See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3187884/fish-wildlife-research-scientist-2-fish-program-permanent-08501-21

Duties

Implements improvements in adult salmon and steelhead abundance data collection and estimation to better inform salmon conservation, recovery, and management.

Tasks include:

• Developing and reviewing study designs and sampling plans.
• Creating models and performing statistical analyses to produce unbiased adult salmon and steelhead abundance estimates with an acceptable level of precision.
• Building and leading a team to improve adult abundance evaluation as well as hiring, training, and mentoring staff.
• Implementing the use of new technologies for estimating adult salmon and steelhead abundance including PIT tags and SONAR.

Develops collaborative relationships with fellow WDFW staff, tribal co-managers, and other agencies’ staff who monitor salmon and steelhead adult abundance. Determines existing analytical approaches and data collection for adult abundance estimation in various watersheds.

Tasks include:

Knowledgeable of and provides scientific expertise on methods and analytics of adult salmon abundance estimation

Tasks include:

• Keeping up to date with relevant peer-reviewed and other literature; and relevant models, statistical analyses, and techniques.
• Exploring and understanding the potential of new technologies for estimating adult salmon and steelhead abundance such as PIT tags and SONAR.

Communicates findings and results of work in written and oral formats.

Tasks include:

• Preparing contractual reports and peer-reviewed publications addressing salmonid ecology, abundance, conservation, management, and recovery generated by population models.
• Presenting study results at local, regional, and national professional meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work Setting, including hazards: 
  1. Work is performed in an office environment and includes periods of field work for data collection.  
  2. The preferred duty station for this position is in Mill Creek, Washington, however, locations in Region 4 or Region 6 will also be considered.
  3. As part of the field work, tasks will be performed in moving water for extended durations.
  4. Walking, swimming, and floating in rafts in rivers may occur during surveys – field conditions may consist of slippery and/or unstable rocks, logjams, through and around deep pools, and through thick vegetation. 
  5. Might encounter insects, thorny/spiny vegetation, pollen, inclement weather, and cold/hot conditions. 
  6. Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting. 
  7. In rural settings – might encounter hostility/threats from landowners, their pets, and wildlife.  
• Schedule: 

1. Work in an office environment is typically 5-days, Monday – Friday, 40 hour/week schedule. 
2. Work involves periods of field activity and coordination with a broad network of collaborators. 

• Travel Requirements:
  1. Sporadic travel, primarily within the Puget Sound and coastal regions. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR 

     OR

      OR

Required Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Knowledge of salmonid behavior, life history, habitat, ecology, and population dynamics; and integrated population models for salmon.
• Knowledge and experience with coding in and modifying existing code of statistical programming languages and/or platforms including R.
• Experience using GIS; application of descriptive, comparative, and advanced statistical approaches. 
• Experience and demonstrated success in writing scientific reports and peer-reviewed research articles.
• Experience presenting research findings at scientific conferences and to general audiences; aptitude for using background, language, and concepts appropriate for each target audience.
• Experience coordinating activities of multiple entities and collaborators.
• Experience for addressing sensitive issues on which stakeholders have strong and sometimes opposing opinions by providing a balanced assessment of scientific results.
• Aptitude for critical thinking, intellectual autonomy, and crafting precise language.
• Experience with fisheries sampling techniques in rivers and streams, including electrofishing, rotary screw traps, redd surveys, PIT tags, angling, snorkeling, rafting, and/or wading.
• Possesses self-motivation and commitment needed to successfully achieve project goals.

Ability to:

• Earn participation, trust, and respect from project partners. 
• Evaluate multiple sources of information, including data generated by the incumbent and the scientific literature, to synthesize a narrative that builds biological knowledge.
• Clearly describe research plans to project collaborators, coordinate activities among multiple collaborators, and provide project status updates.
• Develop and execute analytical approaches to address scientific questions, and ultimately draw conclusions from biological data based on facts and evidence. 
• Set and achieve interim project milestones consistent with long-term research priorities. 
• Plan research expenditures and track budgets.

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. 
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given.  If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader)

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

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. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

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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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).