Description

DutiesKEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Assist in a field crew of 2 to 4 surveying for freshwater mussels, either by snorkeling, kayaking or wading variable stream sizes.
• Collect, classify, and record biotic and habitat data on various devices or paper.
• Using logic, knowledge of the project area, and established quality control methods, evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
• Work respectfully with private landowners while surveying on or near their property.
• Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas if necessary to access sites.
• Covid-19 safety protocols will be required to be followed while performing all duties with these positions. Some of the Covid-19 safety requirements will be health screen every day before work, mandatory social distancing and wearing a mask when interacting with public and staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 95% of the work is performed in the field, which at times may include inclement/adverse weather conditions, dense understory vegetation, muddy wetlands, slippery river rocks, steep slopes, clear cuts and biting/stinging insects.
• Fieldwork occurs in a variety of locations within the Chehalis Basin, including managed timberlands, river floodplains with dense understory, agricultural settings and mainstem river reaches.
• Must be comfortable navigating and operating safely throughout such landscapes on foot and/or by small boat to reach survey locations.
• If assisting with fish and amphibian surveys, extended time will be spent on hands and knees, bending, walking and crawling through challenging environments carrying and deploying field equipment of up to 40 lbs.
• A small portion of time may be spent in the office, must be able to remain focused and courteous in a busy office environment.
• Selected candidates will receive training for safety, agency policies/procedures, survey protocols and species identification.

Schedule & Travel Requirements:

• Schedule is variable, work week is Monday through Thursday, hours are usually between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Four days per week, 10 hours per day – 40 hours per week.
• Traveling within the Chehalis River Basin area.

QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

OR

• Graduation from high school/GED including one year of high school science AND two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. (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).

Competencies:

• Knowledge, experience, and/or fluency with:
  • Principles and procedures of biological research.
  • Standard laboratory and field methods.
  • Fish, wildlife and habitat ecology.

Abilities:

• Ability to walk, kayak or snorkel varied sizes of streams.
• Tolerate inclement weather and difficult field conditions, including working in clear cuts, on slippery river rocks and varied river currents, but judiciously evaluate the safety of local conditions.
• Conduct field surveys for aquatic species by visually identifying and distinguishing associated biological and physical features.
• Operate common electronic and scientific equipment to collect data.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures, making independent judgments in the field as needed.
• Use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously.
• Effectively practice quality control methods to evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
• Perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual dependable manner.
• Follow oral and written directions and consistently apply excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently as required and supervise as part of a 2-4-persons team.
• Maintain a professional relationship with coworkers, landowners, and collaborators.
• Think and act in a safe manner.
• Drive 4WD vehicles on logging roads utilizing a CB radio for safety.
• Safely operate non-motorized watercraft in moderate river currents.
• If assisting on other surveys, do field work for extended time on hands and knees, bending, squatting, walking and crawling through these and other similarly challenging environments carrying and deploying field equipment of up to 40 lbs.
• Abide by all applicable agency policies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years professional experience conducting aquatics field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
• Familiarity with lentic and lotic habitats associated with stream systems, especially those in alluvial floodplains.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research.
• Varied natural history experience including animals and plants, both locally native and non-native.
• Familiarity with technology including Windows computers, MS office software, iOS handhelds/apps(iPads), digital cameras, GPS, laser range finders, etc.
• Ability to navigate (by vehicle or foot) throughout the landscape to reach remote study locations using primitive (map/compass) and modern (GPS/nav apps) means, and record location data on maps.
• Emotional intelligence and ability to interact positively with entire community, including your crew.
• Knowledge of geography, culture and history of the Chehalis Basin.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State or other State Driver’s License.
• Successful completion of WDFW Snorkel Certification Training within the first 2 weeks of work.

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.

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