Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

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
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The Department of Fish & Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1) full-time permanent Scientific Technician 4 in the Fish Program, Region 6.  This position’s duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA  98563.

As the Coastal Shellfish Data Coordinator this position is primarily responsible for participating in the management of the coastal crab, shrimp, razor clam and other coastal shellfish fisheries.  Summarizing and analyzing catch, discard, and spatial marine resources data and developing recommendations for the use of those data by policy staff and fishery managers.  The primary recipients for this work include internal policy staff and fishery managers, as well as federal, tribal, and other states’ (Oregon and California) fishery managers, commercial and recreational fishers, conservation groups, and the public at large.  Specifically this position coordinates with federal, and state government entities including tribal governments; the state fish and wildlife agencies of California and Oregon; the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; and other federal, state and local agencies regarding marine fish and shellfish data issues.

This position also routinely communicates with commercial and recreational fishermen, conservation groups, and other interested parties regarding fisheries data issues.
DutiesManaging fishery data
Tasks include:
Collects, compile, track, and analyze catch data from a variety of commercial and recreational fisheries (including but not limited to: coastal Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, spot shrimp and razor clams).   This includes compiling in-season effort and harvest data and communicating that data to Washington coastal tribes, ODFW, CDFW, and NOAA.  Tracking catch data by area and recommending action as needed.  Implementing and maintaining fishery logbook programs and databases for coastal Dungeness crab. Pink shrimp, spot prawns, and other fisheries as necessary.  Preparing graphics relative to fisheries or data analysis in ArcGIS.  Maintain and regularly update agency coastal crab page.

Razor Clam Harvest Monitoring
Tasks include:
Assist in the collection of razor clam harvest data including effort, CPUE and lengths.

Coordinates Biological Sampling
Tasks include:
Coordinating (with other staff technicians) and participating in the collection of biological samples for Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, and other shellfish fisheries as necessary.  Included (but not limited to) at-sea collection of samples, processing samples in a laboratory (recording length, weight, sex, maturity data).  Act as the primary point of contact for electronic data collection of field data, by training staff in use of devices and associated software and ensuring data integrity is maintained.

Manage permitted Dungeness crab permit programs
Tasks include:
Working with agency enforcement staff, members of industry and other coastal shellfish staff to manage post-season gear recovery, pre-season gear transfer and emergency gear recovery permit programs.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Work setting will be either in the office, dockside, beach and shipboard.  40 hours a week, Monday – Friday unless otherwise scheduled.  Travel for field work and occasional meetings.  Ability to interact positively with potentially angry members of the public while explaining fishery regulations and seasons.  Ability to work on vessels in extremely rough open-ocean conditions and not be affected by motion sickness.  Ability to drive automobiles and 4×4 pickups on freeways and rural roads under all weather conditions, during daylight and dark hours.  Ability to spend long periods of time using a computer keyboard while entering data.

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

QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and five years of experience as a Scientific Technician, three years of which must be as a Scientific Technician 2 and/or 3.

OR

Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and five 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.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications
Ability to design, coordinate and execute data collection programs.
At-sea data collection training and/or experience.
Data analysis skills
Ability to perform task using geographical information (GIS) software.
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
Working knowledge and experience with Access data base and high level Excel spreadsheets

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 and competencies 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.