Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Openings - Non-Perm - *04852-24



Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Openings - Non-Perm - *04852-24

Salary

$3,376.00 - $4,497.00 Monthly

Location

Franklin County – Pasco, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Job Number

2024-04852

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

04/17/2024

Closing Date

5/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

WDFW recruitment banner

TWO (2) POSITIONS

FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES TECHNICIAN
 SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

 

Fish Program – Fish Management Division
 
Pasco, Washington – Franklin County

 

Anticipated Appointment Length: 8 Months

May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

 

Do you have a passion to protect nature from invasive species?

 

These unique roles will provide early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra/quagga mussel monitoring, and provide in-season assessment of harvest and impacts of fish.

 

Data collected by these positions will provide WDFW with the information needed to estimate harvest, impacts of sport fisheries, manage harvest in-season, complete run reconstruction (age and origin) for use in forecasting future returns, and to assess the health and origin of local natural and hatchery anadromous populations.

 

Boat propeller covered in invasive mussels

Boat propeller encrusted with zebra mussels – Photo Credit: WDFW

 

This is an opportunity to identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling methods.

 

You are excited to play a role in the protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.


We are seeking candidates to assist with stream surveys in the Hanford Reach/Yakima River.

Duties

Here are some things you will do in this role:

Field Sampling: 
  • Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring:
    • Survey high risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods such as collect horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows, monitor artificial substrates, conduct visual shoreline surveys, collect water quality measurements using hyrdrolab and calcium collection techniques, collect substrate sample using petite Ponar grab and collect environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
    • Data collected will be throughout Washington. 
    • Follow AIS mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
  • Stream Surveys:
    • Collect post-spawn salmon carcasses in-river by boat and along shorelines within the WDFW District 4 waters of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers.
    • Sampling protocols will follow sport fishery methods with the addition of otolith collection (aging and origin) and spawn success (egg retention). Females will be dissected to determine spawn success.
    • All carcasses will be cut in half post sampling to avoid duplicate sampling.
Office work: 
  • Follow protocols to review and accurately record AIS data into databases.
  • Organize, file, and summarize data.
  • Maintain and update schedule and calendars, complete time sheets, complete order payment form submissions and respond to emails in a timely manner.
  • Review all data collected in the field and upon returning to the office for completeness and accuracy.
  • Properly collect, package, label, and process all biological samples at the end of each shift. Samples include snouts from CWT detections, scale samples, and otolith sampling. Data will be entered into Excel databases at the end of the shift.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • Approximately 90% field and 10% office.
    • Field work is conducted on water and land. Hazards include but are not limited to inclement weather conditions, poor air quality, wildfires, and strong waves and currents. Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife including rattlesnakes, or illegal activities are possible. Work mostly as a team, but may work independently in remote locations, day, and night, walk up to 5 miles on uneven ground. Must be able to frequently relocate 75 pounds, and frequently pack 50 pounds. Work with chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil). Chemical use must be in accordance with labels and handled in a safe manner. Safely transport and operate large equipment: up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers. Responsible for use and care of vehicles, boats, equipment, PIT tag readers, and CWT wands.
    • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
  • Schedule:
    • AIS monitoring - April 16 - October 31:
      • Monday to Thursday, 10 hours per day, but will be required occasionally to exceed these hours for AIS monitoring.
      • May work outside of the normal workweek during holidays and weekends, and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  
    • Fish management - November 01 - December 31:
      • Scheduled days and hours of work will vary and will require work on all weekends and potentially on holidays (24/7). 
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Weekly statewide travel and overnight stays for up to 5 days at times.
    • AIS Monitoring and Stream Surveys will require travel and routinely working from boats.
    • State vehicles will be provided.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, and electronic software forms.
    • Complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
    • Vehicle, boats, knife, sampling and data recording supplies, CWT wand, life jacket, rain gear, gloves, waders, mask.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Interactions with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork.  Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.
    • May collect angler information on fishing times, locations, catch, and harvest in addition to biologically sampling all fish from each boat/angler.

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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.
License:
  • Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
  • State Boater Education Card or equivalent – obtain within 1 month of hire.
  • Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
  • Completion of all State and WDFW mandatory trainings.
  • Complete training in field sampling protocols, data collection, recording, data entry, vehicle operation/maintenance, emergency action plan, and District office operations prior to the start of field sampling.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
 
Experience in:
  • Operating boats watercraft at least 15 feet in length in fresh water or marine areas.
  • Towing boats and trailers up to 25 feet in length.
  • WDFW motorboat operator’s training course or equivalent.
  • Operating computers and other electronic devices.
  • Microsoft Office, smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops.
  • Proficient in identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River.
  • Entering data into Excel and/or Access databases.
Ability to:
  • Communicate orally and in written communications effectively.
  • Develop and hold interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty.
  • Work cooperatively in a team.
  • Maintain excellent public service and develop partnerships effectively through outreach and education.
  • Manage workload effectively.
Certifications:
  • CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
  • Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification.

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.

 

yesvets.org logo


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.


WDFW diversity logo


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.

 

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

cw

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you possess a valid driver's license, or write "No" if you do not possess a valid driver's license.
02
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Some College.
  • Vocational Degree or Certificate.
  • Associates Degree.
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Master's Degree.
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
04
Select the option below that best describes your experience as a Scientific Technician or as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
  • I do not have this experience.
  • I have less than 2 years of this experience.
  • I have 2 years or more of this experience.
05
Please briefly list where you gained your experience as a Scientific Technician or as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
06
Select the type of sampling techniques you have performed. Select all that apply.
  • Otolith collection.
  • Scale sampling.
  • Coded Wire Tag (CWT) collection.
  • Sex.
  • Fork length.
  • Tissue sampling.
  • None of the above.
07
Please briefly describe your experience towing and operating boats. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
08
Are you able to accurately identify freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have experience entering data into Microsoft Excel and/or Microsoft Access?
  • Yes
  • No
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
  • American Fisheries Society (AFS)
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • El Informador
  • Facebook
  • Four W's Fishing Team, LLC – Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Society of American Foresters (SAF)
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • UW College of the Environment
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
11
If you selected "Other," please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
12
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact