Natural Resources Field Technician

Position Description

Check out what the team is up to, and what they have to offer!

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd418c7ce7d846618cf14d09da16ad50

**The designated reporting site for this position is situated in Salkum, WA, specifically at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. **

Join Tacoma Power as a Natural Resources Field Technician and experience the thrill of bridging the gap between nature and information. As a vital member of our team, you'll provide support for natural resources management requirements associated with operation of Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz, Cushman, Nisqually, and Wynoochee Hydroelectric Projects. Your contributions will directly impact the preservation and sustainable management of Tacoma Power’s invaluable resources.

Embark on an exhilarating journey in this role, where you'll dive into a variety of tasks, from hands-on data collection in pristine wilderness habitats to engaging with stakeholders in meaningful ways. As a Natural Resource Field Technician, you'll be pivotal in offering support and subject matter expertise across a range of domains, including Science and Research, Wildlife and Lands, Fish Facility Operations, Water Quality, Habitat, Data Delivery and Permitting. Your contribution will be key to our collaborative efforts in preserving and managing our natural resources.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide field support and subject matter expertise (SME) to each division of Natural Resources:
• Science and Research - Undertake tasks such as spawning ground surveys, remote trap operations, fish tagging, and managing fish passage.
• Wildlife and Lands - Participate in activities related to wildlife management, lands management, and the preservation of cultural and historical resources.
• Fish Facility Operations - Contribute to adult and juvenile fish collection operations, sorting, marking, spawning, and transportation processes.
• Habitat, Permitting and Water Quality - Engage in tasks such as habitat assessment, environmental permitting, water quality monitoring, zooplankton and hydraulic monitoring, and water rights management.
• Provide support and SME to the Services and Data Delivery team by undertaking various data-related tasks, such as collection, entry, documentation, organization, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting.
• Assisting with special studies, projects, surveys, permitting, and investigations to contribute to the advancement of natural resources management and conservation efforts.
• Preparing and delivering oral and/or written reports and engaging in consultations with internal and external stakeholders, effectively communicating findings and recommendations derived from your work.
• Actively participate in special events and functions related to natural resources, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among colleagues and stakeholders.?
• This position provides weekend and after hour response as assigned by their supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
High School Diploma or GED with coursework in biology or environmental science

Minimum Experience*
0-2 years

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment
Washington State Driver's License

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Positions in this class typically require:

• This position is a split of office and field work. Field work may involve work in remote field sites in inclement weather that may include rain, snow, and exposure to both cold and hot weather.
• Feld work involves working alone in remote locations following established lone worker protocols.
• Field work includes standing for long periods of time, working in and around water, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, bending, carrying up to 50 pounds, and walking over steep, uneven, slippery terrain and fast-moving water.
• Field work often requires working in moving water while wearing waders and occasionally dry suits.
• Remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• Constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions).
• Communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking).
• Occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work).

Work may also occasionally require:

• Movement around the workplace to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
• Traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

Knowledge & Skills

Desired Qualifications, Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Swiftwater safety certification within the first 6 months of employment.
• Experience with scientific data collection and management.
• Experience following equipment operation, data collection, and data entry protocols and collecting high quality biological data.
• Basic knowledge of computers and data entry methods and programs (e.g. Excel, Survey123, Field Maps).
• Willingness to work as a member of a project or interdisciplinary team.
• Works on projects individually and/or as a team member in a pleasant, efficient, and consistent manner.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must possess good verbal communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with project managers, department managers, and employees.
• Operating 4-wheel drive vehicles in remote off-road settings and navigating on foot in wilderness areas for extended periods without cellular service.
• Background in biology and experience in natural resources field.
• Identifying, handling, and biologically sampling fishes, preferably to include adult and juvenile salmonids.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Apply
I nterested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental questionnaire scored. Candidates who obtain a passing score will be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted before the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 before 5pm on the closing date

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 5/14/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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