What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Perm - 5 Openings - *00887-25 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
Description
Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Five (5)
Appointment/Season Length- 2.5 months – April 1, 2025 – June 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Spokane, Washington – Spokane County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Lake Roosevelt Northern Pike Suppression Effort– Photo Credit: WDFW
Play a key role in providing essential technical support to project lead biologists on the Lake Roosevelt Northern Pike Suppression Project and other fish stock assessment efforts in Region 1.
As part of a collaborative effort among regional co-managers, this project focuses on suppressing aquatic invasive species to protect native fish populations.
Additionally, the Scientific Technician 2 supports Fish Program activities related to fish management in Region 1, directly contributing to the conservation of resident fish in Lake Roosevelt and the protection of anadromous fisheries below Grand Coulee Dam.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,
Conduct Field Surveys:
- Perform gill net surveys for invasive fish species in Region 1.
- Collect and record biological data on fish, including species identification, total length, fork length, weight, sex and maturity.
- Gather biological samples such as aging structures, genetic tissue, and diet samples.
- Check fish for existing tags/marks and apply various marking techniques.
- Euthanize non-native species as part of suppression activities.
- Accurately and legibly record effort and catch data.
Maintain Field Equipment:
- Maintain and repair fish sampling equipment.
- Keep gear organized and in good working condition.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is primarily conducted in field and warehouse settings with extensive vehicle travel.
- Fieldwork occurs in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and prolonged exposure to cold water.
- Fieldwork takes place on a boat for extended hours on large bodies of water.
- Boat conditions may include slippery, wet, and uneven surfaces, as well as wavy conditions.
- Requires repetitive heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) for setting and pulling gill nets.
- Involves handling fish in various states of disposition and euthanizing non-native fishes.
- Potential injuries include cuts, scrapes, bruises, muscle strains, and other injuries associated with field activities.
- Requires repetitive lifting and carrying equipment weighing 75 pounds or more over short distances.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
- Occasional office work may be required, involving extended hours on a computer and monitor.
Schedule:
Typically, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, though over 40 hours may be required. Workdays may exceed 8 hours, particularly on a boat in a team setting. Work is conducted primarily during the day, with occasional evening work.
Travel Requirements:
Extensive daily travel, including up to 200 miles per day in a vehicle with other crew members.
Tools and Equipment:
Pickup trucks, boats, manual hand tools, electronic balances, handheld Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag readers, handheld GPS, net repair tools, fish picks, clubs, knives, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as personal flotation devices (PFDs), rain gear, waders, boots, gloves, ear protection, and eye protection.
Customer Interactions:
May engage with the public at boat ramps and on the water.
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 six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience:
- Conducting gill net surveys
Competencies:
- Proficiency in identifying eastern Washington fish species.
- Familiarity with deploying and retrieving gill nets.
- Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Strong communication skills to engage in meaningful dialogue with supervisors and biological staff about work activities.
- Ability to communicate professionally with technician staff to ensure activities are completed safely and efficiently.
Ability and Willingness to:
- Conduct suppression activities, including handling large numbers of fish in various states of disposition and euthanizing invasive fish species.
- Identify and report potential problems with gear and equipment to lead staff.
Certifications:
- First Aid / CPR training
- Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC).
- Washington Boater Safety Training (or equivalent).
Your application should 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 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00887.
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