Electronic Sampler Support – Scientific Technician 3 – Permanent – *01883-25

Title- Electronic Sampler Support
Classification- Scientific Technician 3 (ST3)
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Puget Sound Management Division
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position ensures efficient operations by providing administrative and tech support to ensure field staff have functional, well-maintained equipment, allowing them to collect accurate and timely data. Accurate data collection aids WDFW to set regulations that enable sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities. 

By tracking and managing mobile devices and IT resources, troubleshooting devices, and maintaining device inventory, this position optimizes operational efficiency for field crews. This position also regularly conducts aerial surveys, creel interviews and boat surveys which contributes to data-driven decisions on fish population health and fisheries regulations, contributing to conservation and recovery efforts for ESA-listed species.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Electronic Sampler Support will,

Provide Administrative and Sampler Support Responsibilities:

• Assist the Puget Sound Sampling Units (PSSU) Management Analyst 3 with the following;
  • Collect and deploy iPads and iPhones, and accessories throughout PSSU for each fisheries season.
  • Prepare iPads and iPhones and accessories for deployment throughout PSSU which includes wiping, device enrollment, updating, changing settings, testing, labeling and troubleshooting and maintaining all iPads, iPhones and accessories.
• Maintain and update the unit’s electronic device inventory Smartsheet with location, employee assignee, asset status, cellular data status, location, serial number, and tracking.
• Maintain and update the electronic accessory tracking Smartsheet.
• Track and maintain CPMS phone and iPad billing and monthly data costs.
• Process Order Payment Forms in DocuSign.
• Complete IT service tickets for cellular data service regarding activating, suspending, cancelling and surplusing each electronic device for PSSU.
• Provides periodic qualitative assessment and draft solutions to emergent technical needs to support field staff and sampling

Conduct Puget Sound Fisheries Sampling:

• Conduct aerial flight surveys in small planes, both wheeled and float planes, over Puget Sound waters, recording angler boat count data in electronic forms.
• Conduct recreational angler creel interviews and accurately recording data into appropriate electronic forms. Observe, count’ and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species.
• Sample all Chinook and Coho salmon with electronic CWT detection devices.
• Classify, sort and enumerate marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status. Remove snouts with a knife from Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs.
• Sample salmon catch to obtain stock composition (CWTs), age structure (scales), length information (for legal and sub-legal proportions), and hatchery and natural-origin proportions (mark-status).
• Participate in special studies to collect catch or biological information for salmon, marine fish, or shellfish including halibut and shrimp.

HR and Administrative Staffing:

• Assist with the preparation and completion of HR paperwork for positions within the unit. 
• Assist in maintenance and updating the units Smartsheet files such as PSSU employee information, PSSU contact list, and required trainings.
• Assist with disseminating updated information to unit pertaining to shared file locations.
• Assist with HR action tracking and reviewing HR actions for accuracy.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Position works the majority (85%) of the time in an office environment. Approximately 15% field work – adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, and boating for conducting angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, rain gear, equipment holsters, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, and agency vehicles. Flying as a passenger in small aircraft over Puget Sound waters with turbulence and sudden turns. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Works on slippery docks in marine environment.  

Schedule: Non-scheduled Monday – Friday; 40 hours per week; 8 hours per day; weekend/evening work and overtime occasionally. Will also be periodically on-call evenings or weekends to sample, answer basic technical and other sampler support questions via phone or e-mail.

Travel: Some travel required within Washington State as needed, especially Puget Sound and vicinity with occasionally overnight travel.

Tools: Agency computers and software, iPads, iPhones, vehicles and boats. Hand tools and car repair equipment. When in the field, Personal Flotation Devices, fillet knives, measuring boards, electronic sampling device (CWT detector), forceps,   weighing scale, head lamp, tide book or app, canopy for shade, portable table, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, Outboard motor boat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers, computer, VHF radio, marine survival suit   and electronic data collection devices and forms. A government vehicle and gas credit card for fuel are a responsibility of this position. This position is provided all necessary equipment including a PFD and first aid kit. The following clothing is supplied: WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and rain gear. Provided copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals. May be required to use Microsoft Teams.

Customer interactions: WDFW samplers, supervisors, biologists, natural resource scientists, lab technicians, Fish Program administrative staff and managers, and aircraft pilots. Persons outside of WDFW include merchandise vendors, Tribal samplers, recreational anglers and shellfish harvesters, salmon buyers/processors, commercial salmon fishermen and the public.

Other: The position includes conducting aerial surveys, to count recreational boats and record data using a mobile electronic device, from a small fixed-wing plane over Puget Sound waters.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.   

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements:

• HSI First Aid/CPR Certification (Within the year of hire)
• Completion of WDFW Basic Aircraft Safety Training and Standard Operating Procedures before working aboard small aircraft.
• Completion of WDFW Water Ditching and Survival before working aboard single engine aircraft with floats.
• Completion of the Washington Boater’s Safety Course within one year.
• Successful completion of agency Culture of Feedback training (within 6 months of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Technical Competencies:

• Data collection and data editing or QA/QC experience.
• Experience with troubleshooting and maintaining iPhones & iPads.
• Experience with providing technology support to staff and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Experience working with electronic data collection programs or iForms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Familiar with salmon life history and understanding sport fishing regulations.

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 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

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn jobshiringnearme.org Facebook jobshiringnearme.org Instagram