Working Title- Regional Diversity Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Region 2
Duty Station- *Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

In this dynamic role, you will participate in a variety of monitoring and recovery efforts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) within north central Washington’s Region 2 (Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Adams Co).

With your experience, you will conduct regular survey and monitoring efforts for greater sage-grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, and northern leopard frogs.

You are excited to assist with reintroduction and recovery efforts for Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, northern leopard frogs, and grouse species!

WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Conduct surveys for species of greatest conservation need.

• Conduct field surveys with 4x4 trucks, binoculars, spotting scopes, GPS units, and mapping software (Arc Pro, ArcOnline, Avenza, OnXHunt).
• Follow established survey protocols for lek counts and searches for greater sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse during spring months.
• Perform transect surveys for pygmy rabbit burrow systems and collect fecal pellets for DNA analysis during late summer and winter.
• Perform surveys for calling frogs, egg masses, and metamorphs in wetland habitat for northern leopard frogs.
• Assist with survey efforts for a variety of other species including small mammals, bats, raptors, herpetofauna, and mesocarnivores.
• Collect biological samples for genetic and disease testing.

Assist with recovery and reintroduction efforts for threatened and endangered species.

• Assist with capture, translocation, and reintroduction efforts for pygmy rabbits, which will involve assisting the pygmy rabbit team with capturing, handling, and transporting rabbits.
• Assist with trapping and vaccination of wild pygmy rabbit populations.
• Assist with reintroduction efforts for northern leopard frog, including collecting and transporting egg masses for captive breeding and monitoring released frogs.
• Monitor extant northern leopard frog populations and conduct frog surveys where occupancy is unknown.
• Assist with lethal control of American bullfrogs when necessary.

Administrative/Data management.

• Attend team meetings, department trainings, and other wildlife program duties that promote the WDFW mission as assigned.
• Organize and enter field data into mobile data collection apps (Survey123, Field Maps), spreadsheets and databases (Excel, Access) and mapping software (ArcPro).

Working Conditions:

Work setting: mostly field based (80% of time) in Eastside Cascades mountain forests and Columbia Basin shrubsteppe habitat, with temperature/weather extremes (below freezing/snow in winter to 90+ degrees during summer). The incumbent will work in wetland habitats with mud, biting insects, and water up to 4ft deep and occasional deeper lakes. This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Fieldwork includes heavy lifting (up to 50lbs), hiking/walking (up to 10 miles a day), snowshoeing in winter, and bending/stooping.   About 50% of the time, this position will work independently and other times with field recovery teams.

Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Travel to and from fieldwork assignments, surveys, and required trainings, and short periods of overnight travel.

Customer Interactions: Will often work on/around private lands and could interact with landowners and the recreating public. Will often interact/work with other staff and Agency partners/volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED (including one year of high school science), and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED (including one 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.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• At least three (3) months previous experience with field-based wildlife projects or wildlife survey techniques.
• Experience with wildlife handling and biological sample collection.
• Experience working in remote field sites, navigating off-trail, and hiking or snowshoeing in a variety of weather conditions.
• Experience collecting spatial data with GPS units and mobile devices.
• Familiarity with GIS software (ArcPro).
• Experience working in wetland, shrubsteppe, and/or mountainous environments.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

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

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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or emailJayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: 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. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.

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