Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - *13521-24
Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Career Seasonal
Anticipated Start Date- December 16, 2024
Season Length- 10 months – August 25 - June 30
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Forks, Washington and Port Angeles, Washington – Clallam County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This is an opportunity to gain valuable field experience in fisheries management within the Quillayute, Hoh, and Strait of Juan de Fuca basins.
Envision yourself collecting crucial catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species. Fieldwork includes walking and floating streams to document redd counts and observe live and deceased fish.
As part of our team, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, gather field data, and assess catch rates by engaging directly with anglers.
Your efforts will directly contribute to sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of effective fisheries management.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freshwater Monitoring Technician will,
Conduct Creel Sampling:
- Conduct angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts to non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
- Perform surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle.
- Sample Chinook, coho salmon, and steelhead using electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices.
- Classify, sort, and count marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
- Access stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling by removing snouts from Chinook and coho salmon with CWTs.
- Sample salmon catch for stock composition (DNA), age (scales), length, and origin (hatchery or natural).
- Conduct creel interviews to gather information from anglers about their fishing activity and catch; interview bank anglers on foot at river access points and monitor boat ramps.
- Identify salmonids by species and sex, noting hatchery or research marks.
Conduct Steelhead Spawner Surveys:
- Use established procedures to conduct steelhead redd count surveys by accurately recording observed redds and live and deceased fish counts within selected stream reaches of Clallam and West Jefferson counties.
- Maintain accurate field records.
Data:
- Accurately record and enter data into electronic devices.
- Review, tabulate, and proof data using DFW Fish Apps online data portal.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Primarily outdoor fieldwork in varying weather, environmental conditions, and stream flows; physically demanding and strenuous.
- Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slime, and biting/stinging insects.
- Repetitive hand movements, finger manipulations, prolonged sitting, squatting, and kneeling.
- Walking along streams, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft (i.e. raft, hard side drift boat, and pontoon boat) requires moderate strength and agility.
- Driving and hiking up to 5 miles (occasionally up to 15 miles) into remote areas on private and public timberlands.
- Hiking over slippery and uneven terrain in and near streams and rivers, including climbing in and out of boats.
- Boating up to 10 miles, including navigating up to class III whitewater.
- Rarely lift to or exceed 40 lbs. unassisted.
- Working and standing in confined spaces on slippery surfaces and using knives.
- Driving agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment.
- Occasional work in a typical office setting.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule:
All days during the week, including weekends and holidays with overtime required, as assigned. Shifts may vary, lasting up to 12 hours, including early morning and late nights. Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours per day between 5AM and 11 PM.
Travel Requirements:
Driving is required via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private (logging) roads. May have to shuttle State vehicles between Forks, Port Angeles, Montesano, and Olympia.
Tools and Equipment:
iPad, GPS, radios, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear, rubber boots/waders/hip boots, wading staff, and Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
Customer Interactions:
Interactions with WDFW staff, co-managing Tribes, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection, providing information on fisheries, agency programs, and sport fishing regulations. Must deliver excellent customer service, even when dealing with individuals who may be frustrated. Serve as a liaison to regional supervisors and enforcement regarding observed fishery violations.
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.
Competencies:
- Willing to interact and maintain professionalism with colleagues, peers, and the public regardless of intensity of interaction.
- Willing to work on and around swift water (streams and river).
- Willing to follow game and angler trails to remote sites in periods of low light or mid-day to find and interview anglers.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
- Obtain Basic First Aid/CPR certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience with:
- Sampling adult salmonids for marks and tags, including scanning fish for coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
- Salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys.
- Conducting creel surveys.
- Wading in rivers.
- Rowing/rafting in rivers and streams.
- Using personal computers or mobile devices for data entry and writing to produce accurate and timely work products.
Knowledge of:
- The salmonid species present in North Coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca watersheds, their spawning behavior, general life histories, and fishery management methods.
- Familiarity with the geography of the North Coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca area waters.
- Background in elementary biology and knowledge of Pacific salmonid biology.
- Background in fish hatchery procedures.
- Working knowledge of Excel and Word.
Ability to:
- Identify saltwater and river stage adult salmonids to species.
- Identify the sex of adult salmonids.
- Communicate effectively with strong verbal and written skills.
- Observe and record detailed field notes with good handwriting skills.
Certifications:
- CPR/First Aid certification.
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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13521.