Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

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

We are recruiting to fill five (5) non-permanent Scientific Technician 3 positions within the Habitat Program, Fish Passage Division. This position is located at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA.  The position duration is approximately 6 months, with the possibility of an extension. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2020.  DutiesThese positions are responsible for conducting fish passage inventories to locate and assess natural and human-made in-stream features that may pose a passage or entrainment problem for salmonids. Fish passage inventories support prioritization and implementation of fish habitat enhancement and recovery projects in Washington.  These positions may also collect monitoring data on hydraulic project approval permits issued by WDFW.

This is primarily a field position, with approximately 80% of the work to be conducted in field conditions, year-round and approximately 20% of the work in the office entering data and preparing summary reports. The successful candidate must be willing and able to adapt to flexible work schedules, work along busy state highways, work long hours in adverse weather conditions, and walk streams to take measurements. Walking streams requires safely moving through thick vegetation, climbing over and around log jams, wood debris and walking on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30lbs of field gear.

Principal activities include:

• Independently plan, organize, and conduct advanced on-site evaluations (e.g. slope, velocity, substrate composition) using prescribed protocols and procedures to inspect, analyze, and report human-made structures including (but not limited to) culverts, dams, bridges, fishways, lake outlet screens, and surface water diversions on streams.
• Use on-site measurements and information to determine the application of the appropriate protocol and techniques for collecting data to assess stream crossings for fish passage. Analyze data to determine barrier status and fish habitat impacted.
• Process physical and biological stream data using established protocols and procedures in Excel spreadsheets. Organize and enter data into the Fish Passage Diversion Screening Inventory (FPDSI) Microsoft Access database.
• Use GIS software (ArcMap) to analyze data and create maps of assessment sites and fish passage features.
• Conduct physical habitat assessments (e.g. stream width, depth, and substrate) to evaluate the extent of fish use in streams associated with stream crossings.
• Provide technical assistance to Fish Passage Division staff members in the inventory and evaluation of fish passage barriers and water diversions and conduct training of barrier assessment and habitat quantification techniques for co-workers and new hires.
• Collect on-site data that will be used to determine compliance rates for permitted projects.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office and in the field from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The incumbent is required to be able to work long hours in inclement weather conditions along busy state highways and walk streams through thick vegetation, climbing over and around log jams and wood debris on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30 lbs. of gear. Traveling up to 200 miles per day to survey locations may be required, as well as overnight travel.

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

• Must have a thorough understanding of the WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual (2019) protocols.
• Must have knowledge of resident and anadromous salmonid life histories.
• Must be able to perform advanced data collection and data analysis techniques in barrier determination of man-made in-stream water features in Washington waterways.
• Must have an understanding of the freshwater habitat requirements of Washington State’s resident and anadromous salmonids.
• Must be able to observe and assess condition and quality of spawning and rearing habitat for salmonid production in Washington waterways.
• Must have ability to observe and identify various fish species in the freshwater environment.
• Must have the ability to interpret aerial photographs and topographic maps and the ability to navigate using said resources and accurately measure features on maps.
• Must have knowledge and proficiency in the use of laser survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS systems, and other equipment.
• Must have knowledge and proficiency in the use of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS, and personal computers.
• Must have knowledge and proficiency in the use of GIS software (ArcView) for creating maps of stream locations, fish passage features, and habitat assessment sites.
• Must be able to use independent judgment to handle situations encountered in the field that are not addressed in the WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual (2019).
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.
• Balances quality of work with ability to meet deadlines by making efficient and effective use of available time, equipment and resources. Works with dedication, commitment and professionalism. Adapts to stressful or changing situations and priorities. Transitions easily between tasks, responding quickly and efficiently to work requests; successfully returns to incomplete tasks and continues work with minimal need to become re-oriented to the task. Works accurately and timely with minimal supervision. Exhibits self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skills in the work environment.

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.  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 (#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 (#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.