This is a senior level biologist position working under general direction to plan and develop resource management assessments and provide analysis, assessment, and interpretation of results, which have direct impact on key program decisions. This position prepares, assesses, and interprets hatchery fish resource information, which regularly involves both inter-program and coordination with external entities and organizations.
 
The Hatchery Data Section, in which this position resides, mission is to enumerate and replicate the most accurate and complete set of information and to disseminate and share inclusively and easily.

Functions as the agency’s sole lead in implementing the Equilibrium Brood program under US v. Washington and US v. Oregon federal court agreements for statewide hatchery production. Coordinate for co-managers including 24 tribes and multiple federal agencies in development of the Future Brood Document/Equilibrium Brood Document (FBD) under the Puget Sound Management Agreement. Provides hatchery data management, oversight, development, planning and maintenance. Scope of responsibility is statewide production under legal requirements, documentation, and reporting to WDFW, other agency staff, Co-managers, tribes, businesses, consultants, and citizens.

Build relationships with agency divisions such that Science Division staff are engaged and sought as a resource for answering key current management questions as well as emerging future management issues.
 

Administers the Future Brood Document for multi-agency hatchery production planning purposes.
Tasks include:

• Manages, interprets and distributes brood document change forms covering hatchery program changes (both internal and external) – review for accuracy, log for tracking, distribute for review/approval, -coordinate decisions with inter-program staff and external entities: WDFW, USFWS, NOAA, NWIFC, Tribes, Groups including Cooperatives, Educational, Enhancement, and Volunteers. This requires a clear understanding of production across all state, tribal and federal programs.
• Reports approved documentation into brood document database (Access).
• Publishes and distributes document annually. First Draft by; January 15, Second Draft by May; 15, Final by August 1.
• Conducts annual Regional Review Meetings with internal and external staff.

Functions as statewide staff expert on FishBooks hatchery management database.
Tasks include:

• Coordinate and lead state-wide training sessions, as needed, to staff including managers, biologists, and hatchery workers.
• Primary provider of technical support for database users including corrections, missing options and system errors.
• High level oversight of development, testing, and recommendations on reporting and data sharing.

Hatchery Carcass Duties in Support of Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, Hatchery Data Steward for Tickets, Adults, and Plants.
Tasks include:  

• Advanced Hatchery Ticket (Form 3) data entry – review for accuracy, compare to FishBooks, data entry using standard procedure, data verification and storage of information in a safe and secure environment.
• Advanced evaluation and analysis of hatchery adult data- information is used to manage resource statewide; analyze information for completeness and accuracy and formulate conclusions.
• Hatchery coded wire tag (CWT) reconciliation with the tag lab; involves detailed comparison and data rectification to produce the most accurate data
• Participate and provide expertise in RFEG process and meetings as needed; provide analytical expertise, information and assistance in developing contract for surplus carcass and eggs.
• Respond to requests for information using advance technical and analytical methods to produce clear, accurate, and complete results that are reproducible and documented.
• Collects, reviews, analyze hatchery data (FishBooks, Plants, Tickets, Adults) for accuracy and completeness.
• Inputs data into enterprise databases following agency data standards.
• Routinely reviews data entry for quality control.  Tracks down missing information.
• Maintains records that are organized, accessible, and accurate.
• Actively participates in planning activities to improve hatchery data and provides sound science input to database development.
• Work to improve and streamline data capture through mobile application development.

Assess and interpret hatchery data to produce professional reports that are an accurate reflection of hatchery information to meet requirements of the agency.
Tasks include: 

• Produces for review and publication reports that capture hatchery information; PSC Report (US-Canada), OFM Data Book, NOAA Columbia River Projected Releases, USDA Agricultural Statistics surveys and Census, Selective Fisheries and Mass Marking Reports, Annual Escapement Report.
• Provide information summaries to managers, scientists, government officials, and fishery entities for use in making fisheries management, production and fiscal decisions.
• Compiles and report data for review or use by agency staff and external entities.
• Maintains shared log to track status of information requests

Provide support to hatchery staff 
Tasks include: 

• Provide customer support to all user groups including hatchery data unit team members, hatchery workers, agency, and fisheries entities. Promptly answer phone calls and messages, e-mail, correspondence.
• Provide training and support to field staff.
• Works to promote “ownership” of work products with key staff and other entities.
• Perform shared duties of hatchery data unit; management of e-mails, hatchery form development weekly reporting of catchables and escapement, update hatchery maps and desk reference manual, attend meetings.
• Work effectively and closely with data unit staff; and staff from Hatchery Evaluation and Assessment Team (HEAT) and Hatchery Genetic Management Plans, and Mark/Tag Application and Recovery Unit to complete assignments and fulfill reporting requirements.

Performs other duties as required
 
WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Work site is at the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, WA.
• Office work involving long periods of time using personal computer monitor and keyboard.
• Strong mental focus required during long meetings and dealing with complex and intricate data-related issues.
• Occasional fieldwork involving inclement weather, moderate lifting -Significant repetitive motion involved in regular computer use.  

Schedule: 

• Work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. -Appointing Authority may pre-approve deviations from this schedule for business and customer service needs.

Travel Requirements: 

• Occasional field work involving travel, inclement weather, moderate lifting, long days.
• Occasional travel occurs to other agency locations for meetings or other work

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science

AND

• Three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

OR 

• Seven years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Job knowledge and experience: 

• MS Access, MS Excel, MS Word, SQL, and Outlook.
• Requires strong data management and organizational skills.
• Experience in database entry, ten-key, and familiarity with hatchery records, facilities, forms, practices, and terminology is preferred.
• Experience working with the public, Co-managers, Tribal, and other governmental entities.
• A working knowledge of a variety of agency processes and procedures, especially hatchery production planning, FishBooks, brood document change forms, manuals, and staff.
• Advanced working knowledge of database, spreadsheets, word processing, communications, and internet applications.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Expert knowledge of WDFW Hatchery programs; facilities, watersheds lakes/rivers, fish biology, hatchery management and legal reporting requirements.
• Expert knowledge of WDFW Hatchery programs, facilities, watersheds, lakes/rivers, fish biology, hatchery management and legal reporting requirements.

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 
• Responses to all supplemental questions.
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT 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.

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.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

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

• 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

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruitmentteam@dfw.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.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and 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.

This recruitment is essential: Maintain animal husbandry, hatchery operations for fish/animal welfare and associated testing/vet response etc.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)