Working Title- Lead Salmonid Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Two (2) positions

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division

Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to oversee field work associated with sampling and biological data collection on Chinook, steelhead, coho, and chum salmon in the Lower Columbia River.

With your experience, you will provide recommendations to senior Biologists regarding modified sampling or testing methods and alternative resource management techniques for the safety and well-being of the target species.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, mentoring and training journey-level team staff to complete complex scientific duties and tasks associated with monitoring of ESA listed species.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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

Lead Salmonid VSP Technician.

• Supervises journey-level technicians in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Mentors journey-level technician in the performance of the assigned duties that include the safe operation of non-motorized pontoon rafts and completion of snorkel activities as assigned.
• Develops and revises complex sampling protocols as needed and trains journey-level technicians on implementing these protocols.
• Applies complex sampling protocols while conducting salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate and precise adult salmonid abundance estimates.
• Leads and conducts adult spawning ground stream surveys; including technical survey sections with class III+ rapids; following established protocols.

Snorkeling - Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.

• Snorkels for summer steelhead resights.
• Inspects and cleans weirs. Checks for holes in weirs/traps.
• Deploys nets for capture of fish for sampling.
• Snorkels for Spring Chinook presence/absence before weir installations.

Database Management, Data Collection, and Data Entry.

• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Trains journey-level technicians on correct use of e-data capture equipment.
• Enter and proof data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases (e.g., Traps, Weirs, Surveys (TWS).
• Coordinates and oversees data quality control and assurance measures for the assigned months.
• Senior-level technician that trains and checks the work of others entering data from spawning ground stream surveys.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Approximately 80% fieldwork, 20% office work.  Fieldwork is completed outdoors in all weather conditions.

Must be able to lift (with or without assistance) large, live fish (typically up to 30 lbs) four feet above the ground repetitively.  Repetitively carry and move loads up to 70 pounds short distances over rough terrain.  Walk in and along streams up to 6 miles per day under all weather conditions, including climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.  Board and disembark from vessels at a dock or from in-situ settings such as a rocky beach in turbulent weather or storms.  Safely and competently operate non-motorized pontoon catarafts in whitewater conditions including class 3+ rapids.  Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.   Work alone in remote locations and/or work outdoors at night.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: These positions do not have a typical/standard schedule. Incumbents must be available to work a highly variable schedule. Work will include long days, nights, weekends, and some holidays when fieldwork and/or other projects require it.

Travel requirements: Periodically travel throughout Washington and Oregon to sample fisheries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science, and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Or

Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science, and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Or

Equivalent education and/or experience.

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 or environmental science classes.

License:  Valid unrestricted driver’s license (driving record may be requested).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and renewal expected every two (2) years.

WDFW Swiftwater training, completion within six months of hire.

WDFW Oars training, completion within six months of hire.

Ability to attain basic CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months of employment if not currently certified.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Ability to identify adult anadromous salmonid redds.
• Ability to identify, to species, all adult salmonid species found within the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
• Knowledge of adult trapping techniques including resistance board and fixed panel type adult fish weirs.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification.
• Experience using various handheld data collection devices for electronic data collection: tough pads, iPads, GPS’s, PIT tag readers, and CWT detectors.
• Knowledge of fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Knowledge of fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Knowledge of commercial fishing gear types and methods.
• Basic skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending, and cutting.
• Basic carpentry skills.
• Intermediate skills with MS Excel, Word, and Access.
• Ability to operate a motorboat using propeller and/or jet pump propulsion.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13642.

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