We are seeking six (6) highly motivated and experienced field technicians to work alongside a diverse team promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid population.  This opportunity is located in Pacific County.

This recruitment is for 6 non-permanent Scientific Technician 2 in the Fish Program, Region 6 – Salmon Management.  The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire, Montesano, WA.

The months vary and the length of each position:
Position 1 – June 16, 2020 – Feb 28, 2021 (8.5 months)
Position 2 – June 16, 2020 – October 15, 2020 (4 months)
Positions 3 & 4 – June 16, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2020 (6.5 months)
Positions 5 & 6 – August 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 (5 months)

Hire date will be June 1st or 16th, 2020 for four positions but the work will begin on June 20, 2020.  The last two positions will begin August 1, 2020.  Training will be required and will be conducted mid-June. Completion of service will vary depending on position.

These positions contribute to the protection and enhancement of the fish resources within the district, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities. Activities to meet the mission include: participate with on-going data collection to monitor the status and trend of fish populations within the Willapa bay watershed. These positions work closely with area biologists and may have occasional interactions with federal, public, stakeholders and/or private organizations. These positions will collect scientifically based-data that routinely is used to assess fish populations, help inform fisheries models such as forecasting and escapement estimates, all of which are part of the North of Falcon/ PFMC process.  DutiesConduct creel surveys of the recreational fishery in Willapa Bay Marine Area 2.1.   Collect information on fishing effort, catch (actual harvested), encountered data (released species), and biological data such as scales for age composition, fork length, mark status, sex identification, tissue for DNA analysis, and/or coded wire tag (CWT) recovery.

Conduct spawning ground surveys in freshwater systems within Willapa Bay.  Identifies redds and collects information on location of redd via GPS, species, and/or numbers of live and dead fish by species.  Collects biological samples such as physical data, scales for age composition, mark status, sex identification, fork length, coded wire tag recovery, otoliths, tissue for DNA analysis, and/or tissue for DNA analysis.

On-board observation of the commercial gillnet fishery within Willapa Bay to quantify salmon catch, bycatch, and incidental encounters of any other species such as sea birds and marine mammals.  Collects information on fishing times, location of fishing, catch (actual harvested), encountered data (released species), mark status of each fish / species, coded wire tag presence or absence, and collects tissue for DNA analysis.

Collect biological data from the commercial salmon fishery in Willapa Bay either in the fish house or on the dock when landing.  Biological data collected may include mark status, scales for age composition, coded wire tags, fork length, sex identification, and/or tissue for DNA analysis.

Working conditions
The primary work is in the field.  The hours of work are 24/7 (non-scheduled); 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 comp time.  Employees will be provided with a state vehicle for work travel needs.  Workdays may be long, 4 a.m. to midnight.  Weekend and holiday work may be necessary and work in adverse weather conditions is likely.

The work environment is outdoors and can be physically demanding. During recreational fishery monitoring and commercial on-board monitoring, work hours are spent standing, walking, bending, negotiating boat ramps or slippery surfaces, boarding vessels, and lifting, handling, and manipulating fish up to 40 pounds.  During spawning ground surveys, the work 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. Commercial on-board monitoring involves boarding gillnet vessels in the early morning hours and in wet conditions.  All work includes wet/slippery environment, potential loud noise, close quarters, and potential repetitive work for long periods of time.

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).

QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED, including one-year high school science and two years of experience as Scientific Technician 1, OR
Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two 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 Work Experience
Salmon identification and spawning ground survey experience is preferred.

Supplemental InformationIn order to successfully 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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

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. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

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 (for 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 (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

“As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore; we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.”

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.