Autofish System Operator – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (in-training) – Perm – *05727-24

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
MASS MARKING BIOLOGIST
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (IN-TRAINING)

Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Approved duty stations:

East Wenatchee, Washington – Douglas County
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

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 – $3,537 – $4,723 Monthly
Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – $4,282 – $5,756 Monthly

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife operates dozens of hatcheries around the state, producing millions of fish every year. We are searching for someone to run an automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet lab at hatcheries statewide. 

Your role involves planning and executing coded wire tag experiments and analyzing the data to understand fish population dynamics and the impact of fishing practices. This position directly supports our mission to conserve wild salmon. If you’re passionate about fisheries conservation and enjoy hands-on work in a collaborative setting, we’d love to have you join our team!

Duties:

Some of the work you will enjoy doing: 

• 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. 
• Assist in teaching WDFW staff in proper tagging and marking techniques.
• 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. 
• Analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.
• Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs including annual maintenance and repairs.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work settings include automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab, hatchery grounds, and in an 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. 
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
• Likely to be on feet all day, lifting 40 pounds commonly, working around hatchery ponds and catwalks over hatchery ponds.

Schedule:

• Generally 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. 
• Work may include considerable overtime and possible shift work, mainly in the spring.

Travel Requirements:

• Extensive travel and driving required. 
• In travel status up to six (6) months per year, five (5) days a week.

Tools and Equipment:

• Ability to use electric hand tools, basic hand tools.

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff and general public.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (In-Training) series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited experience. Candidates will be hired as Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or 2, dependent on skills and experience. 

To qualify as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

To qualify as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND one year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.  

OR 

One year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1

Please note: A master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience. Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses: 

Valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: 

Desired knowledge/experience:

• Operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.  
• 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.
• Working in a salmon hatchery environment
• Supervising or directing employees
• Working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
• Data analysis skills leading to publication of research findings.

Supplemental Information:

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to [email protected].
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at [email protected].  
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. 

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.  

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 [email protected] , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].

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