Pinniped Survey & Sampling Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Positions - Project - *07761-24
TWO (2) POSITIONS
FULL-TIME/PROJECT
PINNIPED SURVEY AND SAMPLING TECHNICIAN
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2
Wildlife Program – Wildlife Science Division
Lakewood, Washington – Pierce County
Anticipated Project Length: 17 Months
August 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
The mission of WDFW is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
These project positions will work in the inland marine waters of Washington State, collecting samples and data for diet and population studies of pinnipeds.
In these dynamic roles, you will collect pinniped abundance and diet data to estimate consumption of salmon by harbor seals in Hood Canal and South Puget Sound.
We are seeking candidates to assist with pinniped sample collection and the handling of pinnipeds during capture and tagging.
Duties:
Here are some things you will do in this role:
Collect Pinniped Scat Samples:
- Collects pinniped scats at haulout sites following field sampling protocols.
- Records data in the field for tracking scat collection, including date, time, scat condition, etc.
- Follows protocols for transport and storage of scat samples prior to processing in the lab.
Conduct Pinniped Counts in the Field:
- Counts pinnipeds at haulout sites on land and by boat using various methods including binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras, and/or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Acts as a visual observer while other staff pilot UAVs for pinniped counts.
- Records data in the field for pinniped counts, including date, time, tide state, etc.
- Collects photographs for pinniped counts and photo ID.
Process Samples in the Lab:
- Follows standardized protocols to process scat samples in preparation for hard part and DNA analyses.
- Employs proper PPE and safety protocols while conducting lab work.
- Cleans, organizes, and maintains lab and equipment.
Assist with Pinniped Captures:
- Aids in the capture of pinnipeds using a variety of net-based methods.
- Assists with the handling of pinnipeds during sample collection and tagging.
- Cleans, organizes, and maintains capture equipment and vehicles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Work Setting, including hazards:
- Primary field work in and around rivers, estuaries, and nearshore marine waters walking up to 3 miles on rugged often slippery/uneven terrain in and out of water and carrying sampling equipment up to 35 lbs. Variable temperature and weather may be encountered in the field such as heavy rain, snow, fog, and both hot and cold conditions.
- A great deal of time will be spent in a vehicle driving to each sampling locations.
- Regular boating required including trailering, launching, recovering, and boating in boats up to 20’ in length in Washington’s inland marine waters.
- Requires capture and handling of large and potentially dangerous wild animals.
- There will be periodic computer work at a WDFW office. Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at a computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
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Schedule:
- Typically, work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm.
- Weekends, non-consecutive days off, night work, and occasional long hours required to meet field sampling schedules.
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Travel Requirements:
- Travel is required from assigned duty station to field sampling sites. Technicians may cover a large spatial area daily to survey and collect samples. Agency automobiles will be provided. A personal vehicle may be used with mileage reimbursement if authorized.
- Overnight travel may be required for back-to-back days of field sampling based on tidal conditions.
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Tools and Equipment:
- Agency will provide trucks, required field gear (hat, waders/boots), sampling gear (PFD, tablet or sampling notebook, scat sampling equipment, UAV), laptop, and cell phone.
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Customer Interactions:
- Must be able to communicate effectively with members of the public while conducting fieldwork, as well as with other WDFW staff, WA State Parks staff, National Wildlife Refuge Staff, and tribal staff.
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.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
- Demonstrated ability to accurately collect and record scientific data in the field.
- Experience collecting biological samples in the field and processing them in a laboratory setting including safe use of chemicals.
- Capability to identify and distinguish between harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions.
- Experience operating and trailering small boats.
- Pinniped capture and handling experience.
- Commitment to promoting a culture of safety and respect within a teamwork setting, including following all agency safety guidelines and policies.
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.