Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention team and perform early detection of Zebra and Quagga muscle monitoring!

Utilize your experience collecting data and record the number of sites and samples conducted for early detection monitoring and perform equipment maintenance.

Artificial Substrate Sampling - Credit: WDFW

With that in mind,

Picture yourself identifying and reporting potential Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) while working in the field conducting sampling methods.

In this dynamic role, you will collect, review, record, and upload field data and engage with the public about the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) fieldwork being conducted.

With your experience you will operate and tow watercraft in a safe manner to collect monitoring samples.

We are seeking a candidate, who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.

Petite Ponar Grab Sampling - Credit: WDFW

Our Zebra and Quagga Mussel Surveyor,

Conducts early detection Zebra and Quagga mussel monitoring in high-risk bodies of water:

• Gathers horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows and monitors artificial substrates.
• Conducts visual shoreline surveys and collects water quality measurements using hyrdrolab and calcium collection techniques.
• Collects substrate samples using a petite Ponar grab and collects environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.

Completes Office Work:

Performs Equipment Maintenance:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Approximately 90% fieldwork. 10% office – open to flexible/hybrid.
  • Field work – includes inclement weather conditions, working on land or water, handling chemicals, walking up to five (5) miles daily on uneven ground, lifting up to 75 pounds, and packing up to 50 pounds – items include environmental DNA (eDNA) pack, petite ponar, boat anchor and other sampling gear.
  • Most of the work is completed as a team - may work independently in remote locations during the day or night.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Monday to Thursday, 4 10-hour shifts – occasionally required to exceed these hours.
  • May work during holidays, weekends and required to respond on short notice to rapid response Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) emergencies.
• Travel Requirements:
  • This position requires weekly statewide travel and overnight stays for up to five (5) days.
  • Must safely transport and operate large equipment - up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, electronic software forms, complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA (eDNA) backpack, water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork.

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.

• 
  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.

Experience:

• With Microsoft Windows, smart phones, electronic tablets, personal computers (PC’s), and laptops.
• Operating vehicles and motorized watercraft of at least 15 feet in length in fresh water or marine areas – with an excellent safety record.
• Towing trailers and boats.

License/Certifications:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Job Knowledge and Experience:

• Boat operation and connecting and towing trailers up to 25 feet in length.
• Knowledge of computers and other electronic devices.

Skills and Abilities:

• Working independently and in a team setting.
• Maintain excellent public service and develop partnerships effectively through outreach and education.

Certifications/Trainings:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
• WDFW motorboat operator’s certification or equivalent.
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• State Boater Education Card or equivalent - must be obtained within one (1) month 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.

• 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 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.

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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