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

This recruitment is for one (1) permanent Scientific Technician 3 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 6.  The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563

The Scientific Technician 3 assists the Region -6 District 17 fish biologists collecting data necessary for the management of the fish resource in the Willipa Bay watershed.  The technician provides the biologists with data necessary to work with federal, public, and private organizations to facilitate cooperative and effective collection and exchange of fishery and escapement data.  This information is needed to assess stock status, build fishery models, and to forecast salmon returns, which is required for the North of Falcon/PFMC process.

• Fieldwork requires identifying, recording and monitoring of salmonid redds and carcass recovery (live/dead fish counts) within selected reaches. Data is recorded on field forms, which may include GPS locations and mapping.
• Maintains accurate and timely field records to meet data and management needs. Summarizes and enters spawning ground and marine recreational creel data into Willapa Bay Access databases. Develops and edits queries to consolidate data, error checks data sets (QA/QC) and assists in preparing reports. Assists Stock Assessment Biologist (F&W Biologist 2/Supervisor) with spawning escapement estimates for salmonids in Willapa Bay in a timely manner.
• Leads and directs duties of Scientific Technician 2s with sorting and collecting biological samples at hatchery facilities in Willapa Bay.
• Implements and maintains temperature probes and scour chains throughout the Willapa Bay watershed.  Records and enters results into an Access database in a timely and accurate manner.
• Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines hatchery or wild), scale sampling (for age and origin), coded wire tags (stock composition and origin), opercle punch, t-tags, jaw tags, genetic (DNA) tissue samples, and/or other biological samples as needed.           ·
• Works with Stock Assessment Biologist (Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2) to plan and develop a daily/weekly schedule for the spawning ground survey crew.  Leads the spawning ground crew in daily activities and provides assistance/advice for accomplishing surveys.
• Assists the Willapa Bay Biologists in training and implementing proper protocols for spawning ground surveys (SGS) and/or marine creel surveys. Including identifying productive spawning habitat, spawning habits unique to salmonid species, various sport fishing gear and techniques used in the recreational fishery and understands the various life history stages for each salmonid species in Willapa Bay.   ·
• Downloads all GPS data on a weekly basis; creates, enters and error checks the data; assists the Stock Assessment Biologist in uploading the data into ArcGIS; assists in creating layers within ArcGIS and inspects all GPS units for proper function and accuracy .
• Keeps supervisor informed daily regarding the status of work projects and emerging issues, which may include personnel issues, scheduling complications, and other WDFW programs such as Enforcement, Habitat, and Wildlife.
• Maintains public contacts and continues positive relationships with all landowners toassist staff in gaining access to surveyed river reaches.
• Salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys are generally conducted on foot, but the use of rafts, pontoon boats, drift boat, or jet-boats may be required. Fieldwork is performed in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous.  Fieldwork is physically demanding with some surveyed reaches greater than 10+ miles per day. Walking along streams in varying weather conditions on slick surfaces, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength, agility, and ability. Trail locations to and from stream reaches may be equally as physically challenging. Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
• Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors.
• Driving to stream survey locations requires travel on state and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district. Depending upon specific project locations, the percent of travel time may fluctuate -daily. All travel will be conducted using state agency vehicles. Operators must comply with all WA driving laws and any rules forwarded by agencies, public and private landowners. Always operate vehicles in a safe manner adjusting according to road and weather conditions.

Assists in conducting recreational creel surveys in the marine area of Willapa Bay according to Region 6 District 17 Willapa Bay procedures and protocols.
The purpose is to collect data from the recreational salmon fishery in the Willapa Bay marine area. These data will be used to estimate landed catch, effort (CPUE), species origin, encounter rates of released Chinook and/or Coho, and calculate species abundance by mark type of each salmonid stock within the Willapa Bay marine area.
Tasks include:

• Operation of a motorized vessel, identifying, recording, and sampling of salmon species is required for landed salmon in the marine recreational fishery.  Data is recorded on field forms.
• Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines hatchery or wild), scale sampling (for age and origin), coded wire tags (stock composition and origin), opercle punch, t-tags, jaw tags, genetic (DNA) tissue samples, and/or other biological samples as needed.
• Assists in conducting hook and line sampling of Chinook salmon in the Willapa Bay marine area for genetic/DNA collection. Creates and maintains portable electro-anesthesia unit for biological sampling on the water in an agency vessel.
• Identifies various sport fishing gear types and techniques in the recreational marine fishery and understands various life history stages for species identification.
• Maintains accurate and timely field records to meet data and management needs. Data summarization and data entry is crucial. Assists in training other field staff. Provides input to improve data collection.
• The marine recreational creel will be conducted at the public fishing boat launches and marina locations throughout Willapa Bay. It is performed in inclement weather within varying times (days). Fieldwork is physically demanding due to long days standing and walking
• Keeps supervisor informed daily regarding the status of work projects and emerging issues, which may include personnel issues, scheduling complications, and other WDFW programs such as Enforcement, Habitat, and Wildlife.
• All travel will be conducted using state agency vehicles. Operators must comply with all WA state driving laws and any rules forwarded by agencies, public and private landowners. Always operate vehicles in a safe manner adjusting accordingly to road and weather conditions
• Maintains public contacts and continues positive relationships with the public as work involves direct contact with recreational fishermen.

Maintains operation and routine maintenance of assigned field gear, vehicles, watercraft, and other equipment.
Tasks include:

• Maintains all equipment for function and safety requirements.

Other duties as assigned to meet the district goals and objectives.

Working Conditions
The hours of work are 24/7 (non-schedule) 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required. Work hours can vary due to inclement weather, river conditions, access, and fish densities.  Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 8 – 5 work schedule. Hours over 40 per week accrues as camp time. There is no over-night work.

The primary work environment is outdoors and physically demanding.  During spawning ground surveys the job involves considerable driving and hiking into remote areas on private and public timberlands.  Walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength and agility. Lifting equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Work includes wet, slippery environment, potential loud noise, close quarters, and potential repetitive work for long periods of time.  Valid Driver’s license.

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.

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 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). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements .

Preferred Experience:

• Background in elementary biology, in-the-field salmonid identification, and spawning ground survey methodologies is required.
• Understand basic field sampling techniques, procedures and sample rates.
• The ability to clearly and concisely fill out field data forms is necessary.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, have good communication skills, and able to interact with the general public and co-workers. Work well alone or in small groups is necessary.
• Have a flexible work schedule to meet project timelines.
• Able to work in varying weather conditions.
• Sample dead fish regardless of their condition.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Washington Boaters Safety Card
• Knowledge of salmonid species, their spawning behavior, general life histories, fishery management methods, spawning ground survey methodologies, and familiarity with the geography of the Willapa Bay basin.
• Needs inter-personal skills that allow them to build and maintain good working relationships with state and federal organizations as well as with the public. These skills will be necessary to successfully address sometimes contentious issues in the field with hostile fishermen while maintaining communication, good will, and productivity among co-workers, biologists from other agencies, and the public. These skills include listening, patience, understanding, and self -control.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.  Verbal skills will be employed in communicating ideas in technical discussions with other biologists over the phone and in person. A commitment to accuracy in detail is important for recording and summarizing field notes.

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.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted 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.

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.