Hatchery Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Technician – Scientific Technician 2 – Permanent – *06239-24

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
HATCHERY MONITORING & EVALUATION (M&E) TECHNICIAN
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

The vitality and abundance of our state’s wild salmon and steelhead populations is important to WDFW’s conservation mission and part of the essential work our Scientific Technicians do to support this.

Picture yourself working at hatchery facilities and sampling Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, pink salmon, and steelhead.

With your insight and experience, you will play a crucial role in assessing how ESA (endangered species act) listed or threatened salmonid species are handled by WDFW to help us achieve our program, state, and federal permit requirements.

The ideal applicant is confident collecting, organizing, and interpreting biological data of salmonids and steelhead and have strong computer skills.

We are seeking a candidate to assist with pre-release length and weight sampling of juvenile salmonids, and provide staff support to ensure all sampling is conducted according to established protocols.

Duties:

Here are some things you will do in this role:

Biological Sampling: 

• Assist with juvenile and adult salmonids sampling throughout the watershed (including hatcheries, spawning grounds, and traps) in accordance to established M&E protocols.
• Collect biological samples (e.g. scales, CWTs, PIT tags, lengths, sex, otoliths, and DNA).
• Capture, identify, enumerate, tag and/or mark salmonids (juveniles and adults) at or near hatchery facilities for M&E purposes.
• Coordinate with proper labs personnel for sample drop off.

Data Management: 

• Record data collected in the field (CWTs, PIT tags, scale cards) using an iPad or data sheet.
• Provide support to hatchery staff or other agency personnel with data entry.
• Enter data that has been collected into establish spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Make staff aware of any issues or nuances related to data being used for reporting.

Data Analysis (Maintain M&E database long-term run-evaluation, broodstock, and stock assessment data): 

• QA and QC of entered data.
• Retrieves supplemental data analysis (scale ages, PIT data, CWT data) from regional or agency databases and updates local office databases in a timely manner when requested by the M & E biologist or crew lead.
• Generates summaries of data (tables, charts, and graphs) for their supervisor to use in monthly and annual reports, and in response to data requests from within agency with supervisor approval.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Primary fieldwork is conducted in Region 4 at hatchery facilities and in the field. 25% of work time is spent in an office environment.
  • Field work will predominantly occur at hatcheries around raceways or holding ponds. Temperature of the water and external atmosphere will fluctuate (i.e., snow, rain, cold, heat), so the applicant must be willing to work in all conditions. Navigating rivers and streams walking uneven or rugged terrain in and out of water up to 3 miles. The ability to lift at least 50 lbs. and stand for long periods of time in the water or on land to sample fish.
  • Lift at least 30 pounds of fish, 2-3 days a week, and stand for long periods of time in the water or on land to sample fish.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in various/emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • Schedule may shift as needed to meet program goals and objectives.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Daily/Weekly travel to hatchery facilities within Region 4 and remote stream survey locations, etc.
  • Use of an agency vehicle when applicable or personal vehicle with the option of mileage reimbursement based on agency standards.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • CWT wands/readers, PIT tag readers, , bio-sampling equipment (knives, scissors, tweezers, hemostats, measuring tape, and iPad), electrofishing equipment, exposure apparel (raincoat and pants, hat, waders/boots), and laptop.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Comfortable interacting with professionals from other agencies, co-managers, and members of the general public.

Qualification:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science, and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Or

• Graduation from high school or GED including one 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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:

• Valid driver’s license.

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

• Completion of a four-year degree or equivalent in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
• Skilled in using CWT wands and PIT tag detectors.
• Knowledge of salmon and steelhead life histories.
• Experience in collection/organization/interpretation/summarization of various biological data of salmonids collected at various life stages.

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 Benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types.

Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), and an Employee Assistance Program.

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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov , 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 support@neogov.com.

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