AutoFish System Operators - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - Non-Permanent - 3 Openings - *12291-24

Title- 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- Fish Program – 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 Team WDFW!

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.

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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-12291.

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