5-month Fish Biologist 1

411 Tillicum Lane, Forks, WA 

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2917534/fish-biologist-1-non-permanent-07658-20  

This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WFDW’s legal obligations.  Essential and critical function:  Activities contributing to the food economy (licensing, managing, and enforcing/licensing commercial fisheries, grazing monitoring, fish screen for ag, fencing associated with grazing, personnel necessary to ensure payments to ag producers)

 Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and we provide one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

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.

This position provides leadership for the Hoh River and the Quillayute River system steelhead creel surveys and directs two to three ST-2 technicians.  This position is also responsible for timely data management, summarization, analysis, and report writing for statistical creel surveys in District 16.  In addition, this position participates in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management.

These duties are closely linked to WDFW’s mission and goals to preserve and protect wild fish while providing sustainable recreational opportunities.

Duties

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Implement the creel survey study designs and data management and project reporting:  

Tasks include:

• Primary responsibility is to ensure study data collected adhere to study design and the highest standards of scientific integrity.
• Participates in sampling and field data collection.
• Schedules and directs ST-2 field staff and coordinates creel data management tasks including data entry and data quality control procedures; assists the database manager.
• Ensures that data entry and quality control procedures are accomplished on schedule.
• Performs routine audits of data to ensure data accuracy; corrects errors.
• Prepares data summaries, data tables, charts and figures for reports.
• Updates the WDFW website that provides weekly updates of fishing success based on creel numbers.
• Edits and formats report’s for annual publications for the Agency and DJ Reports.
• Provides accurate data to the lead biologist for updating annual forecasting and harvest management models.
• Participates in creel surveys by interviewing anglers, collecting biological samples, and daily summaries

Supervises, schedules, and leads ST-2s in the collection and compilation of creel data.

Tasks include:

• Schedules and assigns tasks on daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on project deadlines and environmental factors.
• Assigns equipment, calibrates and maintains assigned field gear, sampling equipment and vehicles
• Reports to lead biologist on equipment needs, repairs and reports monthly vehicle mileage and repairs, reviews Total Time reported by field staff
• Updates lead biologist weekly on progress and personnel issues
• Arranges time for field staff to take online LMS training classes

Maintains assigned rooms at field station

Tasks include:

• On a daily basis, directs seasonal field staff to keep office conditions clean and will work with WDFW field station officer manager on making any corrections when needed.
• Will implement vehicle parking arrangements and rules assigned by managers at DNR.
• Contacts WDFW- ITS for any computer and internet connection problems.

Other duties

Tasks include: 

• Assists the lead biologist as needed
• Attends meetings and presents data summaries
• Coordinates with Agency, Tribal and other government biologists and the public for data collection or sharing.

Working Conditions 

 Working sitting, including hazards:   

• The biologist counts and interviews anglers at a variety of popular sport fishing boat launch sites and access areas along the rivers.
• Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather.
• Contacting anglers requires short hikes to fishing areas or driving to creel locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district using a state vehicle.

Schedule:   

• Work hours are generally 40 hours per week, but extra hours may be needed.
• Must work weekends and three weekdays.
• Workdays and hours may change due to weather and river conditions.
• A flexible hourly and daily work schedule is necessary to perform the assigned tasks. Holidays may be included as potential workdays.

 Tools and Equipment:  

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.).
• State vehicle, wading shoes or hip boots, rain gear sampling gear, notebooks, and vests.

 Travel Requirements:  

Customer Interactions:   

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.”

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, natural resource science or environmental science is desired and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 2 or equivalent.

OR

An Associates degree from an accredited school and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

AND

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes

NOTE: 

• Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.
• Volunteer work or past experience with state or federal agencies in technical field positions will be evaluated, and credit given, on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred candidate will have:

• Previous work experience from port sampling, and lake or river creel surveys.
• Previous experience as a crew lead or supervisor is desired.
• Knowledge of the salmonid species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods, and familiarity with the geography of the North Coast area waters is key to the success in this job.
• Experience working with recreational anglers and guides preferred.
• First-hand knowledge of the Quillayute and Hoh rivers’ fishing access areas is a plus, as is experience creating, organizing and querying databases (Access and Excel).
• Proficient with using iPads and creating and entering data into iFormBuilder forms.

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 detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position.  Please ensure your application reflects this experience.
• A chronological resume profile that includes education and employment history.
• Detailed responses to all supplemental questions.
• Three professional references.

NOTE:

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.

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.

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

“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.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.