Autofish System Operator – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Title– Autofish System Operator

Classification– Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (In-training option)

Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program– Fish Program – Hatcheries Division 

Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

If you’re ready to dive into a role that directly impacts the conservation of wild salmon, we have an exciting opportunity just for you!

At WDFW, we’re more than just a workplace; we’re a community of dedicated individuals united by a shared passion for preserving our natural heritage. In this position, you’ll play a vital role in our conservation efforts, working independently to operate cutting-edge automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet labs at hatcheries throughout the state.

We are recruiting to hire at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or 2 level and we will train a 1 level hire, up to the Biologist 2 level.  Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary will be as follows:

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 – $3,643 – $4,865 monthly

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – $4,410 – $5,929 monthly

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Autofish System Operator will…

Independently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide. Oversee up to 11 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking. Train new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitor work product: 

• Ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
• Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
• Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.

Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs: 

• Remove and repair all mechanical devices once a year to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
• Re-home and check operation of all stepper motors (6).
• Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab, hatchery environment, work during inclement weather, office setting. Outdoor work in all weather conditions; extreme heat, freezing cold, rain, wind, snow.

Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time. Ability to be on feet all day, ability to lift 40 pounds commonly, ability to work around hatchery ponds, and catwalks over hatchery ponds. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the spring.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel and driving required up to six (6) months per year, five (5) days a week.

Tools and Equipment: Electric hand tools, basic hand tools.

Customer Interactions: Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff, and general public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

This in-training series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited experience. 

Candidates will be hired as a F&W Biologist 1 or F&W Biologist 2, dependent on skills and experience.

To qualify at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 level:

Option 1: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

Option 2: Equivalent education and/or experience

Required License: Valid driver’s license

To qualify at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 level:

Option 1: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science And One (1) year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. 

Option 2: One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.

Option 3: Equivalent education and/or experience.

Required License: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
• Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
• Knowledge of the coded wire tag system.
• Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
• Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment.
• Experience supervising or directing employees.
• Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.

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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 RecruitmentTeam@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  diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference the job number in the subject line:

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