish Program, Science, Hatchery Wild Interactions.  The duty station is the Methow Field Office located at 20268 HWY 20, Twisp, WA., 98856.    The anticipated start date is March 16th through November 13, 2020.

This position performs field work trapping, sampling, and collecting spring and summer Chinook salmon and summer Steelhead spawning and assists with hatchery evaluation and monitoring activities.  Since these are endangered species, federal permits dictate the manner and duration in which broodstock may be handled, and evaluation is required to meet specific program goals relating to the number and origin of species allowed for retention within ESA permit limits.  Without this position, hatchery broodstock collections may not achieve program goals, and the evaluation of run timing and abundance of hatchery and wild adult spring Chinook salmon and summer Steelhead will not be monitored.  Furthermore, without this position, information necessary for fisheries managers to set local fishing seasons will be missing.  This position also assists with operation and maintenance of two to four smolt traps in the Methow River basin.  Data acquired from daily trapping activities and mark/recapture experiments are used as the basis for producing productivity estimates for ESA-listed steelhead and spring Chinook Salmon.  Data is disseminated within WDFW, and to other resource managers and researchers locally and regionally so management decisions regarding these ESA-listed populations will be based on the best available science.  DutiesConduct spawning ground surveys for summer Steelhead, spring Chinook salmon and Bull trout. 
Tasks include:
Walking 6-10 mi. or rafting 6-15 mi. per day quantifying redd and carcass data.

Operate rotary screw traps 
Tasks include: Ensure proper operation of rotary screw traps including installation and maintenance.  Collect juvenile salmonid abundance data for estimating basin-wide natural smolt production.  Duties include proper species identification, conducting mark/recapture trials to estimate trap efficiency, participation in PIT tagging efforts, collecting biological information from target and non-target taxa, and entering information into established databases and performing quality control on the data entered.

Assist with hatchery evaluation of spring and summer Chinook salmon and summer steelhead
Tasks include:  
Bio-sampling during spawning events, pre-release length/weight sampling of juveniles, assisting supervisory biologists with data requests.

Conduct run-evaluation sampling of spring and summer Chinook salmon per programmatic objectives and for fishery management.
Tasks include: Bio-sampling during run-at-large sampling at Wells Dam and Twisp weir, PIT tagging.

Assist with remote PIT tagging efforts consistent with programmatic objectives including electrofishing, netting, and hook-and-lining primarily for juvenile steelhead and Chinook salmon.
Tasks include: Collect and bio-sample juvenile salmonids, PIT tagging

Operate in-stream PIT tag interrogation sites
Tasks include: Install, repair, and maintain in-stream PIT tag interrogation sites.  Conduct site visits to remove debris and ensure that antennas are working properly.  Repair or replace compromised equipment when necessary.

Maintain long-term databases 
Tasks include: Enter/QC/summarize/report data collected during spawning ground, run-eval and hatchery evaluation activities. Video review of dam fish counts.

Working Conditions
The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 16:30 during dayshift operations.  The night schedule is usually 22:00 to 7:00 for 4 nights followed by a 19:00 to 23:00 shift.  During the night schedule, days off will vary.  During peak work periods, working nights, weekends, and holidays will be required.  24/7; as needed to meet program goals and objectives; position may be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays; work may include night shifts working juvenile smolt traps or monitoring adult fish weir(s) and extended hours at all trapping locations.   Daily travel to remote trap and survey locations, Wells Dam, etc.  Interacts with supervisors and technicians within unit, as well as professionals from state, federal, county, tribal, and private organizations.  There may also be frequent interactions with the public during portions of the year.
Must be able to regularly endure long hours of adverse weather and wet conditions with minimal shelter, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and accurately recording collected data.
Must be comfortable working regularly in a swift, whitewater river environment.
Must be able to occasionally lift weights of up to 75lbs.
Must be able to perform job duties under adverse conditions with minimal supervision and maintain concentration, manual dexterity, and keep meticulous records of data during long work shifts, particularly during night shifts.

Primary fieldwork is conducted in inclement conditions (i.e., snow, rain, cold, heat).   Applicant must be willing to work in all conditions. 

?Smolt Trapping:   A variety of working conditions are experienced during smolt trapping activities.  During peak workloads (March-June) night work, highly variable work schedule, overtime, and cold inclement weather can be expected.  It is required that you can navigate a rope-guided boat across the river to access the smolt traps during periods of high water.  Smolt traps are floating platforms that experience periods of instability and random movement and can at times be very icy.  There can be times of frequent noise exposure due to the operation of generators and water pumps.  The sampling of fish requires the use of anesthesia chemicals (MS-222) as well as concentrated alcohol for sterilization and tissue preservation.  Lifting and carrying buckets full of water, sometimes up and down ramps, is necessary.  At times, these duties can be very mentally and physically demanding, particularly in the spring during periods of high fish abundance and high river discharge.

Maintaining PIT Tag Interrogation Sites:
Work to maintain interrogation sites can vary from fixing electrical issues to using snorkeling techniques to replace underwater equipment.  The replacement of antennas commonly requires the ability to carry large and heavy objects into and out of riverbed locations.  A portion of the work will be performed in the water, occasionally requiring the use of snorkeling with dry suits.  Travel to some sites may require snowshoes, skis, or the use of snowmobiles.

Other Sampling Tasks:
There may be work performed in a hatchery setting during broodstock collection and spawning activities.  Some brood stock collection may be performed at Wells Dam, which requires the use of PPE such as long pants, close-toed footwear, and a hard hat, often during very hot and sunny conditions.  Trapping activities at the dam and hatchery create the need for increased safety near exposed raceways and fish ladder facilities.   A valid driver’s license is required.

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.(WAFWP)

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/Desired Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Prefer candidates with strong computer skills using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
Prefer candidates with experience using PIT tag detectors and injectors and CWT wands.
Working knowledge and experience identifying and collecting biological data from migratory Pacific salmonids as well as local non-target taxa.
Working knowledge of rotary smolt trapping programs.

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 of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume
• Three professional references

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions may 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.

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.