DutiesSupervises and conducts spawning ground surveys for Chinook salmon populations in the Washougal, EF Lewis, Kalama, and White Salmon rivers. 
Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for coordination and logistics of daily operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Supervises and trains up to 10 Scientific Technician 2s.
• Leads and conducts spawning ground surveys using protocols established by the lead biologist and science staff.
• Conducts QA/QC exercises in the field to ensure data quality/integrity.  Consults with lead biologist about any abnormalities with data.  Provides feedback to technicians.

Assists with adult weir operations on the Washougal River.
Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for assisting in coordination and logistics of daily operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Supervises and trains up to 10 Scientific Technician 2s.
• Participates in the installation and removal of the weir.
• Assists with conducting weir operations using protocols established by the lead biologist.
• Coordinates with Washougal Hatchery staff to ensure weekly broodstock collection goals are met.

Oversight of data entry and data QA/QC exercises to ensure data integrity.
Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Oversees technicians entering data into electronic data capture devices (iPad and Toughpads with MS Access) and Microsoft Excel and Access on a personal computer.
• Oversees technicians conducting data QA/QC exercises.  Consults with lead biologist and Biological Data System ITS staff to develop advanced QA/QC queries in MS Access.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Schedule: Duties should be accomplished within a 40-hour workweek over four to five days. Work schedule includes early/late hours, nights, weekends and holidays may be required during certain times of the year.
• Travel: Some local and regional travel may be necessary to attend trainings, meetings, or pick-up/drop-off gear.  Overnight travel is rare but possible.
• Fieldwork: 80/20 split field/office and will vary based on the time of year.

FIELDWORK DETAILS:

• Occasional contact with landowners and resource users (anglers) – these contacts may be hostile.  Landowner’s pets and wildlife encounters are other potential field encounters.
• Performed outdoors, alone, in remote locations, under adverse weather conditions and sometimes in the darkness.
• Includes lifting up to 70 lbs. and walking streams up to 8 miles per day under cold, wet slippery conditions and climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.
• Floating via cataraft through class III rapids and climbing in and out of boats.
• Sampling carcasses of dead and rotting salmon despite very strong odors.
• Exposure to insects, thorny/spiny vegetation and pollen.

QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND four years of experience as a Scientific Technician 2.

OR

• Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.  (College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes).

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience conducting spawning ground surveys via foot and/or pontoon raft for Pacific Salmon.
• Experience installing, maintaining, operating, and removing resistance board weirs.
• Experience handling and tagging adult salmonids (Floy, carcass, opercle, PIT).
• Experience supervising and coordinating field staff.
• Experience with adult salmon identification.
• Experience conducting QA/QC exercises on large, complex datasets.
• Knowledge of salmonid life histories.
• Knowledge of basic methods of problem solving.
• Ability to use intermediate functions in MS Office (specifically MS Access).
• Ability to work productively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with others.
• Ability to reason logically.
• Ability to perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.

Supplemental InformationPlease note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

In order to successfully 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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

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.

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION – WAFWP:

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.

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 (for 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 (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov