Autofish System Operator - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (In-Training) - Permanent - *08352-24
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
AUTOFISH SYSTEM OPERATOR
FISH & WIDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (IN-TRAINING)
Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
If you're ready to dive into a role that directly impacts the conservation of wild salmon, we have an exciting opportunity just for you!
At WDFW, we're more than just a workplace; we're a community of dedicated individuals united by a shared passion for preserving our natural heritage. In this position, you'll play a vital role in our conservation efforts, working independently to operate cutting-edge automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet labs at hatcheries throughout the state.
We are recruiting to hire at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or 2 level and we will train a 1 level hire, up to the Biologist 2 level. Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary will be as follows:
Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - $3,643 - $4,865 monthly
Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - $4,410 - $5,929 monthly
Picture yourself traveling the length and breadth of the beautiful state of Washington facilitating the application of coded wire tags and external visual marks for the purpose of identifying hatchery reared salmonids.
In this dynamic role, you will independently diagnose and repair state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs consisting of complex robotic and video imaging systems with software interfaces.
With your experience, you will thrive in a fast paced, challenging environment with tangible results, facilitating salmon research and fisheries management at highly variable statewide hatchery facilities.
We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE.)
Duties:
Here are some things you will do in this role:
Independently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide. Oversee up to 11 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking. Train new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitor work product:
- Ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
- 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.
- Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.
Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs:
- Remove and repair all mechanical devices once a year to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
- Re-home and check operation of all stepper motors (6).
- Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Work Setting, including hazards:
- Automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab, hatchery environment, work during inclement weather, office setting.
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions; extreme heat, freezing cold, rain, wind, snow.
- Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Ability to be on feet all day, ability to lift 40 pounds commonly, ability to work around hatchery ponds, and catwalks over hatchery ponds.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
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Schedule:
- Typically, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
- Considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the spring.
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Travel Requirements:
- Extensive travel and driving required up to six (6) months per year, five (5) days a week.
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Tools and Equipment:
- Electric hand tools, basic hand tools.
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Customer Interactions:
- Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff, and general public.
Qualifications:
This in-training series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited experience.
Candidates will be hired as a F&W Biologist 1 or F&W Biologist 2, dependent on skills and experience.
To qualify at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 level:
- A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Or
- Equivalent education and/or experience
License:
- Valid driver’s license
To qualify at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 level:
- A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And
- One (1) year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
- Please note: A Master’s degree in an applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
Or
- One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.
Or
- Equivalent education and/or experience.
License:
- Valid driver’s license
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.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
Supplemental Information:
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.
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 Benefits:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types.
Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), and an Employee Assistance Program.
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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line must 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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line must 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.
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.
Should you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the assigned recruiter at Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
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.
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.