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 www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is for (2) two, 4–month non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 positions in the Fish Program, Marine Fish Science Unit.  The duty station is the Region 4 Mill Creek Office Annex located at 15712 Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek, WA.   Anticipated start date is May 1, 2019.

This position serves as a groundfish survey and video review technician for the Marine Fish Science (MFS) Unit. The incumbent is primarily responsible for reviewing digital photos and video collected with SD, HD, and stereo-cameras during remotely operated vehicle (ROV) groundfish surveys to: 1) collect basic biological and habitat data using established techniques; and 2) ensure the accuracy and consistency of data recorded in MS Access databases. The primary duties identified for this position are: 1) effectively and efficiently use computers and video equipment; 2) follow established video review and habitat classification protocols; and 3) accurately record and edit data in MS Access. Secondary duties include participating in groundfish and forage fish field surveys and studies as a sample technician or deckhand. Additional duties may include assisting MFS Unit staff with other fieldwork and logistics; performing maintenance tasks on field and sampling gear; summarizing data, gear maintenance activities, and records; archiving records (paper and digital formats); vehicle and vessel maintenance; general administrative tasks; assisting with report writing and editing; and other appropriate work as required to meet agency needs.
DutiesReview photos and video collected with a variety of camera equipment during ROV and other camera-based visual surveys (data entry). Error check existing datasets (QA/QC).  
Tasks include: 
Review videos to collect basic biological and habitat data to enter into a database. Effectively identify, collect, organize, and document physical and biological data according to established protocols. Work with the video review supervisor to ensure data analysis and entry is clear, efficient, and collected in ways that are most useful for subsequent analysis, and provide feedback to video review supervisor to improve established protocols. Review information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing. Use MS Access and Excel for data entry and QA/QC. Use digital video players for video conversion and review. Recognize and identify errors or discrepancies within records, take appropriate action to rectify them, and clearly document the process.

Assist MFS Unit staff with conducting field survey work (often involves overnight travel over several days).
Tasks include: 
Participate in research and monitoring activities conducted aboard WDFW and chartered research vessels, which may include ROV, hydroacoustic, plankton, SCUBA, hook-and-line, trawl, beach seine, gillnet, and fish trap surveys/studies. Operate hydraulic gear and electrical/electronic equipment onboard research vessels. May co-pilot or back up primary ROV pilot(s) as necessary during ROV surveys. Use nets, electronic scales, fish traps, scalpels, knives, preservatives, and other equipment to collect demographic and biological information on groundfish. Use microscopes and image analysis software to identify and sort plankton samples. Assist with vehicle/vessel and survey gear maintenance. Assist with vehicle and vessel logistics. Must be flexible and available for overnight travel during regularly scheduled work shifts.

Assists MFS staff unit with Outreach and Education activities
Tasks include: Participate in WDFW Outreach and education events, as needed (e.g., boat and sportsman’s shows, Seattle Aquarium Discover Science Weekend). Collect and organize presentation materials, schedule MFS staff, and coordinate logistics for said events.

Assist MFS Unit staff with library research and manuscript writing, editing, and review.
Tasks include: Use MS Office and other software to assist in writing, editing, and reviewing manuscripts; manipulate and summarize data; and create tables, charts, and graphs for reports and publications. Use the internet, library materials, and other sources to conduct research needed for reports and journal articles. Conduct research on relevant video review methods as directed.

Duty: Other duties as required.
Tasks include: General administrative tasks and other duties that support MFS Unit needs.

Working Conditions
Full time, Monday-Friday, 8-hr work days, with flexibility as appropriate to meet Department, MFS Unit, and Employee needs. During fieldwork hours will be less flexible and work days may be long. Hours in excess of 40/week will be credited as compensatory time or paid as overtime.  Office work occurs throughout the year and involves long periods of sitting at a desk reviewing photographs and videos collected during field surveys.

Periodically up to 20% of time may be spent traveling for fieldwork. Additionally, the ability to travel internationally (i.e., to Canada) for participation in collaborative work with project partners is preferred.

The primary hazard of this work is mental fatigue due to long periods of focus on video review, which is offset by providing ergonomic office equipment and regular breaks. Fieldwork can occur throughout the year and will likely be conducted in inclement weather and sea conditions. Sampling generally occurs for several weeks, followed by a period of regular office hours as collected samples are processed. Mandatory safety gear is utilized and training provided to ensure safety in the field.  Valid driver’s license is required.

Union
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by an agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Minimum of a 2-year degree from accredited community college or university with an emphasis in a biological or physical science OR equivalent education/experience.
• Experience with the identification of Puget Sound marine fish.
• Ability to travel for multiple overnight trips.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions on land and sea.
• Must be able to favorably represent the agency and effectively communicate with the general public.

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 work experience

• Experience with MS Excel and Access, or other relational databases.
• Experience adhering closely to repetitive field and laboratory protocols to ensure data validity
• Ability to travel internationally (i.e., to Canada)

Supplemental InformationTo 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.  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.