Raptor Survey Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2 Openings - *13717-24
Title- Raptor Survey Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment/Season Length- 4 months – March 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- Pasco, Washington – Franklin County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Envision yourself searching for and identifying raptors to support Ferruginous Hawk survey efforts.
These are opportunities to assist with wildlife surveys and management efforts for other priority shrubsteppe species, such as ground squirrels and burrowing owls.
The critical survey data you will collect will directly contribute to wildlife management actions and species recovery goals.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Raptor Survey Technician will,
Conduct wildlife surveys for shrubsteppe species including Ferruginous Hawks:
- Conduct Ferruginous Hawk nesting surveys following established protocols.
- Work independently to access survey sites by truck, hiking several miles over rocky, uneven terrain using handheld GPS.
- Observe nesting sites for up to 2 hours to determine occupancy.
- Identify other raptor species and nests during surveys.
- Perform ground squirrel surveys by navigating pre-defined grid cells along transects using GPS, listening for high-pitched calls, and looking for signs.
- Expect steep terrain, rocky slopes, and spiky plants.
- Collect and enter accurate data using GPS, cell phone apps, and datasheets.
- Properly maintain field equipment.
Conduct monitoring and habitat work for species of concern:
- Project opportunities may include site maintenance for burrowing owls and artificial burrows, monitoring ground squirrel locations, or working with other species of concern.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Fieldwork occurs in remote shrubsteppe environments, involving vehicle and foot access over difficult terrain, including steep, rocky, and slippery slopes.
- Hike up to three (3) miles off-trail with a backpack that weights up to 20 lbs.
- Work in variable weather, including heavy rain, fog, and extreme heat.
- Drive on unimproved roads using 4x4 vehicles.
- Periodic computer work at the WDFW office.
Schedule:
Typically, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional long days required.
Travel Requirements:
Travel from the duty station in Pasco to work locations. Some training or work in other parts of Washington will require overnight stays for short periods and may occur rarely.
Tools and Equipment:
Handheld GPS, spotting scope, Garmin inReach, binoculars, 4-Wheel Drive trucks, and smart phone.
Customer Interactions:
Much of the work will be conducted on private lands. The technicians will represent WDFW, maintaining professionalism and ensuring positive interactions with landowners and the public.
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.
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 six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- At least three (3) months of experience working on a moderately strenuous field-based wildlife project.
- Demonstrated ability to properly identify raptors (birds of prey) both in flight and perched.
- Previous experience conducting raptor surveys or hawk counts.
- Proficiency in wildlife identification and survey methods.
- Experience using GPS and mobile devices for spatial data collection.
- Ability to navigate off-trail in rugged terrain using a handheld GPS.
- Attention-to-detail with experience in data collection and management.
- Ability to use binoculars and spotting scopes.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
- At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
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
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.
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:
- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.
-
Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
- Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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.
Request an accommodation: 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.
Technical Difficulties: 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.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13717.