Hatchery Monitoring & Evaluation Technician – Scientific Technician 2 – Permanent – *10051-24

Working Title– Hatchery Monitoring & Evaluation Technician
Classification– Scientific Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station– Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
 
Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities?  Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career!
 
Become a part of  the Fish Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and engage in important fieldwork, collect biological data, and contribute to the conservation of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmon and steelhead.
 
Support the Coastal Hatcheries by analyzing and reporting vital data to meet hatchery broodstock program goals and inform decision makers for local fishing seasons
 
What to Expect-
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Monitoring & Evaluation Technician will,
 
Perform Hatchery Broodstock Biological Sampling:

• Conduct hatchery evaluation bio-sampling of salmon and steelhead.
• Collect bio-sampling at hatchery spawning events.
• Utilize a knife to cut and collect fish snouts from coded wire tag (CWT) positive broodstock carcasses.
• Capture, identify, enumerate, handle, and tag and/or mark salmonids (juveniles and adults) at or near hatchery facilities for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Conduct Run-Evaluation Sampling of Salmon and Steelhead:

• Organize and conduct pre-release length/weight sampling of juvenile salmonids throughout the basin, and coordinate with hatchery, fish health, and tribal staff to ensure all sampling is conducted according to established protocols.
• Assist supervisory biologists with data request and summarize collected data for monthly and annual report preparation.
• Collect broodstock for established enhancement and hatchery programs.
• Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Technician 3, hatchery, M&E Biologists, and district/area biologists for coordination of field activities, scheduling, and communicating with stakeholders on broodstock collection goals, etc.
• Scan all spawned fish with CWT detection want and collect scale samples from a proportion of spawned fish.
• Enter data into dataloggers and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Database Management and Data Entry:

• Collect field data using electronic devices (such as Panasonic TOUGHPAD or Apple iPad).
• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Use a computer to enter data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases.

Working Conditions:
 
Work Setting, including hazards: Approximately 90% of work is conducted in the field, sampling/tagging adult salmonids in a fish hatchery or streamside setting and conducting spawning ground surveys, often alone in remote locations. Work is performed outdoors in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to extreme temperatures. Hike rough terrain that includes wet/slippery footing and walk in and along streams and swift waters up to six (6) miles per day including climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Lift large, dead fish, typically up to 30 lbs. and repetitively carry loads up to 30 lbs. for short distances over rough terrain. Accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long work hours. Sample spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors. Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions up to four (4) miles. 
 
Schedule: 24/7, non-scheduled.
 
Travel Requirements: Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations with either a departmental-issued or personal vehicle. Overnight travel may be required.
 
Tools and Equipment: Hand and carpentry tools, gaffs, machetes, winches, and pulleys, GPS, Apple iPad, Garmin inReach, Panasonic TOUGHPAD, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag readers, coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices.
 
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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.

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.
• Completion of basic CPR and first aid trainings and required agency and state trainings within one (1) month of hire.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification must be completed within six (6) months of hire, renewal is expected annually.

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

• Identify adult and juvenile salmonids.
• Identify salmonid redds.
• Operate handheld GPD and data logger devices.
• Do basic functions in Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word.

Knowledge of:

• Fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Coded Wire Tag (CWT) and PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag detection operation.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Excel and Access.

Certifications:

• WDFW snorkel certification.

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-10051.

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