Rotary Screw Trap Operator - Scientific Technician 2 - Seasonal - Two Openings - *12983-24

Messiah College; August (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Rotary Screw Trap Operator, where you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in fisheries conservation. This seasonal position offers the chance to work in diverse locations, performing vital tasks such as monitoring fish populations and collecting biological data. You will be at the forefront of efforts to support local salmon and steelhead conservation, working closely with various stakeholders. If you are passionate about wildlife and eager to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives, this opportunity is perfect for you. Embrace the challenge of working in dynamic field conditions while making a real difference in aquatic ecosystems.

Benefits

Hands-on Experience

Flexible Schedule

Training Opportunities

Community Engagement

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED with one year of science and two years of experience as Scientific Technician 1.
• Preferred qualifications include experience in fish handling and operating rotary screw traps.

Responsibilities

• Perform trap checks and collect biological data from juvenile salmonids.
• Record and verify field data, assist in data analysis, and maintain trapping equipment.

Skills

Fish Handling

Data Collection

Field Research

Biological Sampling

Safety Training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Coursework in Natural Sciences

Tools

Electronic Sampling Equipment

Hand Tools

Power Tools

Computer Software (Word, Excel, Access)

Job description

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Rotary Screw Trap Operator - Scientific Technician 2 - Seasonal - Two Openings - *12983-24

Title- Rotary Screw Trap Operator
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
WDFW Program- Fish Program
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations

*Apply to one (1) or both positions by submitting one (1) application.
One (1) Position - Auburn, Washington – *King County - Season Length: 5.5 months - January 16, 2025 – June 30, 2025
One (1) Position - Yelm, Washington – Thurston County - Season Length: 8 months - January 2, 2025 – August 30, 2025
*Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees

This is an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in fisheries, supporting the conservation efforts of local salmon and steelhead.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Rotary Screw Trap Operator will:

• Perform trap checks, primarily at the Green River from Mid-January - June or at the Nisqually River from Mid-January - Mid-August. The incumbents may occasionally assist in trap operations at other locations when needed.
• Identify juvenile salmonids and enumerate by species, age class, and mark type. Mark a portion of the catch and release these fish above the trap to estimate trap efficiency.
• Collect biological data and samples from a subsample of the catch, such as length, weight, scale samples, and fin clips.
• Tag juvenile salmonids with coded wire tags (CWT), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, or other types of marks to assist in collaborative studies investigating survival, habitat use, or other research.
• Monitor river flow and weather predictions and disable or move the trap into a protected area when conditions indicate.
• Record and verify field data for accuracy, enter data into computer databases, and assist in data analysis.
• Install, maintain, and repair equipment associated with WSPE trapping projects as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Approximately 90% of the work will be conducted in the field.
• Potentially hazardous conditions may include working in and around deep and swift water, including risk of entering water in uncontrolled situations.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Trapping activities involve exposure to inclement weather conditions while working on a floating platform.
• Trap operation requires frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and handling buckets weighing more than 50 pounds, as well as prolonged exposure of hands to cold water (temperatures 40-50 degrees).

Schedule:

• Requires a flexible schedule that varies in start and stop time, days worked, and number of hours per day.
• Typically work will not exceed 40 hours per week, but during peak fish migration and peak river discharge, overtime may be required along with shifts during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to other Wild Salmon Production Evaluation (WSPE) trap locations, Natural Resources Building (NRB) in Olympia and other locations for trainings.

Tools and Equipment: Electronic sampling equipment, cell phone, calculator, computer, hand tools (cleaning rakes, shovels, crowbars, sledgehammers), power tools (chain saws, drills, generator), and fish collection gear (nets, seines, weirs, and screw traps).

Customer Interactions: Interacts with sport fishermen, Tribal members and employees, King County employees, Tacoma Water employees, US Army Corps of Engineers employees, WDFW hatchery staff, WDFW volunteers, and private landowners.

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 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 (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Drivers License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Complete the following trainings within six (6) months of employment:
• WDFW Personal Floatation Device training and attestation.
• Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) and follow-up river module.
• First Aid & CPR.
• Wilderness First Aid.
• Coldwater Survival.
• Swiftwater Rescue.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience handling live fish safely and operating rotary screw traps in large rivers.
• Experience operating a jet powered boat.
• Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics.
• Proficiency identifying fish, particularly juvenile salmonids, lamprey and a variety of exotic and non-game fish species.
• Knowledge of live fish handling techniques.
• Ability to collect data accurately, consistently, and completely, and to transfer data into electronic databases.
• Familiarity with the use of a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small engine machinery.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three 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.

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.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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 [phone] or email [e-mail].

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job#2024-12983.