Forage Fish and Shellfish Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent - *13192-24
Working Title- Forage Fish and Shellfish Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- *Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Mill Creek, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely at the discretion of the supervisor and based on field/work duties.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Embrace this unique role to be a part of two WDFW teams by collecting field and harvest data for forage fish and shellfish that are critical to the management of Puget Sound’s forage fish and shellfish resources.
This is an opportunity to work with two teams of biologists and technicians responsible for the monitoring, assessment, and management of forage fish and shellfish in Puget Sound.
In this dynamic role, you will split your time between the Marine Fish Science Forage Fish team (December-June) and the Puget Sound Shellfish team (June-December), both based in the Mill Creek office.
With your experience, you will support forage fish research through extensive field surveys, processing biological samples of various life stages in the lab, and assisting with data management and report preparation. You will support shellfish management through commercial market sampling, commercial fishery observing, data entry, quality control, and management, assisting in test fishing, and preparation of commercial harvest data.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Conduct field surveys of marine fish species.
- Assist with and conduct marine fish egg deposition surveys, which includes deploying collection equipment in the field, identifying egg and algal species, trailering and operating small vessels, and digitally entering and submitting data.
- Assist with routine maintenance of various vessels and equipment.
- Deploy and retrieve a variety of nets, including seines and plankton nets, in a marine environment.
- Assist with other marine fish field surveys, including acoustic surveys, mid-water trawl, seine, ichthyoplankton, hook and line, and townet surveys.
Serve as a recreational crustacean harvest assessment technician.
- Conduct creel surveys designed to evaluate recreational harvest, including counting, measuring, and weighing harvested shrimp, crab, bivalves, squid, and seaweed.
- Supervise and train technicians in recreational crustacean fishery creel and effort sampling throughout Puget Sound. Includes participating in the hiring of seasonal staff.
- Maintain staff training materials, document catch and effort monitoring protocols, assist supervisor with updating field activity planning tools.
- Professional interaction with the public, conducting outreach and education through fisher interviews, including providing accurate and up-to-date information on harvest regulations, crustacean species biology, and resource management.
Assist with data entry, review, and management.
- Enter and QA/QC new and historic data into databases and spreadsheets, organize and retrieve data for analysis and summary reports.
- Assist with maintaining recreational crustacean creel and effort monitoring data streams and database.
- Assist with the production of summary reports to biologists to support fisheries management decisions.
- Assist with webpage maintenance, such as updating recreational crab and shrimp webpages.
Process biological samples and perform other lab tasks under the supervision of a biologist.
- Collect biometrics and samples from forage fish, shellfish, and other marine fish via dissection.
- Assist with determining the age of specimens using scales and/or otoliths and with determining embryo development of larval fish.
- Evaluate fecundity and sex of specimens through gross examination of reproductive organs.
Conduct and coordinate port sampling and participate in at-sea collection of fishery-dependent biological and catch data from Puget Sound commercial shellfish fisheries.
- Collect fishing catch effort and biological data from the Puget Sound commercial shellfish fisheries through harvester interviews, examination of shellfish catches, and collection of various biological data.
- Coordinate and participate in the collection of fishery-dependent biological and catch data from commercial crab and shrimp fisheries.
- Frequent daily travel to commercial dockside locations to sample fishery landings.
- Independently coordinate with commercial harvesters and seafood buyers to determine most efficient sampling logistics and rates.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work involves work in the office, laboratory, and outdoors on beaches and marine waters using small boats during all times of the year. Must be able to navigate marine waters in emergency situations.
Schedule: Typical schedule from December - June will be 40 hours/week, Monday – Thursday (7:30am – 6pm). This schedule may fluctuate while with the shellfish team, including regular weekend work. During some times of the year, work may exceed 40 hours per week and be outside core working hours, including evening and weekend work.
Travel requirements: Overnight travel required (usually up to 3 times per month). Occasional long term (~2 weeks) travel assignments at sea may occur.
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.
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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft 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:
Experience on, in, or with:
- Motorboat Operator Certification Course.
- At least 1 year of experience safely trailering and operating small vessels in large bodies of water, including during times of inclement weather.
- At least 1 year of experience with a variety of fish collection methods including seines, trawls, and/or tangle nets.
- At least 1 year of experience collecting and analyzing biological data from fish and fish eggs including: species ID, assessing age, development, fecundity, and biometrics.
- At least 1 year of experience collecting and sampling shellfish.
- At least 1 year of experience processing biological samples in a lab, including the safe usage and handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
- At least 2 years of experience using spreadsheets, databases, statistical, and word-processing software to enter, compile, review, and analyze data and produce reports. Using the internet and e-mail to effectively gather information and communicate with inter- and extra-agency staff, consultants, vendors, and partners. Experience with developing and using digital data forms such as iForms.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Interacting with the public or regulated stakeholders is desirable.
- Developing reports to disseminate the results of surveys and other studies.
- Coordinating and organizing schedules with staff involved in assessment surveys to maximize data collection and efficiency of State resources.
- Providing logistical support to supervisory biologists and team.
Ability to:
- Handle multiple workloads to complete assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
- Manage complex field operations and conducting safe work practices.
Knowledge of:
- Fisheries management principles and with Washington State forage fish fisheries, rules, and regulations.
- Agency and program procedures and policies and willingness to comply with established processes, policies, and WACs.
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.Potter@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.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13192.