Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2782794-0/scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-04457-20#new_tab

Salary: $2,781.00 – $3,593.00 Monthly

Job Number: 2020-04457
Closing: 5/29/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Description

Full-Time/Non-permanent
Scientific Technician 2

Are you a problem solver that enjoys a challenge? Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!   We are looking for applicants who possess excellent people skills, the ability to juggle several high-priority scopes of work, and who want the opportunity to independently problem-solve.

WDFW employees are provided one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation – find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

We are seeking two (2) highly motivated and experienced field Scientific Technician 2’s to work alongside a diverse team promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid population.  This opportunity is located in Franklin County and the anticipated appointment length is 6-months.  The anticipated start date June 15 through December 15, 2020.

This recruitment is for two (2) 6-month non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Fish Management.  The duty station is the WDFW District office located in Pasco, WA.   The Scientific Technician 2 plays a key role in the pursuit of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s mission to conserve, enhance, and restore native fish populations in Washington State.  These positions provide technical assistance to project leads collecting biological data on sockeye, summer chinook, fall chinook, coho, and steelhead including length, age (scales), and origin.
These activities are directly related to the conservation of native fish populations in south central Washington.  Technicians will conduct sport fishery and stream surveys in the Columbia River from Richland WA upstream to Priest Rapids Dam. Sport fisheries include the Hanford Reach summer/fall salmon fisheries and Hanford Reach steelhead fishery.  Sport fishery surveys are conducted from June through October. Technician will interview anglers at multiple boat launches and bank access areas within the 50 miles of the Hanford Reach.  From late October through mid-December, the technician will assist on stream surveys for post-spawn fall chinook recovery in the Hanford Reach (Columbia River) and in the lower 30 miles of the Yakima River. Stream surveys are conducted primarily by boat with multiple crews of two-four technicians conducting surveys daily. This position will require work on weekends and in inclement weather with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the summer and below freezing during stream surveys in the fall. This data collection effort will provide WDFW with the information needed to estimate harvest, impacts to ESA Listed species, origin, and complete run reconstruction of local populations for use in forecasting future returns and to assess the health of these anadromous populations.

Our ideal applicants will have a positive can-do attitude as they collect/sample data.  In addition, the candidate will share our values of trust, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is eager to work hard and have fun in an environment where there’s never a dull moment.

DutiesConducts Field Surveys
Tasks include:
Conduct fishery monitoring during summer/fall sport fisheries and stream surveys of post-spawn fall chinook.  Collects biological data/samples including species, gender, length, marks, origin (CWT & otolith), age (scales), and genetic samples.  Accurately record and tabulate all data associated with the above listed fishery surveys. Field work will include vehicle operation, hiking shorelines, and boat operation.  Applicant must be able to routinely lift up to 20 pounds with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.  Applicant must be able to work alone in remote locations and also be able to function as a member of a team during stream surveys.

Other duties
Tasks include:
Maintains and operates vehicles, boats, and equipment to ensure proper function and safety.  Complies with WDFW policies and procedures related to safety and security.  Reviews data for accuracy and data entry.

Working Conditions
Position is full time and may require working over eight hours per day. Position will routinely work in remote locations alone and in a team.  Work will require working evenings and weekends. Position will require strong communication skills with daily interactions with anglers and the public during creel surveys.

Work is conducted primarily in the field and will require travel to multiple public access sites.  Field work will be conducted during inclement weather including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, and snow.  Position will require some hiking over rough and slippery terrain.  Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife including rattlesnakes, or illegal activities (marijuana growing operations, meth labs, poaching, etc.) are possible.  Individual may work with chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil).  Technician will be responsible for use and care of vehicles, boats, equipment, PIT tag readers, and CWT wands.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

QualificationsScientific Technician 2:  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.

Ability to record research data cleanly and accurately.
Ability to work as a team member or independently.
Be timely, dependable and be willing to have flexibility in their work schedule.
Able to follow directions or ask for clarification so tasks are completed properly. Applicant must be organized and detailed oriented.

Preferred experience:
1+ years fisheries experience
Degree in fisheries or closely related field.
Proficient identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River.

Experience working with ESA listed steelhead and salmon.
Proficient use of computer including Microsoft Office programs.
Proficient and safe operation of motor vehicles and boats.
Operation and maintenance of field sampling equipment including: GPS, CWT wands, PIT tag readers.

NOTE: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies 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.

Supplemental InformationIn 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.

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

“As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore; we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.”

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.