Salmonid Trap Operator – Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – *01373-25

Description

Title- Salmonid Trap Operator 

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 

Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spawning Ground Survey – Photo Credit: WDFW

Lead the operations of the adult salmonid trap on the Nisqually River, monitoring adult salmon and steelhead populations while collecting critical biological data. 

Envision yourself in the field, overseeing the implementation of adult trapping and handling protocols and supervising technicians to ensure efficient data management and reporting. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmonid Trap Operator will, 

Lead the adult salmon and steelhead trapping operations on the Nisqually River, independently implement predeveloped adult trapping and handling protocols, and supervise staff that operate the adult trap to document annual abundance of salmon and steelhead spawning populations:

• Trapping and handling protocol execution.
• Participate in trap operations and field data collection.
• Provide analysis in final written (agency publications and/or peer reviewed publications) and oral format to agency staff, managers, and others.
• Remain current on the latest peer reviewed publications regarding new methodologies for salmon and steelhead fishery monitoring and trapping methodologies.

Anadromous stock assessment surveys:

• Assist regional staff with spawning ground surveys for salmon and steelhead to collect biological data used for escapement estimates, population monitoring, run-timing estimates, spatial and temporal distribution, etc.
• Independently walk or float long sections of streams and rivers in South Puget Sound to collect biological data from salmon and steelhead, count live/dead adults, georeference and count redds, and collect other stock assessment data.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Much of the work associated with this position is conducted in remote locations, on unstable ground or moving water.
• Hazards may include the potential for trips and falls, water hazards, and problems associated with operating a moving vehicle, motorboat, raft and pontoons, and riding in helicopters.
• Survey long distances independently in streams and rivers on foot, rafts, or pontoon boats for long hours which can result in fatigue. Count and interview anglers at a variety of popular sport fishing boat launch sites and access areas along the rivers.
• Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather. Contacting anglers requires short hikes to fishing areas or driving to creel locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Position is split between an office working environment (50%) and scheduled field work (50%). Standard work week includes working from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week. There is often a need for a flexible work schedule that includes weekends and may work longer than 8 hours per day.

Travel Requirements: Travel and overnight stay are infrequent but required occasionally. Considerable driving is required by state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private (logging) roads.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences and one (1) year of professional experience in research or fisheries management. 

Please Note: 

• A Master’s degree or PhD in science may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Basic Flight Safety and Helicopter Safety training must be completed prior to first flight.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience: 

• Trapping adult and juvenile salmonids.
• Creating, organizing and querying databases (Access and Excel).
• Conducting spawning ground surveys over long distances on foot, rafts, and pontoon boats.
• Operating rafts and pontoon boats in white water.
• Working with recreational anglers and guides.

Competencies: 

• Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with statistical methods and population modeling options for adult escapement estimates, mark-recapture estimates, and recreational fisheries
• Knowledge of the fish species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods.
• Familiarity with the geography of the area waters.

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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 email Jayme.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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01373.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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