NOW FILLING NINE (9) POSITIONS

FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
ASSISTANT AUTOFISH SYSTEM OPERATOR
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1

Fish Program
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

We are seeking NINE biologists to support the mission of conservation of wild salmon and providing recreational fishing opportunity through coded wire tagging and mass marking to provide for mark selective fisheries and stock assessment.

AutoFish System – Photo credit: Cody Dieterle

With that in mind,

Picture yourself, assisting in organizing, directing, and conducting coded wire tagging.

This is an opportunity to support the WDFW mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

With your experience, you will diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software. Maintain data records of tag codes and production numbers with a high degree of accuracy

The optimal applicants are self-motivated and have the ability to work independently; and thrive on building collaboration and teamwork.

Fish smelt tagging + Beach Seining – Photo credit: WDFW Staff

Our Assistant Autofish System Operator,

• Under the direction of senior level biologists within the unit, operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide.
• Lead up to 3 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking.
• Provide hazard communication training and monitor work product.
• Assist in organizing and conducting coded wire tagging.
• Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
• Maintain data records of tag codes and production numbers with a high degree of accuracy.
• Monitor fish health and life support systems in the AutoTrailer including water flow, fish behavior, communicating fish health issues to Bio 2 and appropriate hatchery staff.
• Monitor work product by collecting quality retention samples and conducting pondside quality checks to provide sound scientific results.
• Work with hatchery staff to load fish into automated trailer as needed to maintain production levels. Communicate shift successes and challenges effectively with assigned Bio 2.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab at various hatchery locations, often remote with or without cell service,
  • Work during inclement weather, minimal office time.
  • Lifting or moving 40 pounds regularly while loading fish into tagging trailer from hatchery ponds.
  • Working around catwalks adjacent to hatchery ponds while loading fish and monitoring fish health during marking and tagging operations.
• Schedule:
  • Monday through Friday, second shift with start and end times as determined by project lead, usually with overtime.
  • Because this position is one member of a field team there is little flexibility in the schedule as determined by in season project completion needs.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Extensive overnight travel and driving required; up to six months per year, 5 days a week.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Automated robotic mobile wet lab, including the associated software and robotics.
  • Electric and hand tools as needed to repair and adjust robotic components.
  • Pumps and plumbing associated with life support systems in Auto trailers.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff and general public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

OR

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
• Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors
• Knowledge of the coded wire tag system
• Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
• Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment
• Experience supervising or directing employees
• Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.

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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