Collect field data to support research projects designed to evaluate the utility of innovative restoration techniques in restoring aquatic habitat to benefit species throughout the Chehalis River Basin!

Participate in sampling programs used to inform restoration options for improving and creating habitat for aquatic species as a part of the Chehalis Basin Aquatic Species Restoration Plan.

WDFW Employee Collecting Field Data – Photo Credit: Daniel Trovillion

With that in mind,

Picture yourself conducting fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research.

In this dynamic role you will leverage your experience in field data collection and conduct biological surveys for fish and wildlife and their habitats.

This is an opportunity to collaborate on a team and ensure the program performance objectives are met.

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

Washington’s Rough-Skinned Newt – Photo Credit: Diane Tilton

Our Aquatic Species Habitat Technician,

Performs field data collection to support research projects as a part of the Chehalis Basin Aquatic Species Restoration Plan:

• Participates in sampling programs designed to inform the effectiveness of restoration actions in the Chehalis River Basin (specifically sediment wedging and Beaver Dam Analogue (BDA) implementation) for improving water quality and aquatic and semi-aquatic species habitat.
• Conducts fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research under supervision of a higher-level professional.
• Installs permanent equipment and delineates sample transects.
• Uses established procedures to characterize streams and stream habitats.
• Monitors water quality, including stream temperature and flow.
• Conducts wood surveys (i.e., wood count, function, and volume) and marks field locations using Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Operates trucks and drives on logging roads on private forestlands.

Downloads monitoring equipment and enters data:

• Downloads temperature and other monitors/sensors in the field.
• Records and enters field/tabular data, and uploads data into databases.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Primarily composed of field work but does involve a minimal amount of field preparation in the office.
  • 90-95% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field. While in the field, hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense and up and down steep slopes will be required.
  • Employees will frequently be required to carry a moderately heavy pack (<40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (e.g., hand net, iPad, field notebook, instream temperature sensors, measuring tape) and personal supplies (first aid kit, water, lunch, snacks, rain gear), and at times a field laptop. Employees will infrequently be required to carry by hand a 5 gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar.
  • Field work requires bending, ducking, balancing, and crawling through, under, and over dense understory and woody debris.
  • Navigating and hiking throughout managed landscapes on foot, and over downed trees and wood or up streams that may be slippery.
  • Navigating and driving on logging roads located on Private forestlands throughout western Washington.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

• Schedule:
  • Work hours are 40 hours per week – four days per week, ten hours per day - Monday through Thursday.
  • This position is one member of a field team, there is no flexibility in workdays or hours.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Primarily daily trips to field sites located within daily driving distance of the NRB, though camping overnight near study sites may be required on occasion.

• Tools and Equipment:
  • Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) that are to be driven on logging roads located on Private forestlands in western Washington.
  • Field and safety equipment that will be provided include: rubber boots, hard hat, high visibility vest, raingear, waders and wading shoes.
  • iPads and other devices to enter data collected in the field, monitors/sensors to deploy for data collection, laptop to upload data into databases.
  • Office work includes performing basic functions using standard software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

• Customer Interactions:
  • Interactions with landowners or other users of public and/or private lands on route to study sites.
  • Maintain positive and productive working relationships with landowners on whose lands study sites are located and provide proof of access permits if requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

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:

Ability to:

• Collect data according to established protocols and make independent judgments in the field in the absence of the Supervisor or other lead staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research; standard laboratory and field methods; fish, wildlife, and stream ecology.
• Use standard laboratory and field equipment; perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.
• Develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators.

Certifications/Licenses:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year professional experience conducting field research, familiarity with water quality and physical monitoring.

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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