Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2795409/scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-04756
Closing: 7/26/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
2 OPENINGS
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 (ST2)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.
The Fish Program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking to fill TWO (2) Scientific Technician 2 positions. We are seeking highly motivated and experienced field technicians to work alongside diverse teams while promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid and freshwater fish populations. These opportunities are located in Grays Harbor County and the anticipated appointment length is 3.2 months, starting August 24th and ending November 30th.
As a Scientific Technician 2, you will sample, collect and summarize freshwater recreational fisheries for salmon and steelhead in order to monitor catch, species, composition and marked/unmarked encounter rates. The Scientific Technician 2 position contributes to the WDFW mission by gathering and providing essential information/data that is needed in order to determine the status of the resource and to manage fisheries resources.
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.
Duties
.PNG)
- Collect data from the freshwater recreational fishery on the Humptulips River by performing angler interviews.
- Maintain regular and professional communication with recreational fishers to facilitate public cooperation in reporting fish encounters and overall fishing effort.
- Follow sampling protocols and accurately record data on appropriate forms.
- Observe, count and accurately identify all salmon species and steelhead.
- Record the mark type (presence of absence of an adipose fin) for all Coho, Chinook and Steelhead samples.
- Sample all Coho Chinook and Steelhead with electric CWT detection wand.
- Remove and collect salmon snouts for coded-wire tags (CWT) in order to determine stock origin and as well as other biological data.
- When needed, collect and record biological data including scales, sex and fork length for salmon and steelhead.
- Review and maintain accurate legible field records for submission to supervisor daily.
- 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:
- Work is primarily conducted in the field, outdoors and can be physically demanding.
- Work hours are spent standing, walking, bending while crossing boat ramps and slippery riverine gravel bars/surfaces.
- Candidates may encounter slippery/wet environments during all weather conditions.
- Lifting equipment and lifting/manipulating fish up to or greater than 40 lbs.
Schedule & Travel Requirements:
- Schedule is variable, usually between 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Four days per week, 10 hours per day – 40 hours per week.
- Weekend, holiday and possible evening work is required.
- Traveling within the Humptulips River area.
Customer Interactions:
- Communicate in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) while providing basic information regarding current fishery status and regulatory actions.
- This includes contact with some individuals who may be angry, distraught or frustrated.
- Liaison to supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.
QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to complete field data forms in an accurate and legible manner.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Good communication skills and able to interact with the public and coworkers in a positive environment.
- Ability to work well alone or with a co-worker.
- Ability to follow all department safety operating procedures and protocols pertaining to Covid-19.
- Have a flexible work schedule to meet project timelines including working weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions.
- Ability to sample dead fish regardless of their condition.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- 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).
Experience/Competencies:
- Background in basic Biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification.
- At least 6 months of experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
- Familiarity with freshwater sport fishing regulations.
- Strong inter-personal communication skills – these skills are necessary to resolve potentially contentious situations involving disgruntled anglers or public where listening, patience, empathy and self-control skills are vital.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential. Verbal skills are necessary in communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologists over the phone or in person. Following standardized rules of language regarding spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage, sentence structure and composition.
- A commitment to accuracy in detail is important for recording and reviewing field data. Ability to devote time and attention to individual tasks while remaining focused and working efficiently.
- Aware of budget constraints and contacts supervisor prior to any repair work needed for equipment and gets approval for purchases of field equipment.
- Ability to review information carefully and recognize when pertinent information is incorrect of missing.
- Comfortable working with numbers, understanding how numbers are related, combined and estimated.
- Ability to follow logical steps and work carefully to ensure accurate results.
- Basic knowledge of GPS mapping skills.
Safety:
- Must be able to follow all department Covid-19 safety operating procedures and protocols.
- Observe and report potential hazards while in the workplace or in the field. Reports accidents or critical incidents to the proper authorities in a timely manner.
- Adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Washington State or other State Driver’s License.
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