Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2810796-0/scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-05048-20
Description
Scientific Technicians
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 part-time experienced field Scientific Technicians to work alongside a diverse team promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid population. This opportunity is located in Cowlitz County and the anticipated appointment length is 4-months.
Our ideal applicants will have a passion for working outdoors in the Pacific Northwest coupled with apositive can-do attitude while collecting high quality fisheries 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.
This non-permanent position serves in the Fish Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit in the WDFW Fish Science Division. Research conducted by this position is part of the Lower Columbia Intensively Monitored Watersheds project. The IMW project is a long-term study designed to evaluate fish population responses to habitat restoration treatments. This is a technician level position that works under close direction of the supervisor. The incumbent will work as part of an established study team, collecting data associated with two freshwater life stages of salmonids – summer parr and fall spawners. Data collected will be incorporated into a long-term data set for this project in order to evaluate population changes over time.
DutiesUnder the direction of the supervisor, complete activities related to salmon spawning ground surveys in the Lower Columbia IMW watersheds to monitor adult abundance, distribution, and diversity.
Tasks include:
- Follow established procedures for data collection.
- Conduct pre-season preparation of survey area including evaluating field markers (reference points) and replacing as needed.
- Conduct systematic spawner surveys on foot of the Chinook and coho distribution in Mill, Abernathy, and Germany Creek watersheds.
- Locate and identify life fish, redds, and carcasses according to study protocols.
- Record GPS coordinates of survey reaches and biological observations.
- Sample carcasses according to study protocols.
- Record field data in electronic format and verify data for accuracy
- Adhere to all spawner survey safety procedures.
- Conduct routine gear maintenance, modifications, and repairs as needed or directed by supervisor.
Under the direction of the supervisor, complete activities related to juvenile parr surveys in the Lower Columbia IMW watersheds to obtain information on juvenile densities and growth and to tag coho parr with passive integrated transponder tags.
Tasks include:
- Follow established procedures for data collection.
- Assist in juvenile seining, electroshocking, and other juvenile collection trapping activities in designated locations on the three IMW streams.
- Collect, handle, and identify juvenile salmonids to species and life stage.
- Assist with applying passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to juvenile salmonids (parr) and recording relevant biological information, including length, weight, and condition.
- Apply other marks and/or collect tissue samples as direct for associated studies (e.g., stable isotope, genetic).
- Record relevant biological data, including length, weight, and condition in electronic format and verify for accuracy.
- Conduct routine gear maintenance, modifications, and repairs as needed or directed by supervisor.
Other duties as assigned.
Tasks include:
- Assist with fish monitoring project activities within the agency as needed or directed.
Working Conditions
This position is stationed in Kelso, WA and approximately 95% of the work will be conducted in the field. Work hours are non-scheduled – the employee will typically work 36-40 hours/week, depending on project needs At times, work in excess of 40 hours/week will be required, including weekends and holidaysFlexible work schedules are required to address changing field conditions related to weather, stream flow, and fish numbers. Minimal overnight travel may be required, including travel to WDFW headquarters in Olympia. The position interacts with staff from WA Department of Ecology, USFWS, private timber companies, WDFW Region 5 as well as private landowners.
The work is accomplished in mountain streams and carries risks associated with this type of environment. Potentially dangerous conditions exist including working in high and swift water. The incumbent must be able to swim and be able to work in chest waders and raingear for extended periods of time. Survey activities involve exposure to inclement weather conditions of many types (hot, cold, wet, windy, humid), insect bites and stings, thorny and spiny vegetation, and pollen. Frequent bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing, and lifting is required. Wildlife encounters are likely. Working in a rural setting, the incumbent may also encounter hostile or verbal threats from landowners and their pets.
The incumbent must walk long distances (up to 5 miles per day) over uneven, slippery and rugged terrain and through thick stands of riparian vegetation. When conducting parr surveys, the incumbent must stand, kneel, and bend for long periods of time, lift and carry 40 lb. buckets of water for distances up to 50 yards.
Union
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.” QualificationsGraduation 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 or filed 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.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics.
- Knowledge of live fish handling techniques that ensure the safety of fish and personnel.
- Ability to identify juvenile and adult life stages of salmon and steelhead as well as other fish species encountered.
- Knowledge and ability to apply PIT tags to juvenile and adult fish and to use hand-held PIT detection equipment.
- Experience conducting spawning ground surveys.
- Ability to collect high quality biological data and complete data entry in both written and electronic formats.
- Experience and comfort using a variety of hand tools, power tools and small engine machinery.
- Ability to use verbal communication skills to discuss work plans, convey training and expectations to less experienced technicians, discuss trapping operations, and interact with agency staff, collaborators, and land owners.
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 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.