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Weir Trap & Fish Sampling Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - *11365-24

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Working Title- Weir Trap and Fish Sampling Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 8.5 Months – October 1, 2024 – June 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Dayton, Washington – Columbia County
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

 
Expand your knowledge and experience in fishery sampling through fish trap operation, fish tagging, and refining your data collection abilities!
 
Support WDFW’s conservation efforts by collecting, analyzing, and reporting vital data on multiple Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed steelhead and Chinook populations.
 
In this dynamic role, you will travel within Southeast Washington to install, operate, and maintain fish traps, complete stream surveys, and assist in spawning activities.
 
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Weir Trap and Fish Sampling Technician will,
 
Perform adult and juvenile salmonid weir/trap construction, installation, daily maintenance, and data collection:

  • Check adult and juvenile fish traps daily.
  • Accurately collect and record physical and biological (species, size, and scale samples) data and field observations.
  • Safely handle and anesthetize adult and juvenile Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonids and other fish species.
  • Perform passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging of adult and juvenile salmonids.
  • Format and upload/download passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag data to regional databases.

Assist colleagues at the Snake River Lab:

  • Participate in weekly spawning activities at Lyons Ferry Hatchery during fall Chinook spawning.
  • Conduct spawning ground and carcass fall Chinook surveys in the Lower Tucannon River.
  • Retrieve and read Coded Wire Tags (CWT) and conduct scale and otolith sampling.

Perform various fish sampling:

  • Conduct spawning ground surveys for spring Chinook or summer steelhead.
  • Participate in hook and line sampling of residual hatchery steelhead.
  • Support the Lyons Ferry Hatchery with egg picking, raceway setup, and PIT tagging activities.
  • Identify fish and collect biological data at the Lower Granite Dam fish trap.

 
Working Conditions:
 
Work Setting, including hazards: Fieldwork will be performed at in-stream adult traps and weirs, juvenile rotating screw traps, the Lyons Ferry Hatchery, the Lower Granite Adult fish trap, and various southeast Washington streams (walking up to 3-4 miles in length to complete surveys). Will work in inclement weather conditions and various field conditions, slippery conditions at fish traps and the hatchery, and cold water in and near streams. Will sample salmon carcasses in various states of decay with strong odors. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Some duties will be performed in an office.
 
Schedule: Typically, day shift, 8-10 hours per day, including weekends. Work conducted during the peak field seasons may include weekends, evenings, nights, holidays, and working over 40 hours in a week.
 
Travel Requirements: Daily travel to and from field sites is expected for juvenile and adult traps checks, completing field surveys, and assisting in spawning activities at Lyons Ferry, Tucannon River, or other locations within southeast Washington. Daily travel to the Lower Granite Dam may be required. No overnight travel is expected.
 
Tools and Equipment: Handheld power tools, chain saws, 4-wheel drive trucks, smolt traps, weirs, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag transceivers, basic hand tools, knives, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wand, scales, microscope, handheld GPS units, and personal floatation device (PFD).
 
Customer Interactions: Cooperate with other agencies at the adult trap and while working at the Lower Granite Dam. May interact with private landowners and members of the public while performing field trap checks and spawning ground surveys.
 
 
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.
  • Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.


Certifications/Licenses:
 
Valid driver’s license.
 
 
Preferred Qualifications:
 
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
 
Basic understanding of:

  • Salmonid species in the Pacific Northwest from a biological perspective.

Experience with:

  • Microsoft Office applications for data entry/manipulation and word processing.
  • Multiple types of fish weirs and rotary screw traps.
  • P4 (a data management program for Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags) and Microsoft Access for recording and managing data.
  • Spawning ground surveys.
  • PIT tagging adult and juvenile steelhead and other salmonids.
  • Demonstrating proficiency in the safe handling and anesthetization of adult and juvenile life forms of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonids.
  • Accurately identifying juvenile and adult salmonids and other fish species of southeast Washington and the Lower Snake River basin.

Ability to:

  • Communicate clearly.
  • Perform basic construction.
  • Think critically when encountering problems in the field.
  • Maintain calm demeanor when interacting with WDFW staff, the public, personnel from other state, federal, and tribal agencies, and local landowners.

Certifications:

  • Swiftwater Safety Training
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Training (HSI certification is most preferred).

 
Your application should include the following:

  • A completed online application.
  • An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
  • 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: 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-11365.

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