Riverine Ecology Research Technicians – Scientific Tech 2 – Non-Perm – Four positions – *01753-25

Positions- Four (4)
Title- Riverine Ecology Research Technicians
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length– *2.5 months – April 15, 2025-June 30, 2025
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Fish Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*These positions are currently funded through June 30, 2025. Pending confirmation of the 2025-2027 budget, there is a possibility of extension through August 30th.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

These positions act as technicians for the Chehalis River Ecology of Non-Native Fish, assisting in studying freshwater predator fish distribution, population dynamics, habitat use, and feeding ecology, as well as climate change impacts on river temperature in Washington’s coastal watersheds. 

Working under a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3, these technicians conduct fish surveys, collect biological and habitat data, deploy and monitor temperature loggers and radiotelemetry stations, perform eDNA collection, fish tagging, and tracking, and assist with data management. Your work directly contributes to WDFW’s mission by improving our understanding of predatory impacts on native fish populations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Riverine Ecology Research Technicians will,

• Follow established fish collection protocols.
• Collect predatory fish for biological and diet sampling, as well as habitat metrics.
• Conduct fish collection primarily using boat electrofishing, with additional methods including seining, hook-and-line, and backpack electrofishing.
• Implant fish with various tag types (PIT, Floy, VIE, etc.).
• Track tagged fish using a handheld radio telemetry receiver and download data from fixed radio telemetry receivers.
• Collect eDNA samples according to established protocols.
• Perform lab dissections for diet analysis and maintain all associated equipment.
• Follow established protocols for stream temperature monitoring.
• Use equipment to measure stream temperature across various spatial and temporal scales.
• Assist in fabricating temperature logger housing, deploying temperature loggers in the field, collecting data throughout the season, and maintaining temperature logger sites.
• Maintain all associated equipment.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: This role involves work in Coastal Washington watersheds, spanning diverse flow conditions. Accessing locations demands hiking on steep slopes with field gear. Rafting/using pontoon boats to conduct electrofishing requires generators and outboard motors. The job entails working in various weather conditions and performing tasks like bending, kneeling, and climbing. Heavy lifting (50-100 lbs) is required and includes transporting fish, sampling gear, and equipment. This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (rain and river flows) the work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.

Travel: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is extremely rare.

Tools and Equipment: This position requires use of rafts, pontoon boats, electrofishing equipment, seine nets, fishing rods, dissection equipment, hand tools, power tools, generators, outboard motors, radio telemetry tracking devices, various types of tags and tagging equipment, global positioning units, stadia rods, measuring tapes, computers, and computer tablets.

Customer interactions: Interactions with landowners will occur.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1. 

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

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.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest freshwater ecology

Experience in:

• Handling fish and collecting biological data
• Electrofishing (boat electrofishing preferred)
• Tracking fish using radio telemetry
• Operating outboard motors and generators
• Floating rivers with rafts or pontoon boats
• Towing boats with trailers
• Using handheld GPS units and computers
• Using hand and power tools
• Managing and maintaining computer files and spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
• Using database software (e.g., Microsoft Access)
• Hiking long distances
• Carrying up to 50+ lbs of gear
• Working as part of a team in remote field conditions

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  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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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