Puget Sound Shellfish Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - *01124-25

State of Washington; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Puget Sound Shellfish Technician, where you will play a vital role in managing shellfish resources. This position involves conducting surveys, collecting critical data, and engaging with the community to promote sustainable practices. You'll work in both the office and field, facing diverse challenges, including inclement weather and strenuous activities. If you have a passion for marine biology and a commitment to conservation, this opportunity offers a rewarding experience in a dynamic environment. Your contributions will directly impact the health of Puget Sound's shellfish populations and the local fishing community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED with science and 2 years experience as Scientific Technician 1.
• First Aid/CPR certification within 6 months of hire required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intertidal and crustacean harvest assessment surveys.
• Participate in bivalve population surveys and shellfish enhancement projects.

Skills

Biological field work

Data collection

Intertidal species identification

Customer interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

One year of high school science

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

GPS units

Marine radios

Job description

Title: Puget Sound Shellfish Technician

Classification: Scientific Technician 2

Job Status: Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Season Length: 6 Months–April 1 – September 30

WDFW Program: Fish Program – Puget Sound Shellfish Program

Duty Station: Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Play a key role in the collection of shellfish harvest and population data critical to the management of Puget Sound’s shellfish resources!

As part of the Puget Sound Shellfish Program, participate in intertidal bivalve population surveys, crustacean test fisheries, and bivalve shellfish enhancement projects across the Puget Sound.

Support shellfish management by conducting recreational intertidal and crustacean shellfish and squid creel surveys with a focus on intertidal fisheries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Puget Sound Shellfish Technician will:

Conduct intertidal and crustacean harvest assessment surveys:

• Interview recreational fishery participants at assigned access points.
• Implement interview procedures and sampling protocols, and accurately record data on appropriate electronic or paper forms.
• Collect data designed to evaluate recreational harvest, including identifying species, counting, measuring, and weighing harvested bivalves, shrimp, crab, squid, and seaweed.
• Conduct outreach and education through fisher interviews.
• Conduct harvester effort sampling to quantify daily shellfish harvester intensity through ingress/egress surveys.
• Liaison to supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.

Participate in intertidal bivalve population surveys, crustacean test fisheries, and bivalve shellfish enhancement projects:

• Locate sample points established by a lead surveyor and employ pre-determined sampling strategy.
• Assist with pre- and post-survey organization and completion, including processing samples and performing routine maintenance on survey equipment.
• Spread clam seed and oyster cultch on public beaches to enhance recreational shellfish opportunity.

Office and lab work, data entry, data review and summary:

• Conduct data entry and error checks on bivalve harvester datasets related to creel and effort surveys in ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Excel.
• Identify intertidal bivalve species and measure length and weight using an electronic caliper and scale.

Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work occurs in an office environment and in the field, including in inclement weather.
• Fieldwork is conducted at public beaches, dockside, and aboard various vessels in marine waters.
• Perform strenuous land-based field activities and occasionally carry heavy loads.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, 8-10 hours per day, between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Work at minimum 40 hours per week, 24/7 scheduling. Flexibility is required.

Travel Requirements: Occasional overnight travel required seasonally.

Tools and Equipment: Laptop computer, GPS units, iPads, cellphone, marine radios, motor vehicles, outboard boats and engines.

Customer Interactions: Interact with Tribes, commercial harvesters, fish and shellfish buyers, and recreational anglers.

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.

OR

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 in biology, zoology, fisheries, or natural sciences will substitute, year for year, for experience.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• First Aid/CPR certification obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Must complete standard trainings expected of all WDFW employees.
• Successful completion of agency training for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting biological field work and data collection.
• Collecting and managing natural resource data.
• Conducting harvester surveys and sampling fisheries.
• Using electronic data collection tools.

Knowledge of:

• Locally occurring intertidal bivalve species and their identification.
• The geography of the Puget Sound.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest and relevant skills.
• At least three professional references.

Important Note: All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

Union: WAFWP: This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer: The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that respects diversity.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV toll-free.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail].

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