Scientific Technician 2 - Fish Program - Career Seasonal - *14153-21



Scientific Technician 2 - Fish Program - Career Seasonal - *14153-21

Salary

$2,864.00 - $3,701.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Other, WA

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Number

2021-14153

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

11/30/2021

Closing Date

12/7/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


FULL-TIME/CAREER SEASONAL
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 (ST2)

WDFW Fish Program
Yelm, Washington

Anticipated Season Length:
7.5 Months: January 3rd - August 15th

Are you a conservationist looking to make an impact on salmon, steelhead and their natural habitats? Are you technically savvy and efficient with biological data collection and catch efforts? If so, then apply to this Scientific Technician opening!

As a Scientific Technician you’ll be a part of the Wild Salmon Production Evaluation Unit (WSPE) where you’ll operate rotary screw traps, capture fish biological data, and identify species to enumerate and mark.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (WDFW) mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. See the work WDFW is doing to plan for the future of fish and wildlife conservation in Washington.

*Steelhead – Photo Credit: Marcus Reaves

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself contributing to achieving healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations by analyzing results from monitoring major population groups of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmon and steelhead.

This is an opportunity to use a scientific mindset to inform decision making and to communicate scientific information related to abundance and productivity of ESA-listed salmon and steelhead.

This is an opportunity to conduct salmonid spawner surveys, collect fish biological data, and quality-check resources according to procedures and protocols.

We are seeking candidates who will support the WDFW mission of protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable fish and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities through habitat protection and enhancement activities.



Duties

Screw Trap – Photo Credit: WDFW Wild Stock Staff

Our Scientific Technician 2, 

  • Operates rotary screw traps continuously on the Nisqually and Deschutes Rivers.
  • Identifies juvenile salmonids to species and enumerates by age, origin, mark type and species. 
  • Externally marks a portion of the catch for release above the trapping location to estimate trapping efficiency. 
  • Collects biological data and samples from a portion of the catch of each species (length and scales samples). 
  • Records and verifies field data for accuracy; enters data into computer spreadsheets and databases. 
  • Provides weekly summaries to project lead biologists via phone, internet or in person. 
  • Operates a jet sled to get to the trap and to release marked fish.
  • Maintains agency travel trailers used for office and employee housing, inventory gear and equipment, and maintains work sites to promote project efficiency.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    1. Work is performed roughly 80% in the field – variable conditions may occur when working in high and swift water – trapping activities may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, windy, humid), insect bites/stings, thorny/spiny vegetation, and pollen. 
    2. Trap operations involve handling and lifting buckets with live fish in excess of 50 lbs., and prolonged exposure of hands and fingers to cold water (temperatures 40-50 degrees). 
  • Schedule:   
    1. Typically, work hours are non-scheduled, 40 hours per week, but will include work on most weekends, including evenings and holidays. 
    2. Flexible work schedules are required to address changing conditions, related to weather, stream flow and fish number.
  • Travel Requirements: 
    1. Overnight travel may be required.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    1. Truck, motorboat, jet sled, GPS, maps, waders, radio, electronic and manual sampling equipment (including: knives, scalpels, scissors, CWT injector, CWT detector, etc.).
    2. Weighing scales, cell phone, calculator, and computer. 
    3. Hand tools (cleaning rakes, shovels, crowbars, sledgehammers, etc.), and power tools (chain saws, drills, generators, etc.) Fish collection gear including nets, seines, weirs, and screw traps.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Frequent communication with Nisqually Indian Tribe, Centralia City Light staff, NOAA staff and Private landowners.

Qualifications

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.

    OR 

  • 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:  

  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • WDFW MOCC certified (may be obtained within 6 months of hire). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • WDFW MOCC certification or Washington State Boater's card. 


Knowledge and experience with:

  • Salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics.
  • Safe live fish handling techniques.
  • Identifying and monitoring salmonids, and lamprey spawning activity by species.
  • Operating a juvenile salmon screw trap preferably in large rivers like the Nisqually.
  • Using a jet powered skiff.
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. 

Ability to:

 

  • Identify juvenile and adult salmonids and lampreys live & dead, and other incidental catch.
  • Collect high quality biological data and complete data entry/summarization into program spreadsheets and databases.
  • Use a variety of hand tools, power tools and small engine machinery.
  • Experience communicating with the public, co-workers, and supervisor in a professional manner.

Supplemental Information

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)

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:

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.

 

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: 
 
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram


More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Please select the option below that best describes your highest level of education.
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD.
  • None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
04
Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience as a Scientific Technician 1 OR laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
  • Less than 2 years of professional experience.
  • 2 or more years of experience.
  • No experience.
05
Please BRIEFLY LIST your experience as a Scientific Technician 1 OR professional laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
06
How many months of experience do you have collecting biological data from fish?
  • I have 1 - 6 months of experience.
  • I have 6 - 12 months of experience.
  • I have 2 - 4 years of experience.
  • I have over 4 years of experience.
  • No experience.
07
Please select the types of field sampling experiences, biological sampling techniques and surveys you have performed. (Select all that apply).
  • Tagging/marking fish
  • Netting
  • Screw Trap operation
  • Port or fisheries sampling
  • Carcass sampling
  • Salmonid spawning ground surveys
  • Collection of age structures (fins, otoliths, scales & vertebrae)
  • Fish handling and measuring
  • Snout collection for coded wire tags
  • Creel
  • No experience
08
Please select the option below that best describes your professional computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Expert
  • No experience.
09
Do you have knowledge of salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics, their spawning behavior, and fishery management methods?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you have experience with operating a jet powered skiff?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you have a valid WDFW MOCC certification or Washington State Boater's card?
  • Yes
  • No
12
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Facebook
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
  • Other
13
If you selected "other" please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
14
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact