• Non-permanent appointments are funded through June 30, 2023.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's stated mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Conduct steelhead spawning ground surveys in the Samish River Basin, reviewing video camera footage, operating and reviewing data from a sonar system, marking fish and resighting or recapturing them via snorkeling and angling surveys.

PIT tagging juvenile steelhead – Photo credit: Danny Warren

With that in mind,

Picture yourself, as an essential contributor to the agency’s Mission of sound stewardship of fish resources.

The optimal applicants demonstrate proficiency and creativity in computer skills related to data entry, manipulation, and word processing.

You are excited to work effectively as part of a team, and help create a workplace that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are seeking a candidate who models WDFW agency ASPIRE values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Empathy.

PIT tagging juvenile steelhead – Photo credit: Danny Warren

Our Stock Assessment Technician,

Acts as a spawning ground/stream surveyor:

• Conduct salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys on foot and using rafts or boats.
• Identifies and counts live and dead salmonids by species.
• Identify and count, mark, and waypoint salmonid redds by species.
• Clearly and concisely record data collected during surveys using paper and electronic methods.

Conducts Biological Sampling:

• Collect and document all species caught at a weir.
• Collect biological samples from salmon and steelhead including but not limited to taking DNA and scale samples for age determination, length measurements, determination of sex and noting marks or tags for hatchery/natural spawner origin determination.
• Mark all steelhead with a PIT tag and floy tag.

Conducts video and SONAR studies to estimate adult abundance:

• Deploy and maintain video and SONAR equipment.
• Maintain and organize SONAR imagery data.
• Reviewing video clips of movement past a video camera to record the species, length and sex of each fish.
• Review SONAR imagery data to record information about every fish-like image including date and time, length, and direction of movement.
• Organize and archive raw data into prescribed electronic or written form.

Conducts stream surveys to estimate adult abundance:

• Snorkel rivers to identify and count fish, collect fish, and deploy field gear.
• Use hook and line to capture and sample adult salmonids and steelhead.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • All weather conditions, from dry and hot to extreme cold and snow. Primarily field work in rivers and streams walking up to ten (10) miles in rugged terrain in and out of the water, floating in rafts or boats in variable flow and weather conditions and weather while carrying gear. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast flowing water.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • Hazards include strains, sprains, breaks, scratches, lacerations, infections, animal encounters and drowning.
  • Office work may consist of long sedentary periods and eye strain from computer screens.
• Schedule:
  • Eight (8) hours per day, Monday - Friday, although occasional split shifts, overtime, overnight weekend and/or holiday hours may be assigned.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent local travel to field sites is required
• Tools and Equipment:
  • The following is provided for sampling duties: iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors. This position is provided a PFD.
  • The following clothing is supplied: WDFW apparel, gloves, and rain gear. Copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
  • Interacts with the public during data collection, and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, as well as agency programs and activities.
  • Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public.
  • Work includes possible contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated.
  • Liaison to regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

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.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• A valid Driver’s License is required.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
• Proven ability to safely operate a raft/pontoon boat in whitewater conditions.
• Completion of WDFW snorkeling training and certification, with completion within 3 months of hire and renewal expected annually.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background in biology and experience in the natural resources field
• Able to follow data collection and data entry protocols and to collect high quality biological data
• Able to maintain focus and quality of data while performing repetitive tasks on the computer, experience with Microsoft Word and Excel computer software programs
• Strong work ethic, able to take initiative and to work independently with little oversight.
• Strong inter-personal communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to work well with a wide variety of people.
• Experience identifying, handling, and biologically sampling salmonids
• Able to follow safety protocols and use judgement in the field to maintain a safe working environment
• Experience operating a raft/pontoon in a variety of stream flow conditions including whitewater
• Comfortable in and around water, and able to swim

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 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

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:

• 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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