- Agency
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Location
- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
- Job Category
- Temporary/Seasonal Positions
- Salary
- $2,957.00 - $3,915.00 Monthly
- Start Date
- 04/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/19/2023
- Website
- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3942700/scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-03197-23?keywords=03197&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
- Description
- FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 REGION 6 OFFICE Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County APPOINTMENT LENGTH: 6.5 Months: April 1, 2023 – September 15, 2023 Ready to get your boots wet? Collect data dockside on recreational and commercial marine fish fisheries in Region Six! Picture yourself, working at coastal fishing ports, at-sea, or on beaches to collect data. This is an opportunity to collect essential scientific information used by the WDFW, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assess and manage marine fish species. The optimal applicants will have a positive can-do attitude as they collect/sample data and are eager to work hard and have fun in an environment where there's never a dull moment. We are seeking a candidate who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW. Duties: Our Scientific Technician 2 will, -Collect biological information (weight, length, sex, maturity, genetic tissue samples, ageing structures) on various marine fish species caught by research, commercial, and recreational fisheries. -Evaluate catch and species composition of fishery landings. -Correctly identify marine fish species including the approximately 100 species of groundfish and 10 coastal pelagic species found on the Washington coast. -Enter data and conduct data QA/QC following unit protocols. -Process fins (dry, cut, mount), otoliths, and other fish structures or tissues for age reading or other scientific evaluation. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Setting, including hazards: -Work settings may include onboard vessels while at-sea, coastal beaches and estuaries, fish buying facilities, recreational or commercial fishing docks, laboratories, and office environments. -Duties may be performed onboard agency-owned vessels, chartered vessels, or commercial fishing vessels in unprotected coastal waters where sea state conditions can deteriorate quickly. -At sea duties are expected to be completed in any sea state condition the vessel captain and lead biologist deem safe. -Assigned work will be conducted in rough seas, in severe inclement weather, and on slippery/uneven/steep/moving decks and docks. -Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. -Climbing steps/ladders, frequent and repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted over a 10-hour work shift, communicating on a CB/VHF radio, and hearing/communicating over loud motors and other vessel equipment is necessary to successfully perform all tasks. -Processing biological samples requires sitting in a laboratory setting up to 10 hours per shift. Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea, especially during rough seas and inclement weather. -Other potential hazards include vessel mechanical failure; risk of puncture wounds and lacerations from sampling equipment, knives, or fish spines; and repetitive stress injury from processing fish samples and computer data entry. Schedule: -This schedule is highly variable and very demanding depending on the activity. -Schedule flexibility is crucial as work is dictated by ocean/weather conditions and by vessel offload schedules. -This position involves working days, evenings, nights, and weekends. -Dockside sampling involves up to 14-hour workdays but is typically conducted within a 40-hour workweek. -Field work does not have a set schedule (24/7) and is very dependent on ocean conditions and vessel schedules. -Office/lab work is typically 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. 4/10s may be available. Travel Requirements: -Highly variable depending on activity. -Travel is necessary for some projects and may entail multiple nights at hotel/motel accommodations at agency expense. -Depending on specific project logistics, meals will be provided for the group as “camp groceries” or individuals will be responsible for acquiring food for personal use from grocery stores or restaurants. -When in travel status per diem is available to cover food expenses. Tools and Equipment: -Any equipment needed for collecting biological data, tagging or recovering/releasing marine species. -Vehicles or vessels will be used to access needed information. -Scientific equipment includes environmental sensing equipment and visual survey equipment, personal computer, electronic data loggers, electronic and mechanical scales, fishing rods/reels, pressure washer, tagging guns, knives, dissection tools measuring boards and cameras. Customer Interactions: -Interacts with the public while port sampling and provides basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities. -Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public. -Includes contact with some individuals who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. -Will interact with commercial skippers, crew, and research biologists and scientists (state and federal) during research surveys. -Will interact with office staff and dockside crew at commercial fish dealer/processing plants. Reports suspected violators and serves as expert witness in specific court cases.
- Qualifications
- 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 1. OR -Graduation from high school of 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 six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes. LICENSES: -Valid Driver’s License. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: General Knowledge -Familiarity with commercial fishery landing and processing operations, and sport fishery operations. -Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing marine gears, methods and regulations. -Working knowledge of marine fish sampling techniques and random sample design. Fieldwork -Strong marine fish species identification skills; can correctly identify the approximately 100 species of groundfish and 10 coastal pelagic species found on the Washington coast. -Skilled at procedures for collecting and processing biological ageing structures (otoliths, fins) from a variety of marine fish species. -Ability to collect data systematically with a high degree of accuracy, precision and completeness. Operating Equipment -Familiar with the operation of electronic sampling and tagging equipment including CWT and PIT tag equipment, environmental sensing equipment and GPS tracking equipment. -Familiar with laboratory equipment including microscopes, precision saws and fume hoods; capable of operating lab equipment safely following -State and Federal guidelines. Computing -Basic skills using Excel, iForm, Access, and email software. -Skilled in collecting real time data accurately and with minimal errors on electronic devices while in the field, including at sea. -Can proficiently review and compile data collected by themselves for quality control. CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes. Supplemental Information Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification. 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 current resume. -Three professional references. IMPORTANT NOTES: 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. -Subject line should 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. -Subject line should 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. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 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 may call (360) 902-2276 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. dh Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
- Contact Person
- Recruitment Team
