Job Description

Description

TWO (2) OPENINGS

FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
HATCHERY MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) TECHNICIAN
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

Fish Program - Hatcheries Division

Ridgefield, Washington - Clark County

Anticipated Appointment Length: 6 Months

September 18, 2023 - March 16, 2024

The current duty station is Ridgefield, however, we are also considering duty stations in Cathlamet, Woodland, Kalama, and Salkum as possible duty station locations.

These positions conduct field work associated with sampling and biological data collection on Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, pink salmon, steelhead, and trout within the Lower Columbia River Basin Hatchery Complexes.

Participate in hatchery evaluation and monitoring activities at multiple collection locations and hatchery facilities.

Sampling Chinook carcass - Photo Credit: Danny Warren

In this dynamic role, you will conduct hatchery evaluation bio-sampling of salmon and steelhead.

With your experience, you will scan all spawned fish with coded wire tag (CWT) detection wand and collect scale samples from a proportion of spawned fish.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, assisting supervisory biologists with data requests and summarizes collected data for monthly and annual report preparation.

Duties

Chinook salmon spawning - Photo Credit: Rachel Blomker

Here is some of what you will be doing:

Hatchery Broodstock Biological Sampling:

• Collects bio-sampling at hatchery spawning events.
• Utilizing a knife to cut and collect fish snouts from CWT positive broodstock carcasses. Collect other biological samples, scales, otoliths, etc. as necessary.
• Electronic data capture by entering real-time data into dataloggers and PDAs
• Capturing, identifying, enumerating, handling, and tagging and/or marking salmonids (juveniles and adults) at or near hatchery facilities for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Conduct run-evaluation sampling of salmon and steelhead per programmatic objectives and for fishery management:

• Organizes and conducts pre-release length/weight sampling of juvenile salmonids throughout the basin, and coordinates with hatchery, fish health, and tribal staff to ensure all sampling is conducted according to established protocols.
• Collecting broodstock for established enhancement and hatchery programs.
• Works closely with M&E Tech 3, hatchery staff, M&E Biologists, and district/area biologists for coordination of field activities, scheduling, and communicating with stakeholders on broodstock collection goals, etc.
• Entering data into dataloggers and PDAs.

Database Management and Data Entry:

• Collect field data using electronic devices (e.g., Panasonic TOUGHPAD3 or Apple iPad).
• Accurately records and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Uses a computer to enter data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases.

Spawning Ground and Carcass Surveys:

• Conducts adult salmonid spawning ground stream surveys following established protocols.
• Identifies and enumerates adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 90% of the time, work is performed in a non-office environment. Sampling/tagging adult salmonids in a fish hatchery or streamside setting, sometimes with strong odors. Conducting spawning ground surveys.
• Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to extreme weather conditions, wet/slippery footing, walk in and along streams and swift waters up to six (6) miles per day, climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Must be able to lift (with or without assistance, as needed) large, dead fish (typically up to 30 lbs).
• Repetitively carry loads up to 30 pounds short distances over rough terrain.
• Must accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long work hours.
• Schedule:

• 24/7, non-scheduled.
• There is no set schedule for these positions. These positions may work weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays.
• Travel Requirements:

• Most of the duties are conducted in the field away from the duty station.
• Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations is required with either a departmental issued vehicle or personal vehicle.
• Overnight travel may be required as part of the job.
• Tools and Equipment:

• Normal hand and carpentry tools, gaffs, machetes, winches and pulleys, 4x4 vehicles, boat and motors, GPS\'s, Apple iPads, Garmin inReach, Panasonic TOUGHPAD, PIT readers, CWT detection devices.
• Customer Interactions:

• Interacting with the public, personnel from other state agencies, co-managers, and local landowners.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or GED including one 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 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 will substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the course work includes at least 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:

• Valid driver\'s license (driving record abstract may be requested at time of interview).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
• Completion of basic CPR and first aid trainings and required agency and state trainings within one month of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to identify salmonids, both adult and juvenile forms.
• Ability to identify salmonid redds.
• Knowledge of fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Knowledge of fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Knowledge of CWT and PIT tag detector operation.
• Ability to operate handheld GPS and data logger devices.
• Ability to attain basic CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to work a shifting schedule.
• Ability to work alone and/or with others.
• Ability to do basic functions in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
• Basic operation of a personal computer.
• Ability to accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long work hours.

Supplemental Information

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

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at 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 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:

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our and the 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

. * Subject line must 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

. * Subject line must 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 .

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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email JaymeChase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 .

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Cheri Weld, at . Please reference 2023-11084 in the subject line.

Follow us on social media:
| |

Washington State