Stock Assessment Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Positions - Non-Perm

Stock Assessment Technician

This is an opportunity to collect data necessary for the management of the fish resources in the watersheds within the Olympic Peninsula.

In this dynamic role, you collect data to be used for monitoring and evaluating recovery goals for summer steelhead and ESA-listed bull trout.

With your experience, you will collect data that will be used to assess the status of summer steelhead and ESA listed bull trout.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

• Conduct electrofishing surveys in Olympic Peninsula rivers for genetic sample collection, in both front-country and backcountry environments.
• Collect water samples throughout Olympic Peninsula rivers for eDNA analysis.
• On the ground reconnaissance work for electrofishing and eDNA surveys.
• Tangle netting and hook-line-surveys for bull trout and steelhead.
• Field notes will be collected, reviewed summarized, and checked for accuracy daily.

Conduct salmonid spawning ground surveys.

• Use established procedures to conduct salmon redd count surveys by accurately recording observed redds and live and dead fish counts within selected stream reaches of Clallam and West Jefferson counties.
• Maintain accurate field records.
• Spawning ground surveys will require the identification and enumeration of redds by species.
• Evaluation of redd life, recording live and dead fish counts, marking redds with flagging and GPS points, and collection of biological data from carcasses including scales, DNA tissue, otoliths, coded wire tags, and other data as needed.
• Careful documentation, organization, and verification of field data will be important. Data will be recorded on standardized forms and entered in Excel spreadsheets and into the i-Form Builder app. on smartphones or iPads.

Organize and enter survey data.

• Organize field notes and collected data each day.
• Regularly enter data into Microsoft Access databases and Excel spreadsheets.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews.

Other duties as assigned.

• Help other State, Federal and/or Tribal biologists in the field as needed.
• Work with local hatcheries as needed during spawning periods or construction.
• Routine maintenance of assigned field gear, vehicles, and equipment.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Primary work environment is outdoors, hiking trails, and at times off-trail over rough terrain (up to 10 miles a day). Work may include driving during inclement weather conditions (rain, snow). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, such as walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, and crossing stream channels during varying stream flow conditions. Lifting equipment up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Working during inclement weather conditions can occur throughout the season, and work hours are flexible due to river flow conditions and the length of daylight hours. Occasional computer work in a typical office setting may also be required.

Schedule: Typically, 40-hours per week Monday – Friday. Work hours may vary due to inclement weather, length of daylight, and river conditions. Weekend and evening work may be required.

Travel requirements: Driving to stream survey locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district. Some multi-day, overnight backcountry trips will be required.

Customer Interactions: Biologists from tribes and other public and private agencies. Occasional contact with constituents in the field may occur. Provide daily reports of observations and project status to supervisor and/or other WDFW biologists.

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

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: Valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Obtain basic First Aid/CPR certification, with completion within 3 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Elementary biology and in-the-field salmonid identification.
• Completing field data forms accurately and following oral and written instructions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with the public.
• Good field observation skills.
• Microsoft Word and Excel computer software programs.
• Electrofishing, salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys, handling salmonids, and experience with working in swift water environments are desired.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification.

Your application must 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 (3) professional references with current contact information.