Chehalis River Basin Technician - Scientific Tech - Career Seasonal

Title

Chehalis River Basin Technician

Scientific Technician 3

Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Six (6) months – April 1 – September 30

Habitat Program – Science Division

Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

This position supports and supervises field research in the Chehalis River Basin by surveying for stream-associated amphibians in the upper basin and Olympics;
Western Toad instream breeding within the whole basin; both fish and amphibians in off-channel wetlands in the floodplain; and Freshwater Mussel surveys in the basin. Data from this study will inform and evaluate habitat restoration, potential impacts of proposed flood control alternatives and watershed plan development in the Chehalis River Basin.

• Assist supervising a field crew of 2 to 8 surveying for stream-associated amphibians, Western Toads in streams and rivers of all sizes, and off-channel wetlands for fish and amphibians.
• Plan, coordinate, and/or lead the work of volunteers to support program activities and agency objectives.
• Conduct snorkel or wading surveys for freshwater mussels.
• Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands to access sites.
• Conduct rubble-rouse surveys in steep headwater streams, kneeling and bending for extended periods.
• Boat or wade river networks and ponds safely using non-motorized craft while surveying.
• Drive daily via logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks.
• Collect, classify, and record biotic and habitat data on various devices or paper.
• Using logic, knowledge of the project area, and established quality control methods, evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.

The incumbent performs a variety of outdoor tasks in field conditions that may include inclement weather, dense understory vegetation, muddy wetlands, slippery river rocks, steep slopes, clear cuts, heat, cold, and biting insects. Fieldwork occurs throughout the Chehalis Basin and may require overnight stays. Field environments include managed timberlands, river floodplains with dense understory, agricultural settings, urban and suburban stormwater areas, and mainstem river reaches.

The incumbent must be comfortable navigating and working safely across these landscapes on foot and/or by small boat to access survey locations. Work includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing or whitewater conditions and walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week typically (M-Th: 7am-5pm). The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional (though rare) evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

This position will travel daily in state vehicles to and from job sites.

Desktop Computers, GIS, GPS, cameras, inflatable boats, and iPad’s.

Interaction may occur with Weyerhaeuser employees on managed lands, private landowners on private property, and federal agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. The incumbent will collaborate with tribal employees and tribal members on selected efforts. University, federal, county, and state employees may also engage with the team for information sharing and project development.

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
• College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

V…