Scientific Technician 2 - Stream Survey Technician - Career Seasonal - *13548-21
FULL-TIME/CAREER SEASONAL
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2
STREAM SURVEY TECHNICIAN
WDFW Fish Program
Forks, Washington
Anticipated Career Seasonal Appointment Length:
7 Months: December 1st – June 30th
Become part of a dynamic and diverse team that is invested in making a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid populations.
Thrive on building collaboration and teamwork while gathering data necessary to complete run reconstruction for use in forecasting future returns, and to assess the health and origin of local natural and hatchery Salmon populations.
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, then apply today and join the WDFW Team!
*Marking Fall Chinook Redds – Photo Credit – Danny Warren
With that in mind,
Picture yourself boating down the rivers of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and North Coast while looking for salmon and steelhead redds, and the opportunity to collect post-spawn samples.
This is an opportunity to collect and gather data in the field that will assist WDFW’s mission for fish management with other local, state, and federal agencies.
The optimal applicant has strong communication skills and previous experience with salmon/steelhead spawning ground surveys, and knowledge of the salmonid species found in North Coast watersheds.
We are seeking a candidate who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.
*Spawning Surveys – Photo Credit: Sean Hommestaad
Our Stream Survey Technician 2,
- Uses established procedures to conduct salmonid redd count surveys within selected stream reaches of Clallam and West Jefferson counties, near the town of Forks.
- Conducts surveys on foot and/or by raft.
- Accurately records live and dead fish counts.
- Samples carcasses for scales, DNA tissue samples, otoliths, coded wire tags (CWTs), and other biological samples if needed.
- Maintains accurate field records.
- Drives a state vehicle to stream survey locations via state and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district.
- Contacts private landowners, Olympic National Park (ONP) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for permission to gain access to land and acquires gate keys to gain access to survey sections.
- Collects daily spawner data, including redd counts and GPS data.
- Prepares daily data summaries and enters raw data in spreadsheets and databases.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is primarily outdoors, is physically demanding/strenuous, work is often done in inclement weather, within varying stream flows.
- Considerable hiking approximately 3 – 5 miles per day and up to 15 miles on occasion, walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft (i.e. raft, hard side drift boat, and pontoon boat), considerable driving, and requires moderate strength and agility. Occasionally lifting equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
Schedule:
- Typical seasonal appointment is October 1 – June 30, 40 hours per week, weekend/evening work may be required, and work is non-scheduled
- Work hours may vary due to inclement weather, length of daylight, and river conditions.
Travel Requirements:
- Some travel may be required and is typically local or regional to conduct business or attend trainings.
Tools and Equipment:
- Waders, wading staff, GPS, radios, CWT wants, knives, and forceps.
Customer Interactions:
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with biologists from tribes and other public and private agencies to promote exchange of information. Provide daily reports of observations and project status to supervisor and/or other WDFW biologists.
- Frequent contact with constituents (clients) including some who may be frustrated.
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 of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Please note:
- College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute, year for year, for experience.
- Volunteer work or past experience with state or federal agencies in technical field positions will be evaluated, and credit given, on a case-by-case basis.
Skills and Abilities:
- Clearly and concisely fill out field data forms.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid driver’s license.
- First Aid/CPR certification – must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Background in elementary biology and knowledge of Pacific salmonid biology.
- Previous experience with salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys.
- Knowledge of the salmonid species present in North Coast watersheds, their spawning behavior, general life histories, and fishery management methods.
- Familiarity with the geography of the North Coast area waters.
- Experience paddling watercraft, such as rafts or hard-sided drift boats.
- Experience wading in rivers and/or floating rivers in various watercraft.
- Background in fish hatchery procedures.
- The ability to complete field data forms accurately and to follow oral and written instructions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with the public, including the occasional frustrated fisherman.
- Good field observation skills, good handwriting skills for recording field notes, and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel computer software programs.
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:
On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here: Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
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.
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
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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.
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