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Paid Technician: Scientific Technician, Boat Operator (WA)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hiring a technician/boat operator to conduct boat-based surveys across Washington’s breathtaking marine environments, including Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast down to the Columbia River. Deadline to apply: April 14, 2024.

Agency/Organization: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Location: Jefferson County – Port Townsend, Washington

Website: Click here

Job Description: Join our team as a member of a four-person field crew conducting boat-based surveys across Washington’s breathtaking marine environments, including Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast down to the Columbia River. Your primary role will be at the helm of our research vessel, gathering vital data on marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals. These surveys provide insights into the distribution and abundance of these species and play a pivotal role in their conservation and recovery efforts.

This work includes navigating through scenic waters, contributing to the recovery strategies outlined in the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan and Northwest Forest Plan, and being part of a team that influences conservation policies on both state and federal levels. Your boating skills and passion for marine life will make a tangible difference in preserving Washington’s marine ecosystems.

Conduct boat-based surveys in Puget Sound and the outer coast of Washington for Wildlife Science program research projects: 

  • Serve as boat captain for Research Vessels Fog Lark and Puffin each 26 feet in length with twin outboard engines.
  • Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea.  
  • Study marine weather and tide forecasts to ensure the team can safely execute study plans according to protocol for each research project and area, including coastal and offshore work. Work collaboratively with team to construct survey plans and schedule.
  • Ensure vessels are ready for work each day including fueling, , maintenance, repairs, maintaining survey communication equipment and current safety equipment, etc.
  • Responsible for trailering, launching, retrieving, and storing vessels with tow vehicle provided.
  • Responsible for regular vessel safety briefings for team and for new or guest passengers.
  • Take opportunities to apply and develop the potential of team members to increase boating skills and abilities with coaching, training, and providing opportunities for growth to improve their skills.  
  • Work collaboratively with small team to make decisions.

Maintenance of vessel and WDFW equipment: 

  • Organizes and schedules in-season maintenance/shop time for research vessels.
  • Conducts vessel and trailer maintenance as needed.
  • Ensures vehicles, vessels, and motors are stored and cleaned properly at end of sampling day.
  • Alerts supervisor to any issues or maintenance needed on vessels, trailers and/or trucks.
  • Maintains and cleans boats, binoculars, electronic equipment, safety equipment, tools, and communication equipment regularly.
  • Trouble shoots mechanical and electronic problems and performs small repairs, or finds reputable repair shops. 
  • Maintains vessel and safety equipment inspection logs and make sure that safety items are not expired and are in working order.
  • Be responsible for all assigned inventory items.

Working Conditions

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • Work primarily on a boat for long hours in adverse weather and sea conditions including bar crossings and areas with swell and current. 
    • Maneuvering over slippery surfaces while maintaining balance. 
    • Launching and recovering research boats from slippery launches and docks.
    • Exposure to chemicals possible (primarily fluids associated with boats and motors). 
    • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
  • Schedule:
    • This is a project position that may be abolished if external funding ends. The position is hourly, up to 40 hours per week (occasional over time as needed to meet contractual obligations), Monday – Friday. Business needs may require work on weekends, evenings, and Holidays.
    • From May – July 2024 we expect 40 hours/week (or near that level) on USFWS funded contracts.  
    • August and September 2024 will likely not be 40 hours/week, with larger gaps with no work.  Some of this time may be filled by a variety of projects still developing.
    • From October 2024 – March 2025 we expect 34-40hrs/week on a Navy funded contract.  
    • In the past several years, external funding has continued this position at a level near 34-40 hours/week.  The desire is to maintain this position on external funding; however, we cannot guarantee funding beyond March 2025 at this time.  
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Frequent daily travel and overnight travel.  
    • May be required to use personal-use vehicle when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable (mileage reimbursed).
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, chart plotter, compass, binoculars, range finder, laptop computer, GPS Units, VHF radio, wireless headsets, and voice recorders.  
    • This position is provided a float coat, vest PFD, and WDFW uniform apparel.    
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Communication with State, federal (military and civilian), tribal, and public entities.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science AND four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 

OR

  • Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science AND four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
    • 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.  

Plus

  • Expert level vessel handling (docking, close quarters maneuvering, trailering, and launching).
  • Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation and boating safety regulations and laws
  • Proficient in use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter)

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Completion of an approved boating safety course (within 30 days of hire)

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
  • Must obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 60 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

  • Bachelors of Science in: biology, marine biology, biological science, zoology, ecology, or closely related field.
  • Merchant Marine Credential/USCG Masters >25Gt upon Inland/Near Coastal waters. 
  • Experience as primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
  • Experience identifying Washington’s seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, and Washington’s marine mammals.
  • Experience using line transect distance sampling from boats.
  • Applying principles and procedures of biological research and field methods 

Experience using standard field equipment (binoculars, range-finders, radios, etc.)

Wage: N/A

To apply: In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • 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. 

Application Deadline: April 14, 2024

Start Date: May 2024

Contact: N/A