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.

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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  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 full-time Scientific Technician 3 in the Fish Program, Coastal Shellfish Unit.  The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA.  98563.

This position’s primary responsibility is to collect biological and fishery data from the coastal commercial Dungeness crab necessary for the management of this fishery. In addition, this position acts as the lead technician in carrying out of all aspects of the spot shrimp management plan, including development of annual spot shrimp permits (required in addition to the agency issued limited entry license), scheduling of all biological sampling and commuincation with all license holders. DutiesPort and at-sea collection of critical Dungeness crab biological data
Tasks include:
Independently monitor commercial landings for Dungeness crab, pink shrimp and spot shrimp through regular communication with Individual fishers and fish buyers. Determine which vessels are fishing and anticipate when they will land their catch. Also, build positive relationships with commercial fishers and arrange for regular at-sea sampling trips on board commercial vessels to collect key Dungeness crab biological data needed by managers to make important decisions re: imposition of fishery restrictions. Collect logbooks from vessel captains either at time of landing or soon after. Enter and summarize catch data, biological information and logbook entries into existing databases and spreadsheets. Submit timely bi-weekly summaries to fishery managers during the summer Dungeness crab fishery.  biological and fishery data from the coastal commercial Dungeness crab and shrimp fisheries to meet monthly sampling goals and management priorities. Ensure all individual species collected for sampling are is done so in a random and unbiased fashion and is accurate and complete. For Dungeness crab, sampling includes collecting sex, length and very important shell condition information using the subjective shell “flex” test (requires experience to correctly and consistently differentiate between “slightly” flexible, “moderately” flexible and “very” flexible.) Maintain knowledge of current fishery regulations. Disseminate new regulations or alert industry to anticipated changes. Educate industry as needed to ensure compliance with regulations; notify enforcement with non-compliance issues. Keep agency fishery managers up to date on fishery status and input from industry members.

Carry Out Spot Shrimp Management Plan.
Tasks include:
Each year, before December 1, provide WDFW Licensing Division with new versions of the WDFW Spot Shrimp Permit with any changes made by fishery managers. Act as the point-of-contact listed in the permit for the required 24 hour notice of landing and then be present at as many landings as possible to collect biological data. Process all spot shrimp biological samples in a timely fashion by collecting length and sex information (requires experience as determining the sex of pink and spot shrimp requires close visual inspection of the second pleopod using a microscope.). Collect required logbooks and ensure timely entry of all logbooks in the Access database. Maintain knowledge of current fishery regulations. Disseminate new regulations or alert industry to anticipated changes. Educate industry as needed to ensure compliance with regulations; notify enforcement with non-compliance issues. Keep agency fishery managers up to date on fishery status and input from industry members.

Assist razor clam staff with annual stock assessment work, recreational harvest data, and collecting DOH samples.
Tasks include:
Understand priorities in order to work with other projects as time allows. Communicate and coordinate schedules with other shellfish staff. Assist with razor clam stock assessment and the collection of razor clam harvest data including effort, CPUE, and lengths. Always follow appropriate safety practices while conducting field sampling, following established methods. Collect DOH samples at various beaches as necessary. Visit local schools to educate children about razor clams, crab and other local wildlife.

Operate and maintain equipment used in collecting data.
Tasks include:
Ensure that equipment is available and functions properly when needed. Follow appropriate safety practices while conducting fieldwork, working in the laboratory and using equipment and tools. Inspect equipment and tools to ensure a safe and proper operation. Clean and store equipment for long life and proper working order. Recommend equipment needs and replacement as necessary

Perform complex biological analyses on razor clam samples for the condition index study and processing of pink shrimp samples.
Tasks include:
Collect razor clam samples at the Copalis reserve site.  Works closely with supervisor in the lab perform microscopic observations on razor clams to identify sex and maturity.
Assists with pink shrimp by collecting length and sex information (requires experience as determining the sex of pink and spot shrimp requires close visual inspection of the second pleopod using a microscope.)

Working Conditions:
Workday often starts very early hours and work very late night.  Readily interact with the public while working in the field, providing basic information regarding fish resources. Be able to knowledgably describe agency fishery regulations and management decisions. Be willing and capable of interacting with unreasonable or possibly angry people while still maintaining personal safety.  Travel overnight (for several days at a time) to other parts of the state for sampling purposes.
Ability to lift and carry up to 65 pounds on an intermittent basis throughout an 8-hour workday.  Ability to work in adverse weather conditions (fog, wind, rain, etc.) on land or off a marine vessel platform.  Ability to work on vessels in extremely rough open-ocean conditions and not be affected by motion sickness. Ability to fly in a small airplane periodically for up to 2 hours.  Ability to sit at a computer workstation for long periods entering data.  Ability to drive automobiles on freeways and rural roads under all weather conditions, and during daylight and nighttime hours.   Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Union:
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

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and four years of experience as a Scientific Technician, or Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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 or environmental science classes

Preferred Qualifications:
At-sea experience on a commercial fishing vessel.

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
• Three professional references

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions may 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.
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 (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 (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.