Scientific Technician 1 - Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Project - Non-Permanent - *13922-21
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
SCIENIFIC TECHNICIAN 1
PYGMY RABBIT RECOVERY PROJECT
Wildlife Program
Ephrata, Washington
Anticipated Appointment Length:
9 Months: December 1st – August 31st
Do you have a passion to help endangered species? Would you enjoy assisting in the efforts to reintroduce a self-sustaining population of pygmy rabbits, one of the largest endangered species recovery efforts in Washington State?
Under the supervision of the project coordinator, this position will assist in efforts to maintain a semi-wild breeding population and translocation of pygmy rabbits into the wild.
In this role, you will conduct field surveys to determine survivorship, abundance, and distribution of free-ranging pygmy rabbits.
Recently Rescued Pygmy Rabbit – Photo Credit – Kourtney Stonehouse
With that in mind,
This is an opportunity to collect biological samples and data in support of ongoing research in genetic analysis and disease monitoring.
With your experience, you will organize capture equipment and assist with directing interns and volunteers during capture events.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, and look forward to helping other Wildlife Program activities in need of support, including surveys, capture/banding, and habitat assessment/restoration.
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.
Pygmy Rabbit – Photo Credit: Jon Gallie
Our Scientific Technician,
- Captures/traps animals within breeding enclosures or the wild, collects biological samples and data, then translocates them to designated release sites.
- Performs field surveys for pygmy rabbit burrows on recovery areas, following established protocols and predominately in winter conditions.
- Deploys and monitors game cameras.
- Assesses shrubsteppe habitat.
- Constructs and maintains breeding enclosures, release pens, and capture equipment with use of hand tools.
- Conducts disease monitoring: sample collection and preparation, microscopy analysis, data recording following protocols.
- Provides supplemental feed and medicinal treatment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is primarily in the field in shrubsteppe habitat, in all weather conditions.
- Fieldwork includes frequent heavy lifting (up to 40lbs), walking/snowshoeing up to 10 miles a day in rough terrain, and bending/stooping.
Schedule:
- Typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.
Tools and Equipment:
- Hand tools, 4x4 pickup trucks, ATV, snowshoes, and snowmobile.
Customer Interactions:
- Regular interaction with partners and volunteers, occasional interaction with private landowners in the field.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED, including one (1) year of high school science.
Licenses:
- Valid driver’s license.
Experience with:
- Wildlife survey techniques.
Ability to:
- Collect spatial data with GPS units and mobile devices.
- Work in remote field sites.
- Use navigation systems.
- Hike/Snowshoe in strenuous winter conditions.
- Work well in a team setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Wildlife handling, capture, and sample collection.
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
- Snowmobile/ATV experience.
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.
Follow us on social media: