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Salary– $61,224.00 – $80,292.00 Annually

Picture yourself preparing and assessing hatchery production information – providing expertise and consultation to others on salmon and salmon hatchery research.

With your experience, you will be responsible for coordinating and implementing natural resource management practices resulting from research findings, such as planning, developing, and designing professional resource assessments and providing the analysis, assessment, and interpretation of the results and preparation of final reports.

In this dynamic role you will identify and prioritize research as a subject matter expert with knowledge of salmon life history, hatchery operations, and biological requirements when assessing artificial production methods.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, develop statements for management as necessary and provide external coordination with Tribal, Federal, and other entities – consultation includes the review of scientific and statistical data, assessments, and reports, to critically evaluate the appropriate applications to management and policy.

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

Duties

Our Hatchery Evaluation and Assessment Scientist,

Defines research projects and consults with agency management to determine needs, goals, and objectives as it relates to hatchery reform.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop study designs and analytical and statistical methods for collecting data and conducting analyses. Including the use of the All “H” Analyzer (AHA), demographic geneflow model (DGM), Chinook Assessment Model (CAM), or other models that may arise to assess hatchery/wild interactions.
  • Develop appropriate recommendations to comply with Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), state law, and other associated policies.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate data bases and documents for hatchery evaluation projects and provides advice on the collection, storage, and analysis of scientific data.
  • Assesses hatchery production programs and assists with cost-benefit analysis and development of recommendations for cost efficiencies.
  • Prepares written reports to communicate statistical and other findings on the analysis, assessment, and interpretation of the results and preparation of final reports, such as and/or acceptance of ideas and actions.
  • Design, implement, and monitor hatchery evaluation studies including release time studies.
  • Develop manuscripts for publication and present at conferences and internal/external meetings.

Mentor junior staff.  Tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Participate in hiring and training staff.
  • Provides guidance on latest science.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

  • Work is conducted primarily in an office or telework setting and at meetings.
  • Some field work may be required to collect scientific data – fieldwork is often conducted in adverse environmental conditions.

Schedule: 

  • Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – must be willing to work non-scheduled work week.
  • A flexible work schedule will be considered – subject to supervisory approval.
  • Field work and attending meetings and site visits is likely to be necessary during portions of all seasons and might require occasional alternative work schedules.

Travel Requirements:

  • Local or regional travel may be required to meet with regional staff, attend committee meetings, evaluate properties, conduct general business, or to attend/provide trainings.

Tools and Equipment:

  • Standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.) and operation of a motor vehicle.

Customer Interactions: 

  • Frequent contact with clients, including some contact with those who may be frustrated. Frequent contact with partners (state, federal, and Non-Governmental Organizations).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

  • Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, natural resources, or a related field.

AND

  • Four (4) years of professional research work experience in fisheries, natural resources, or related field.

AND

  • An in depth understanding of fish hatchery operations, data, and database management.
  • Use or development of fisheries-based models.
  • Well-developed communication skills.

Please Note:  

  • A Master’s degree will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience and a Ph.D. degree will substitute for all the required experience – provided the field of major study was in the specific specialty (fish management or fish research, or habitat management or habitat research).

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid State Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Two (2) peer reviewed journal articles with at least one (1) as primary author.
  • American Fisheries Society Certified Fisheries Professional.

In depth knowledge of:

  • Washington state fish hatchery systems.
  • Hatchery reform.
  • Federal Endangers Species Act (ESA) process.
  • Fisheries research on salmonids.
  • Fisheries co-management.

Knowledge and/or use of: 

  • The All “H” Analyzer (AHA), demographic geneflow model (DGM).
  • Chinook Assessment Model (CAM).
  • Other models that may arise to assess hatchery/wild interactions.