DutiesKEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Conducting adult salmonid spawning ground surveys on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
• Identifying and enumerating adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds while using GPS devices to mark redd locations.
• Capturing, identifying, enumerating, handling and tagging and/or marking salmonids (juveniles and adults) for mark/recapture programs and distribution monitoring.
• Assisting with the installation, maintenance, operation and removal of monitoring structures and devices for adult and juvenile salmonid monitoring such as traps and weirs.
• Interviewing sport anglers and recording catch by species and collecting biological samples from fish such as salmon, trout and sturgeon.
• Monitoring and observation of commercial fisheries.
• Traveling to fish buying locations and tribal in-lieu sites to collect biological samples from commercial catch.
• Using established protocols to detect and collect coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponders (PIT), collecting DNA for Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) and making Visual Stock Identification (VSI) calls.
• Accurately entering data into dataloggers and PDAs.
• Conducting snorkel surveys in streams and rivers.
• Collecting broodstock for established enhancement and hatchery programs.
• Sampling and spawning of fish at hatcheries.
• Operating motorized and/or non-motorized vessels for monitoring and conducting surveys.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 85% field work, conducting duties such as spawning ground surveys by either foot or cataraft. The remaining 15% of work is in an office and/or laboratory setting.
• Sampling and tagging salmonids and other species at traps and/or weirs, installing/removing fish monitoring equipment, observing and sampling fisheries, both commercial and sport. Must be willing to sample spawned out salmon carcasses that can contain very strong odors.
• While working outdoors, candidates may be exposed to extreme and adverse weather conditions, duties are often conducted on wet slippery surfaces and repetitive data must be accurately recorded.
• Lifting large alive/dead fish, typically up to 30 lbs. and rarely over 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Repetitively carrying loads up to 70 pounds for short distances over rough terrain, walking up to fifteen miles per day and climbing in and out of motorized and non-motorized boats.

Schedule:

• 24/7, Non-Scheduled

Travel Requirements:

• Most of the duties are conducted in the field away from the duty station.  Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations is required with either a departmental issued vehicle or personal vehicle. Overnight travel may be required as part of the job.

Tools and Equipment:

• May include: the use of basic hand and carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, motorized and non-motorized watercraft, 4×4 vehicles; the ability to tow vehicles; the use of 200′ beach seines, PIT tag injectors, PIT tag readers, CWT detectors, GPS units, weighing scales, handheld data loggers, PDAs, and computers.

QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license (driving record abstract may be requested at time of interview).
• Physical ability to walk up to six miles per day over rough terrain under adverse weather conditions.
• Physical ability to repetitively carry loads up to 70 pounds for short distances over rough terrain.
• Basic operation of a computer.
• Completion of a basic CPR and First Aid course.
• Completion of required agency and state trainings.
• Ability to work a 24/7 schedule.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to identify salmonids and other fish species in larval, juvenile and/or adult life stages.
• Ability to identify salmonid redds.
• Knowledge of resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs.
• Knowledge of operation of rotary screw and fence-panel (with live box) juvenile traps.
• Knowledge of fish marking and tagging protocols.
• Knowledge of fishery monitoring, observing and sampling.
• Knowledge of commercial fishing gear types and methods.
• Ability to row non-motorized oar-framed boats such as drift boats and catarafts in white water conditions in Class 1 through 3 rapids.
• Knowledge of the basic operations of motorized vessels
• Ability to obtain a crane operator certification.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• Knowledge in how to operate CWT and PIT tag detectors.
• Ability to operate handheld GPS and data logger devices.
• Ability to work alone in remote locations.
• Ability to work well with others in both a field and office setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of basic and advanced skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting.
• Knowledge of basic and advanced carpentry skills.
• Knowledge of basic and advanced use of MS Excel and Access.
• Ability to operate a motorboat using propeller propulsion.
• Ability to operate a motorboat using jet-pump propulsion.

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 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.

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