Come work in the great outdoors, operate rotary screw traps, and operate in-stream Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation sites to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish ecosystems.

Assist with the operation and maintenance of smolt traps in the Methow River basin and collecting data to produce productivity estimates for steelhead and spring Chinook Salmon!

With that in mind,

Picture yourself assisting with the operation and maintenance of smolt traps in the Methow River basin and collecting data to produce productivity estimates for steelhead and spring Chinook Salmon.

In this dynamic role you will assist biologists by operating in-stream Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation sites

This is an opportunity to leverage your experience in hatchery monitoring and evaluation activities you perform to contribute to providing sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities.

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.

Crew members record data and scan for Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags in Juvenile Steelhead. Photo Credit: Danny Warren

Our Rotary Screw Trap Technicians,

Operate rotary screw traps:

• Ensure proper operation of rotary screw traps including installation and maintenance.
• Collect juvenile salmonid abundance data for estimating basin-wide natural smolt production.
• Perform identification of all species and conduct mark/recapture trials to estimate trap efficiency.
• PIT tag juvenile natural salmonid species.
• Collect biological information (length, weight, scale samples and DNA fin clips) from target and non-target taxa.
• Enter information into established databases (Microsoft Access, Excel and JMX).
• Performing quality control on the data entered.

Operate in-stream PIT tag interrogation sites and assist with other hatchery monitoring/evaluation activities:

• Install, repair, and maintain in-stream PIT tag interrogation sites.
• Conduct site visits to remove debris and ensure that antennas are working properly.
• Assist other biologists with remote PIT tagging via hook and line angling, electro-fishing, seining, etc.
• Assist with the collection and spawning of hatchery brood stock, and miscellaneous other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Smolt Trapping: a variety of working conditions are experienced during smolt trapping activities.
  • During peak workloads (March-June) night work, highly variable work schedule, overtime, and cold inclement weather can be expected.
  • It is required that you can navigate a rope-guided boat across the river to access the smolt traps during periods of high water and debris.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • Smolt traps are floating platforms that experience periods of instability and random movement and can at times be very icy.
  • There can be times of frequent noise exposure due to the operation of generators and water pumps.
  • The sampling of fish requires the use of anesthesia chemicals (MS-222) as well as concentrated alcohol for sterilization and tissue preservation.
  • Lifting and carrying buckets full of water, sometimes up and down ramps, is necessary.
  • Lifting weights of up to 75lbs. when assembling the trap.
  • At times, these duties can be mentally and physically demanding, particularly in the spring during periods of high fish abundance and high river discharge.
  • Maintaining PIT Tag Interrogation Sites:
  • Work to maintain interrogation sites can vary from fixing electrical issues, removing debris from antennas, and carrying large and heavy objects to site locations.
  • Travel to some sites may require snowshoes.
  • Sampling Tasks:
  • There will be work performed in a hatchery setting during brood stock collection and spawning activities.
  • Some brood stock collection may be performed at Wells Dam, which requires the use of PPE such as long pants, close-toed footwear, and a hard hat, often during very hot and sunny conditions.
  • Trapping activities at the dam and hatchery create the need for increased safety near exposed raceways and fish ladder facilities.
  • Remote PIT tagging efforts will require proper and safe operation of electro-fishing equipment.

• Schedule:
  • Work hours are typically 40 hours per week – during peak work periods, working nights, weekends, and holidays will be required.
  • The night schedule is usually 22:00 to 7:00 for 4 nights followed by a 19:00 to 23:00 shift.
  • The daytime schedule can vary based on your assigned duties.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel is required to field locations throughout the watershed to accomplish project duties.

• Tools and Equipment:
  • In office setting requires use of computers, laptops, copiers, software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Field equipment includes power tools, water pumps, generators, computers, GPS units, sampling equipment (CWT detectors, PIT tag readers, knives, scissors, sharp needles, tweezers, use of tricaine methane sulfonate (ms-222), etc.), electro-fishing equipment, and snowshoes.
  • Safety equipment such as PFD’s, hearing protection, hard hats, throw ropes, life rings, etc.
  • Waders and boots, lifejackets, hard hats, and other equipment necessary for field work including dry-suits, neoprene gloves, and other protective equipment will be provided.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with supervisors and technicians within unit, as well as professionals from state, federal, county, tribal, private organizations, and the public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

Please Note: 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.

Certifications/Licenses:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Working knowledge and experience identifying and collecting biological data from migratory Pacific salmonids as well as local non-target taxa.
• Experience working on rotary screw traps, PIT tagging fish.
• Competency using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

• 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 NOTE:

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:

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 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.

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.

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