Description

Come get your boots dirty and conduct early-detection, monitoring, control, and removal trapping efforts for European green crab (EGC), a Prohibited Level 1 species in the state of Washington.

Work alongside agency partners and tribal co-managers in extensive trapping efforts to assess the full scope and scale of current EGC invasions.

European Green Crab – Credit: NOAA

With that in mind,

These are opportunities to conduct land-based and/or boat-based trapping assessments throughout coastal intertidal and subtidal habitats to determine the distribution and abundance of EGC.

The optimal applicants are organized, detail-oriented, and are eager to record data using electronic field applications and field datasheets while ensuring data is accurately recorded and summarized.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

Duties

European Green Crab Trapping – Credit: WDFW

Our European Green Crab Technicians,

Conduct European Green Crab (EGC) Management Actions:

• Conduct early detection monitoring trapping at sites not previously surveyed using established protocols.
• Conduct control/removal trapping efforts to functionally eradicate EGC following directives from lead biologists.
• Assemble field gear, safely navigate to remote locations, set traps in pre-determined sites, and return the following day to sample for up to 5 days at a time.
• Protect native species by following established protocols to reduce bycatch, quickly and carefully release any incident bycatch, and remove and humanely euthanize captured EGC and other AIS species following AIS Unit protocols.
• Collaborate and assist in removal efforts with agency partners and co-managers (Washington Sea Grant, Northwest Straits Commission, local tribes, shellfish growers, etc.).
• Participate in regional rapid response actions where new EGC are detected following lead biologists’ directives.

Office Work:

• Enter weekly data into project database via laptop and ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized, and inputted into project database.
• Accurately record and enter EGC biometric data captured through WDFW or agency partner trapping efforts.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Follow all AIS Unit decontamination protocols for watercrafts, gear, and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Approximately 85% field work and 15% office work.
  • European Green Crab (EGC) field work is physically demanding, hiking 2 to 3 miles per day and occasionally carrying up to a 50-pound dry bag or frame pack throughout Washington’s vast marine environments, including but not limited to, intertidal habitats such as marshes, channels, and mudflats.
  • Potential hazards include uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, stinging insects, biting and pinching animals, and possible encounters with wildlife.
  • Usually working as part of a team in remote locations (following strict call in and out procedures), during inclement weather, day and night.
  • May operate motorized (i.e. airboats, <26’ aluminum boats, rigid inflatables) and non-motorized (i.e. kayaks, inflatables, canoes) watercrafts depending on experience.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Workweek will typically be the first 40 hours of work per week (24/7).
  • May be required to occasionally exceed these hours, work outside of normal workweek during holidays and weekends, and respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.
• Travel Requirements:
  • This position requires frequent statewide travel and may require overnight stays up to five (5) days at times.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Laptops, smart phones, Personal Floatation Device (PFDs), and field gear (i.e., hip boots, Xtratufs, raingear, dry bag, frame pack).
  • Complex mobile water quality laboratory and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
  • 25-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork.
  • Occasional interactions with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.
  • Coordinates regularly with tribal co-managers and works on tribal lands.

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.

• Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of 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.

• Valid Driver's License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Washington State Boater Education card or equivalent (must obtain within three (3) weeks of hire).
• 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 those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Experience:

• Operating and/or working in and around boats, trailers, etc.
• Towing/trailering boats and/or trailers (i.e., cargo trailers, trailered decontamination units).
• With Microsoft Office, ESRI products, and any other online mapping tools.
• Entering data into Excel/Access databases.

Job knowledge to perform the essential activities of this position including:

• Ability to ID invasive European green crab and native crab species
• Ability to identify species using a taxonomic key or field guide.
• Familiarity with the principles and procedures of aquatic invasive species management.
• Ability to use and safely operate vehicles.

Certifications:

• WA State Boater Education Card or equivalent.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certified.
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Levels I/II.

Supplemental Information

• 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 agencyand the perksof 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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@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.

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 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.

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