DutiesConduct weekly spawning ground surveys by foot and/or pontoon raft on tributaries and mainstems of the S.F. Toutle, N.F. Toutle and Green Rivers. Identify and enumerate adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds; use handheld GPS and I-Pad devices to mark redd locations. Collect biological data and samples from both live and dead adult salmonids.  Apply and/or recover external tags/marks from carcasses. Assist with daily operation of the N. Toutle Hatchery weir and S.F. Toutle weir including tagging (Floy® and opercle), broodstock collection, capturing data on tough pad and weir cleaning and maintenance.

This Scientific Technician 2 position will be the lead operator of the N. Toutle Fish Collection Facility.  Responsible for sorting, sampling, and transporting natural origin coho and winter steelhead about the N Toutle River Sediment Retention Structure.  This employee generally works up to three days per week during peak migration as an hourly employee.

Working conditions
This is a 24/7, non-permanent, Scientific Technician 2 position located out of the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery in Toledo, WA (Lewis County).  Ability to pass a federal background check.

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. Interacting with other departmental personnel, personnel from other agencies, commercial fishers and the public.

Approximately 85% of the time is in a non-office, field environment, while conducting duties such as spawning ground surveys by either foot or cataraft; operating, sampling, and tagging salmonids and other species at traps and/or weirs; installing and removing fish monitoring equipment (weirs and traps); and monitoring, observing, and sampling fisheries, both commercial and sport.

While working outdoors, candidates may be exposed to extreme temperatures, with the possibility of daytime highs greater than 100°F and daytime lows less than 30°F, with wind speeds of greater than 25 mph.  Duties are often conducted on wet slippery surfaces.

Candidates must have the ability to: lift, either with or without assistance, large, live and dead fish, typically up to 30 lbs and rarely over 100 lbs; repetitively carry loads up to 70 pounds for short distances over rough terrain; walk up to fifteen miles per day over rough terrain under adverse weather conditions; and climb in and out of motorized and non-motorized boats.

Candidates must have the ability to accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long periods of time.  They must be willing to sample spawned out salmon carcasses that can contain very strong odors.  The remaining 15% of work time is in an office and or laboratory setting, operating a computer, and performing various other tasks as assigned.

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.

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).  QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

•  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 personal computer.
• Completion of a basic CPR and First Aid course.
• Completion of required agency and state trainings.
• Ability to work a 24/7 schedule.
• Knowledge of advanced skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting.
• Knowledge of advanced carpentry skills.
• Knowledge of advanced use of MS Excel and Access.
• Ability to operate a motorboat using propeller propulsion.
• Ability to operate a motorboat using jet-pump propulsion.

Note:  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 Experience

• 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.
• Ability to do basic functions in MS Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of basic skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting.
• Knowledge of basic carpentry skills.
• 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.

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.