Fisheries Sampler - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - *01763-23
FULL TIME/CAREER SEASONAL
FISHERIES SAMPLER
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2 (ST2)
Fish Program - Puget Sound Sampling Unit
Bellingham, Washington - Whatcom County
Anticipated Season Length: 6 Months
April 1 – October 7
Get involved in the sampling work that occurs at boat ramps throughout Puget Sound!
Interview recreational fishery anglers to collect and summarize recreational salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch information and collect biological data to meet fisheries sampling goals.
Marking Fall Chinook Redds – Credit: Danny Warren
With that in mind,
Picture yourself collecting data that is used by Tribal and WDFW Biologists to determine both the status and management of fisheries resources.
With your experience you will obtain stock composition of the fishery – document age structure (scales), length, and hatchery or natural-origin proportions.
We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
Duties
Coho Salmon – Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Our Fisheries Sampler,
Samples predominantly recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish:
- Observes, counts, and accurately identifies all salmon and marine fish species.
- Samples all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic Coded-Wire Tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).
- Retrieves Coded Wire Tags (CWT) from the snouts of Chinook and Coho salmon to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
- Classifies, sorts, and counts marked tagged (adipose fin-clipped), marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
- Samples recreational and or commercial salmon catch for biological data including DNA, age (scales), and sex ratios.
- Properly implements interview procedures and accurately records data on appropriate electronic or paper forms.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- The majority of work is performed in the field – work may be conducted in adverse weather conditions and rough seas.
- Potential hazards - loud noises, odors, contact with fish blood and slime, and biting and stinging insects.
- Requires repetitive movements of hands, long periods of walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, working in confined spaces, and navigating slippery surfaces.
- Occasionally handle containers of fish up to 40lbs with little assistance.
- Transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule:
- Operations are 24/7 non-scheduled – expected to work 40 hours per week.
- Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. - weekend and evening work required.
Travel Requirements:
- Occasional overnight travel in Puget Sound area.
- May be required to use a personal vehicle for work – agency will provide mileage reimbursement.
Tools and Equipment:
- Sampling equipment - iPad, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) detector, weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes, bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, Personal Flotation Device (PFD), WDFW apparel, and copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
Customer Interactions:
- Co-workers from WDFW, Tribes, commercial harvesters or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
- Interaction with public during data collection - will provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, sport fishing regulations and agency programs and activities.
- Liaison to the regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.
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 (ST1).
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.
License/Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
- Conducting creel surveys and sampling fisheries in the Puget Sound or a similar area.
- Working with members of the public.
Skills and Abilities:
- Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.
- Familiarity with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.
- Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- First Aid/CPR training within six (6) months of hire.
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
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 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:
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.
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