Senior Salmonid Technician – Scientific Technician 3 – 2 Positions – Non-Permanent – *08861-24

Title– Senior Salmonid Technician
Classification– Scientific Technician 3
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies: Two (2) positions
Appointment/Season Length– 4 Months – 09/30/2024 – 01/30/2025
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station– Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about ensuring sustainable recreational opportunities?

Embrace these leadership roles to oversee field work associated with sampling and biological data collection on Chinook, steelhead, coho, and chum salmon in the Lower Columbia River.

These positions are opportunities to mentor and train journey-level team staff to complete complex scientific duties and tasks associated with the monitoring of ESA listed species.

We are seeking candidates to be our lead workers to plan, organize, schedule, and conduct spawning ground surveys of target species following established protocols.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will,

Senior Salmonid VSP Technician.

• Leads journey-level technicians in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Mentors journey-level technician in the performance of the assigned duties that include the safe operation of non-motorized pontoon rafts.
• Expected to be able to safely complete the most technical survey sections both hiking and rafting (Class III+ rapids).
• In conjunction with supervisor and Research Scientist develops and revises complex sampling protocols as needed and trains journey-level technicians on implementing these protocols.
• Applies complex sampling protocols while conducting salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate and precise adult salmonid abundance estimates.  Must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability of protocols and procedures that allow for in-field adjustments to survey protocol, sampling rates, or reach assignment.
• Leads and conducts adult spawning ground stream surveys.

Snorkeling – Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.

• As available within other workload expectations as determined by supervisor Inspect weirs, deploys nets for capture of fish for sampling, cleans weirs, checks for holes in weirs/traps.

Database Management, Data Collection, and Data Entry.

• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Trains journey-level technicians on correct use of e-data capture equipment.
• Enter and proof data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases (e.g., Traps, Weirs, Surveys (TWS).
• Coordinates data quality control and assurance measures (September through May for Chinook, coho, and steelhead spawning ground survey projects for scalecards, DNA, landowner data entry, TWS proofing – missing headers).
• Trains and checks the work of others entering data from spawning ground stream surveys

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is 80% fieldwork in remote locations.  Snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, depending on the weather. Four (4) days of 10-hour shifts per week, rotating days.  May require long days, nights, weekends, and some holidays when fieldwork and/or other projects require it.

Travel requirements: Daily travel to field sites.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

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

Or

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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

License:  Valid unrestricted driver’s license (driving record may be requested).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion before beginning duties.
• WDFW Swiftwater training, completion within 2 months of hire.
• WDFW Oars training, completion within 2 months of hire.
• Ability to attain basic CPR/First Aid certification within 2 months of employment if not currently certified.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

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

• Ability to identify adult anadromous salmonid redds.
• Ability to identify, to species, all adult salmonid species found within the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
• 2 years rafting experience using oarlocks.
• Knowledge of random sample designs with rotating panels.
• Knowledge of fish passage barriers.
• Knowledge of adult trapping techniques including resistance board and fixed panel type adult fish weirs.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification.
• Knowledge of fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Knowledge of fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Knowledge of commercial fishing gear types and methods.
• Ability to do intermediate functions in MS Excel, Word, and Access.
• Knowledge of CWT and PIT tag detector operation.
• Ability to operate handheld GPS and data logger devices.
• Basic carpentry skills.

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 (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 Cheri.Weld@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 cheri.weld@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-08861.

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