Salary: $3,643.00 - $4,865.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2024-12291
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/28/2024
Closing Date: 11/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionTitle- AutoFish System Operators
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Three (3)
Appointment/Season Length- 6 months- January 1, 2025 - July 2, 2025
WDFW Program- FishProgram - Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Schedule- Second Shift, typically 3 P.M. - 11 P.M.
Learn more about being a member of !
AutoFish System on project at Lyons Ferry Hatchery - Photo Credit: WDFW
As our AutoFish System Operator, you will work closely with senior level biologists to operate an automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet lab at hatcheries across the state. These are opportunities to assist with organizing, directing and conducting coded wire tagging operations. In these critical roles, you will directly support the conservation of wild salmon and enhance recreational fishing opportunities through mark selective fisheries and stock assessment. What to Expect-Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the AutoFish System Operators will,
Under the direction of senior level biologists, operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide: - Lead up to three (3) contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking, which will include providing hazard communication training and monitoring work.
- Assist in organizing and conducting coded wire tagging.
- Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs, including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
- Maintain data records of tag codes and production numbers with a high degree of accuracy.
- Monitor fish health and life support systems in the AutoTrailer, including water flow, fish behavior, communicating fish health issues to the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 and appropriate hatchery staff.
- Monitor work product by collecting quality retention samples and conducting pondside quality checks to provide sound scientific results.
- Work with hatchery staff to load fish into automated trailer as needed to maintain production levels.
- Communicate shift successes and challenges effectively with assigned Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
WORKING CONDITIONS:Work Setting, including hazards: - Operate automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab at hatchery locations, often remote with or without cell service.
- Work during inclement weather with minimal office time.
- Stand for extended periods and regularly lift or move 40 pounds while loading fish into tagging trailers.
- Walk on catwalks near hatchery ponds, monitoring fish health during marking and tagging operations.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, second shift (typically 3 P.M. - 11 P.M.), with start and end times set by the project lead, usually with overtime. Limited schedule flexibility due to in-season project completion needs.
Travel Requirements: Extensive overnight travel and driving required. Travel up to six (6) months per year, five (5) days a week.
Tools and Equipment: Automated robotic mobile wet lab-software and robotics; electric and hand tools; and pumps and plumbing associated with life support systems in Auto trailers.
Customer Interactions: Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS:Required Qualifications:A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Certifications/Licenses:Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following: - Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
- Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag (CWT) injectors.
- Knowledge of the CWT system.
- Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic CWT Detectors.
- Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment.
- Experience supervising or directing employees.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
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 InformationIn addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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
- 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 EmployerAs 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2024-12291.
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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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 (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 (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 , 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave Sharing
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
01
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you have a valid driver's license or write "No" if you do not have a valid driver's license.
02
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
04
Select the option below that best describes your experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 2 years of this experience.
- I have between 2 years and 4 years of this experience.
- I have 4 years or more of this experience.
05
Please briefly describe your experience with coded wire tagging and/or mass marking. Indicate the number of years as an operator and describe performance levels. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
06
Please briefly describe your experience working in a hatchery environment - highlight your experience with fish handling and fish health assessment. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
Do you have experience supervising or directing employees?
08
Please briefly describe your experience with general maintenance including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Facebook
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
10
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
11
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
Required Question
