Columbia River Fishery Sampling Field Lead – Scientific Technician 4 – Permanent – *06379-23 – Ridgefield, Washington

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States

Updated: 11 months ago
Location: Ridgefield, WASHINGTON
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 25 May 2023

Agency
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Location
Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Job Category
Full time Positions
Salary
$3,734.00 - $5,013.00 Monthly
Last Date to Apply
05/25/2023
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4037407/columbia-river-fishery-sampling-field-lead-scientific-technician-4-permanent?keywords=06379&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Description
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT COLUMBIA RIVER FISHERY SAMPLING FIELD LEAD SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 4 Columbia River Management Unit Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County Monitoring and sampling of sport and commercial fisheries are a critical role in the agency’s mission to protect, preserve and perpetuate Washington’s fish resources. Support this mission by leading and performing the collection of creel, commercial fishery, observation, and spawning ground data collection on salmonid species in the lower Columbia River and its tributaries. This position leads crews of fishery samplers, oversees data entry and quality assurance, operates jet powered boats on technical rivers, and interacts with constituents while collecting information managers need to assess impacts of sport and commercial fisheries on wild salmonid stocks. A line of people fishing with hills and a dam in the background Bonneville Shad fishing – Photo credit: WDFW Staff With that in mind, Picture yourself, serving as lead technician on sport creel surveys and commercial fishery and hatchery sampling crews, performing fish counts at Bonneville Dam, operating jet boats on the mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries, and validating data entry into databases. In this dynamic role, you will lead, mentor, and supervise staff on creel surveys, commercial fishery sampling, commercial fishery observation, hatchery sampling, spawning ground surveys and other fishery sampling projects. With your experience, you will work with WDFW biologists to coordinate fishery sampling and meet data collection goals required for fishery management and run reconstruction. We are seeking a candidate who can gather data in the filed accurately, efficiently, and in a concise manner as well as communicate effectively the data collection goals to other field staff. Duties: Our Columbia River Fishery Sampling Field Lead Performs Recreational Angler Creel Surveys, mainstem Lower Columbia River and Tributaries: Train and mentor sampling staff on creel protocols, take them on ride alongs to creeling locations, and answer questions regarding proper data collection. Edit and maintain sampling protocols through all fishery seasons. Distribute these protocols to staff. Relay updates and changes to fishery season to staff when they arise. Assist with the preparation and distribution of weekly creel survey reports to project biologists and fishery co-manager staff. Maintain sampling equipment and supplies, distribute to technicians, ensure supplies and equipment are fully stocked and functional. Interview individual and groups of anglers to collect information related to hours fished, number of fish harvested or released, natural versus hatchery origin, gear type employed, hooking location, and all other pertinent biological and tag sampling information required to accurately complete the data collection needs for the various work units. Collects snouts with CWT, scales, and other biological data to obtain stock composition. Implement, and support the implementation of, electronic data capture using new and updated hardware such as iPad minis or other tablet or hand-held electronic devices. Review and download data into agency databases. Conducts observation at Bonneville Dam: Using established phenotypic traits, conduct counts of tule and late/bright stock fall Chinook salmon passing Bonneville Dam at the WA shore ladder counting station. Review video data to conduct counts of tule and late/bright stock fall Chinook salmon. Review and download data into agency databases. Performs post season data QA/QC within agency databases using established methods for project biologists. Performs Treaty and Non-Treaty Commercial Sampling, Hatchery Broodstock Sampling, and Spawning Ground Surveys: Leads crews conducting commercial sampling at fish buyer and processing locations. Leads crews conducting hatchery broodstock sampling. Lead boat driver on stream sampling crew, will operate jet boats on tributaries of the lower Columbia River. Acts as a liaison for data collection between field technicians and project biologists. Maintain and distribute sampling protocols and train and mentor staff on proper data collection. Collect CWTs, PIT tags, DNA, scales, and other biological data. Review and download data into agency databases. Performs post season data QA/QC within agency databases using established methods for project biologists. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Setting, including hazards: This work is completed fully outdoors, often completed alone and in all types of weather conditions, focusing on dawn and dusk periods. Hazards include slipping, tripping, and falling from traversing slippery and uneven surfaces in and around rivers. Physical environment requirements associated with performing the key work include walking up to six (6) miles per day over rough terrain without designated trails and under adverse weather conditions along streams and rivers. Repetitively carrying loads up to 70 pounds short distances over rough terrain. 40 hours of work with variable hours per day. Hazards include: high debris and river flow conditions, high wind conditions, extreme temperature conditions, repetitive movements, and the potential for long periods of standing. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Office hazards include long periods of sitting, long periods of interaction with computer screens, and working under fluorescent lights. Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with occasional weekend and before and after work hours will be required. May be required to work long days, some nights, all weekends, and occasional holidays. Travel Requirements: Travel to and from various work sites. Tools and Equipment: Operate vehicles and boats including propeller, jet, raft, and drift boats. Operate various mobile digital data collection devices, tag detectors, and other general sampling equipment, power equipment such as power saws and drills, and computers and office machines. Customer Interactions: Will communicate with members of the angling public, co-workers, outside agency staff, and all other persons that may be encountered. Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when interacting with the public, personnel from other state agencies, and local landowners.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and five (5) years of experience as a Scientific Technician, three years of which must be as a Scientific Technician 2 and/or 3. OR Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and five (5) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 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 AND CERTIFICATIONS: Valid driver license. First aid and CPR (must be obtained within one (1) month of hire) WDFW snorkel training and certification, (within six (6) months of hire and renewal expected annually) Completion of MOTC (within One (1) year of hire) Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and?training availability. Ability to obtain security pass for Bonneville Dam access: must pass background security check and participate in required training. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience: Conducting recreational angler creel surveys Conducting BDO and/or working at a ladder counting station Operating jet boats Leading or supervising field staff Utilizing iPad’s and iForm for data collection and database downloads Ability to: Identify all anadromous salmonids in the Columbia River system Gather necessary angling information from members of the public accurately, efficiently, and in a concise manner as to maximize productivity of field operations Do basic functions in MS Excel and Access Operate handheld GPS and data logger devices Knowledge of: Fishery monitoring and sampling techniques CWT and PIT tag detector operation Tributary fishing techniques to include Artificial and Non-artificial methods Fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols 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: 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. dh Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
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