Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2829744-0/scientific-technician-2-three-non-permanent-05487#new_tab
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 (ST2)
Newaukum River Basin
Anticipated Appointment Length is 8 – 9 Months
Start Dates: September 1st – October 1st, 2020
End Dates: May 31st – June 15th, 2021
Duty Station: Chehalis, WA
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 THREE (3) Scientific Technician 2 positions. We are seeking highly motivated and experienced field technicians to conduct salmon spawner surveys while promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid populations.
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
- Conducting salmon spawner surveys according to procedures and protocols.
- Collect data to help calculate the natural spawning escapement of each salmonid stock by origin.
- Assess the spatial distribution and abundance of salmon, steelhead and lamprey.
- Identifying, recording and monitoring of salmonid redds and live/dead fish counts within selected reaches.
- Accurately collect and record data on electronic data forms using an iPad and scale cards.
- Maintaining accurate and timely field records for this position is very important to meet management and research needs.
- Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines hatchery or wild-origin), scales sampling (for age and origin), coded wire tags (stock composition and origin), opercle punch – T tags – Jaw tags, DNA tissue samples, or other biological samples as needed.
- Conduct salmon surveys on foot and/or by utilizing rafts and pontoon boats, drift boats, or Jet-pumped equipped river sled boat.
- Safely driving State owned vehicles on public roads and privately-owned logging roads.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- The primary work environment is outdoors and physically demanding. The job involves considerable driving and hiking into remote areas on private property, agricultural and timber lands.
- Walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength and agility.
- Lifting equipment up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
Schedule:
- 24/7 (non-schedule) 40 hours per week. Typically, 4 days per week/10 hours a day – this may need to adjust to 5 days per week/8 hours a day as daylight gets limited.
- Weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required.
- Work hours can vary due to inclement weather, river conditions, access, fishing schedules, fish densities and daylight hours.
- Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 8 to 5 work schedules. Hours over 40 per week accrue as comp. time.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel to and from duty station to survey locations. No overnight or out of area travel expected.
Tools and Equipment:
- Pontoon rafts, motor vehicles, computers, tablets among other field equipment.
Customer Interactions:
- Potentially frequent interaction with public and landowners.
- Must maintain an appropriate demeanor during interactions and report any problems to supervisor.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
- Background in elementary biology and in-the-field salmonid identification is required.
- The ability to clearly and concisely fill out field data forms using electronic and paper methods.
- Understand basic field sampling techniques and procedures, sample rates and biases.
- Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions, have good communication skills and the ability to interact with the general public and co-workers.
- Have a flexible work schedule to meet project timelines.
- Able to work in varying weather conditions.
- Sample dead fish regardless of their condition.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the salmonid species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods, and familiarity with the geography of the Grays Harbor basin waters is key to the success in this job.
- Inter-personal skills that allow them to forge and maintain good working relationships
- Attention to detail and data checking skills desired.
Certifications/Licenses:
- 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:
- 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
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.