Puget Sound Marine Groundfish Senior Research Scientist
Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station: Olympia, Washington

This recruitment is contract funded by a combination of federal and local (i.e. capital) funds. 

  **** PLEASE NOTE: This job is posted continuously and will remain open until a selection is made.  Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. First review of applications will be November 10th, 2020. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made. ****     

  WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Natural Resources. 

Our employees serve the public with integrity, we hold ourselves accountable to both the quality of our work, and the way in which we perform it. 

Duties

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in fisheries science, biology, wildlife, habitat, zoology or in mathematics with emphasis on animal population biology or closely allied field.

          OR

• Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.

AND

• Four years of professional experience designing, conducting, and supervising multidisciplinary fish, wildlife or habitat related research studies.

          OR

• Three years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 1 will substitute for the professional experience.

          OR

• A Doctoral degree in one of the above fields of study will substitute for two years of the required experience.

AND

• Three articles published or in press refereed literature, two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author.

AND

Knowledge and experience, this can include voluntary, personal, academic or quantifiable experience:

• Research of the biology, life history, ecology of northeastern Pacific marine fishes including life history parameters, habitat relationships, ecological interactions, fishing patterns, management history, and past and current research.
• Marine fisheries including trawl, long lining, set netting, drag seining, and other capture fisheries including vessels, fleet patterns, catch rates, catch evaluation, effort characteristics, and regulations.
• Survey techniques for marine and other fish populations including the design, development and implementation of bottom trawl, mid-water trawl, beach seining, purse seining, set netting, long lining, scuba, video, remote-operated vehicles, submersibles, hydroacoustic, and other new or developing techniques.
• Quantitative models, statistics, and modeling techniques to characterize and track fish populations and predict the status and trends of marine fish populations. (Techniques include descriptive, inferential, and others statistical methods, survey and experimental design, demographic modeling, mortality and maturity rate analysis, and ecological modeling. Skills using computers employing modeling, statistical, database, and other analytical software.
• Scientific research techniques including hypothesis testing, data analysis, and program design.
• Project management techniques including goal setting, establishing objectives, implementing programs, developing and managing timelines and budgets, reporting results, developing proposals, and motivating staff.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and experience, this can include voluntary, personal, academic or quantifiable experience:

• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience organizing, managing and maintaining records.
• Mathematical reasoning and statistical theory experience.
• Observation, inspection, and problem recognition.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain scuba diving equipment and complex survey equipment.
• Ability to safely pilot vessels under a range of weather and tide conditions.
• Ability to recognize over 150 species of marine bottomfish and invertebrates from the Northeast Pacific Ocean.

Competencies:

• Team leadership skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Accountability.
• Sound judgement.
• Ability to work independently.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Boating License.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

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.
• Contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation may be required.
• At least ONE writing or research sample.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  Many of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Directive, 20-08, this position will be subject to one furlough day per month through November 30, 2020.

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS),  Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

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 PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov