Job Title: SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 1 *06396H
Opening Date/Time: Wed. 07/12/17 12:00 AM Pacific Time
Closing Date/Time: Fri. 07/21/17 11:59 AM Pacific Time
Salary: $2,262.00 – $2,914.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, Washington
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Print Job Information Apply

 

Description  Benefits  Supplemental Questions
The 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.

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. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Scientific Technician 1
(Non-Permanent, Full Time)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1) full time, non-permanent, Scientific Technician 1 seasonal field position located in the Habitat Program. The duty station is in the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County.

This seasonal (non-permanent) position supports field research in the Chehalis River Basin surveying for stream-associated salamanders in the upper basin; Western Toad instream breeding within the whole basin; and both fish and amphibians off-channel wetlands in the floodplain. This sampling is part of a Dam Impacts Study that will document biotic species distribution in riparian areas, instream and off-channel habitats. Data from this study will inform restoration enhancement options, potential dam impacts, and watershed plan development in the Chehalis River Basin.

This position duration is approximately 1.5 months. Anticipated start date August 1, 2017 through September 15, 2017 with a possibility of extension through September 15, 2017. The workweek will be Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to approximately 5:00 PM. While the duty station is in Olympia, fieldwork occurs throughout the Chehalis River Basin and employees can expect to spend approximately 95% of their time in the field (4 days/week) returning daily to Olympia.
 Duties:
Primary duties include:
Field survey activities:

  • Assist in a field crew of 2 to 5 surveying for instream Western Toads and off-channel for fish and amphibians.
  • Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands.
  • Drive logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks.
  • Collect, classify, and record data in the field using tablet computer, GPS, digital cameras and paper collaboratively with others.
  • 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 their property.
  • Maintain vehicles and equipment (nets, inflatable boats, waders, electronic equipment).

Office Tasks:

  • Offload field data collection equipment.
  • Limited data entry from paper forms and field notes.
  • Data QA/QC using Excel or other database systems.
  • Complete required administrative paperwork and trainings in an accurate and timely manner.
 Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from high school or a GED, including one year of high school science.
Licenses: Valid State-issued Driver’s License
Abilities: Ability to use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously; conduct field surveys visually and audibly identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features; think and act in a safe manner; work independently and as part of a team; accept supervision and supervise; follow prescribed protocols and procedures; willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual and dependable manner; follow oral and written direction; operate field equipment (e.g. GPS, digital camera, iPad’s, nets, and inflatable watercraft) to collect data; develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators; demonstrate competence and confidence to make independent judgments in the field about sampling protocols; perform varied outdoor work in inclement weather; tolerance for difficult field conditions including working in recent clear cuts and wetlands; and driving 4WD vehicles on logging roads.
Knowledge of: Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Professional or scholarly experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; familiarity with lentic habitats associated with stream systems especially those in alluvial floodplains; knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research; the ability to safely and humanely capture fish and herpetofauna using varied nets, seines, minnow traps and electrofishers under standard protocols is a plus; familiarity with technology including both Windows and iOS handhelds/apps; ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness; ability to act safely and decisively in the field; ability to adapt to challenges in order to complete project objectives. Varied natural history experience including animals and plants, both locally native and non-native, is beneficial for these positons, and applicants are encouraged to describe experience and how it applies to this position.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience.
*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 course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
 Supplemental Information:
Working Conditions
This position is rewarding but can be physically and psychologically demanding. The incumbent will perform a variety of outdoor work in field conditions which at times may include inclement weather, dense understory vegetation, muddy wetlands, slippery river rocks, steep slopes, clear cuts, heat, cold and biting insects. Field work occurs in a variety of locations, including managed timberlands, river floodplains with dense understory, agricultural settings, urban and suburban stormwater areas and mainstem river reaches. Field work requires that sometime be spent on hands and knees, bending, walking and crawling through these and other similarly challenging environments carrying and deploying field equipment of up to 40 lbs. The incumbent must be comfortable navigating and operating safely throughout such landscapes on foot to reach survey locations. A small portion of time will be spent in office conditions and the incumbent must be able to remain focused and courteous in a busy office environment.

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).  As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

How to Apply:
To 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 (please make it succinct)
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

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.