SIX (6) OPENINGS
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2
WDFW Fish Program

Tumwater, Washington

Anticipated Appointment Lengths (with possibility for extension):

3.5 months: August 1st, 2021 – November 15th, 2021 (3 positions)

3.5 months: August 16th, 2021 – November 30th, 2021 (3 positions) 

PLEASE NOTE: This job is posted until August 5, 2021.  We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible - the first review of applications will be July 29, 2021. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made. 

Embrace the tradition of stewardship and become part of a dynamic and diverse team that is invested in making a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s salmon and their native habitats!

Our Scientific Technicians will be responsible for collecting creel data from the recreational salmon fisheries on the Nisqually and Puyallup rivers. Technician data will be used to evaluate Catch Record Card derived fishery impact estimates.

With that in mind,

Picture yourself assisting with monitoring the health and diversity of the salmon species population.

This is an opportunity to gather and provide essential information that is needed to assess the status of different stocks of these populations for conservation and to help maintain sustainable recreational and commercial fisheries.

The optimal applicants will have a positive can-do attitude when working directly with the public in a variety of circumstances; they will collect/sample data and are eager to work hard and have fun in an environment where there's never a dull moment.

We are seeking candidates who respect and value the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.

Our Scientific Technicians,

Perform angler interviews. Tasks include:

• Conducting interviews with boat and shore anglers on/near the river.
• Recording all data onto hard-copy interview forms.

Conduct effort counts. Tasks include:

• Traveling to multiple field sites on the river.
• Observing the number of vehicles and boat trailers that are present and record data onto effort count forms.

Complete biological data collection. Tasks include:

• Identifying and sampling salmon harvested by anglers.
• Recording biological data (species, length, sex, mark status, etc.) onto creel forms, scale cards, and head tags.
• Collecting samples from harvested salmon (scales, snouts with coded wire tags, tissues, and otoliths).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:   

• Standing, walking, and driving on uneven and rough terrain.
• Work may occur near fast flowing water.
• Operating vehicles and standing near busy parking areas and roadways.
• Handling knives and dead fish, carrying all sampling equipment on oneself.
• May be subjected to outdoor elements – variable weather (e.g., rain and wind), cold and hot temperatures.
• Might encounter insects and wild animals.

Schedule:  

• Four, 10-hour work shifts (two weekday and two weekends).
• Randomized study schedule days.

Travel Requirements:

• Use of a personal vehicle for travel from assigned duty station to the field site (agency vehicles are not available).

Tools and Equipment:

• CWT wand, filet knife, measuring tape, forceps/tweezers, scale cards.
• Head bags and tags, data forms, boots, rain gear, high-vis vests, and WDFW logo hat/shirt.

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts and communicates information to the public (on and near the river) – these interactions may occur with unhappy individuals who may hold negative feelings toward the department.
• Conducts interviews with anglers and communicates information to them.
• May encounter or be approached by law enforcement and military personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

       OR

• Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years or laboratory of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies 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.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Job knowledge and experience:

• Identifying and sampling salmonids and inland fish species.
• Interpreting and applying sportfishing regulation.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

In 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.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

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. (ASPIRE)

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION - WAFWP:

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.

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.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram