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Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Openings - Non-Perm - *04852-24

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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TWO (2) POSITIONS
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES TECHNICIAN
 SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

 

Fish Program – Fish Management Division
 Pasco, Washington – Franklin County

 

Anticipated Appointment Length: 8 Months
May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

 

Do you have a passion to protect nature from invasive species?

 

These unique roles will provide early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra/quagga mussel monitoring, and provide in-season assessment of harvest and impacts of fish.

 

Data collected by these positions will provide WDFW with the information needed to estimate harvest, impacts of sport fisheries, manage harvest in-season, complete run reconstruction (age and origin) for use in forecasting future returns, and to assess the health and origin of local natural and hatchery anadromous populations.

 

This is an opportunity to identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling methods.

 

You are excited to play a role in the protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.

 

We are seeking candidates to assist with stream surveys in the Hanford Reach/Yakima River.

 

 

Here are some things you will do in this role:


Field Sampling: 

  • Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring:
    • Survey high risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods such as collect horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows, monitor artificial substrates, conduct visual shoreline surveys, collect water quality measurements using hyrdrolab and calcium collection techniques, collect substrate sample using petite Ponar grab and collect environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
    • Data collected will be throughout Washington. 
    • Follow AIS mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
  • Stream Surveys:
    • Collect post-spawn salmon carcasses in-river by boat and along shorelines within the WDFW District 4 waters of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers.
    • Sampling protocols will follow sport fishery methods with the addition of otolith collection (aging and origin) and spawn success (egg retention). Females will be dissected to determine spawn success.
    • All carcasses will be cut in half post sampling to avoid duplicate sampling.

Office work: 

  • Follow protocols to review and accurately record AIS data into databases.
  • Organize, file, and summarize data.
  • Maintain and update schedule and calendars, complete time sheets, complete order payment form submissions and respond to emails in a timely manner.
  • Review all data collected in the field and upon returning to the office for completeness and accuracy.
  • Properly collect, package, label, and process all biological samples at the end of each shift. Samples include snouts from CWT detections, scale samples, and otolith sampling. Data will be entered into Excel databases at the end of the shift.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • Approximately 90% field and 10% office.
    • Field work is conducted on water and land. Hazards include but are not limited to inclement weather conditions, poor air quality, wildfires, and strong waves and currents. Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife including rattlesnakes, or illegal activities are possible. Work mostly as a team, but may work independently in remote locations, day, and night, walk up to 5 miles on uneven ground. Must be able to frequently relocate 75 pounds, and frequently pack 50 pounds. Work with chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil). Chemical use must be in accordance with labels and handled in a safe manner. Safely transport and operate large equipment: up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers. Responsible for use and care of vehicles, boats, equipment, PIT tag readers, and CWT wands.
    • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
  • Schedule:
    • AIS monitoring - April 16 - October 31:
      • Monday to Thursday, 10 hours per day, but will be required occasionally to exceed these hours for AIS monitoring.
      • May work outside of the normal workweek during holidays and weekends, and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  
    • Fish management - November 01 - December 31:
      • Scheduled days and hours of work will vary and will require work on all weekends and potentially on holidays (24/7). 
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Weekly statewide travel and overnight stays for up to 5 days at times.
    • AIS Monitoring and Stream Surveys will require travel and routinely working from boats.
    • State vehicles will be provided.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, and electronic software forms.
    • Complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
    • Vehicle, boats, knife, sampling and data recording supplies, CWT wand, life jacket, rain gear, gloves, waders, mask.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Interactions with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork.  Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.
    • May collect angler information on fishing times, locations, catch, and harvest in addition to biologically sampling all fish from each boat/angler.

 

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.


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.


Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • State Boater Education Card or equivalent – obtain within 1 month of hire.
  • Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
  • Completion of all State and WDFW mandatory trainings.
  • Complete training in field sampling protocols, data collection, recording, data entry, vehicle operation/maintenance, emergency action plan, and District office operations prior to the start of field sampling.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
 
Experience in:

  • Operating boats watercraft at least 15 feet in length in fresh water or marine areas.
  • Towing boats and trailers up to 25 feet in length.
  • WDFW motorboat operator’s training course or equivalent.
  • Operating computers and other electronic devices.
  • Microsoft Office, smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops.
  • Proficient in identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River.
  • Entering data into Excel and/or Access databases.


Ability to:

  • Communicate orally and in written communications effectively.
  • Develop and hold interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty.
  • Work cooperatively in a team.
  • Maintain excellent public service and develop partnerships effectively through outreach and education.
  • Manage workload effectively.

 

Certifications:

  • CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
  • Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification.

 

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 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 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 Benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types.

 

Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months.

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), and an Employee Assistance Program.

 

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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
  • 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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov. 
  • 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. 

 

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 Jayme.Chase@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 support@neogov.com.

 

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