Wildlife Health Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - *01801-25

Title- Wildlife Health Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the conservation of Washington’s wildlife? Join our team and play a key role in wildlife disease and mortality investigations!

The Wildlife Veterinary Technician will be responsible for organizing data gathered from wildlife disease and mortality investigations and coordinating the flow of crucial information to Wildlife managers concerning potentially significant wildlife health issues.

In this dynamic role, you will support the wildlife laboratory, manage biological samples, and assist in animal capture, handling, monitoring, and sample collection in the field.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Health Technician will,

Coordinate Wildlife Disease and Mortality Investigations:

• Respond to requests for information and reports concerning sick and/or dead wildlife.
• Determine the need for further investigation or provide guidance for appropriate disposal or action.
• Coordinate sample submission and testing with staff and outside laboratories per directions from the wildlife veterinarian.

Coordinate Wildlife Health Data:

• Maintain the database for storing wildlife health, capture, and biological sample information.
• Enter data, provide summarized data, and prepare basic reports.

General Wildlife Health Unit Facility Maintenance and Clerical Support:

• Clean and organize wildlife laboratory, walk-in cooler and freezer, and storage areas.
• Complete paperwork associated with purchasing, training, and routine activities.

Assist the Veterinarian with Annual Wildlife Capture Training for WDFW Staff:

• Assist with arranging suitable training facilities.
• Maintain training records and submit documentation of staff training.

Assist the Veterinarian with Wildlife Captures:

• Order necessary supplies (such as injections, ear tags, swabs, tubes, and culture media) and assemble wildlife capture kits.
• Assist the wildlife veterinarian and other staff with animal capture, handling, monitoring, and sample collection.
• Safely dispose of used sharps and other medical waste.

Manage Biological Samples:

• Package and ship samples from disease investigations and animal captures to various labs for disease investigations or routine health surveillance.
• Maintain an organized sample storage system.
• Use appropriate personal protection equipment (such as masks, respirators, and gloves) when indicated for handling animal carcasses or specimens.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily occurs in an office or laboratory setting, with occasional field work for extended periods of time. Load and transport equipment and gear and frequent light to moderate lifting (weighing up to 40 lbs.). Move heavier weights (such as deer carcasses) using hoist equipment. Work during inclement weather, in difficult terrain, and with potentially diseased or dangerous animals. Safely handle contaminated sharps (needles, darts, and scalpel blades) and other medical waste. Wildlife Health Unit support tasks include having vehicles and trailers serviced and cleaned, cleaning the laboratory and associated workspaces, and packaging and shipping diagnostic specimens and sampling supplies.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend, early morning, and evening work, including overnight stays. Occasionally assist with emergency wildlife disease or capture situations.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout Washington State, up to 20% of the time. Includes overnight stays (hotel/motel and camping).

Tools and Equipment: Operate motor vehicles in field situations. Phone, computer, centrifuge, autoclave, trucks, trailers, sampling tools (such as needles, scalpels, knives), and personal protection equipment including respirator.

Customer Interactions: Interact with public interest groups in the field and in meetings. Daily interactions with customers (such as WDFW staff, staff from other agencies, and members of the general and hunting public).

Other: May be required to assist with euthanizing animals using methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Must obtain and maintain medical clearance to wear a respirator and be willing to wear a respirator as job conditions require.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience with:

• Capturing wildlife.
• Conducting wildlife disease surveillance.
• Collecting and handling biological tissues for disease testing.
• Customer service, which includes providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.
• Responding to inquiries related to wildlife disease issues.

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01801.

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