Are you knowledgeable about fish passages and barriers?
Serve as a journey-level biologist responsible for scientific studies, surveys, and/or scientific analyses. Take a lead role in evaluating existing fish passage structures that restore habitat connectivity for salmon and trout which increases population resiliency and creates more recreational opportunities.

This is an opportunity to support defishing activities prior to construction actions or during emergency situations as requested by agency staff.

In this dynamic role, you will evaluate the structure condition and functionality that will help the agency prioritize repairs, replacement, or perhaps decommissioning.

With your experience, you will evaluate structure in a way that allows comparison and documents their current functionality relative to design intensions, and keeps detailed records and prepares reports that can be shared within the agency.

Here is some of what you will be doing:
Perform assessments of agency-owned fish passage structures at the direction of the Section Manager: 

• Uses standardized methods and equipment to assess fish passage structures across Washington State.
• Uses the FPDSI fish passage database, GIS software, and other data to map and document fish passage structures.
• Assess agency-owned fish screens at water diversion for compliance using established criteria.
• Work with O&M crews to perform basic fish passage structure maintenance.

Crew supervision and agency coordination: 

• Performs all regular supervisory duties for direct reports with an emphasis on maintaining up to date agency required training. Oversees crew data entries and assures quality.
• Coordinates regular meetings with an established agency team tasked with assessing and maintaining agency-owned fish passage structures.
• Provides regular updates and is responsive to the Section Manager regarding tasks, scheduling, and planning.
• Effectively communicates structure assessment results to other programs within the agency and make recommendations for their improvement and maintenance needs.

Administrative duties:

• Write and submit documents necessary for the day-to-day operations of the program.
• Write and submit regularly scheduled reports (e.g. monthly reports) when due.
• Providing information needed to complete reports for contract funding and deliverables as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Duties require periodic fieldwork, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather.
  • Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks.  Activities can consist of 8- to 10-hour days, for several days in a row. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (1 to 3 miles) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).  Carry up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of streams and water areas is required.
• Schedule:
  • 8 hour/day, 40 hours per week.
  • Some long workdays may be required to accomplish fieldwork in remote locations.
  • Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Some travel for field work and training throughout Washington State.
  • Long field days and overnight stays may be required.
  • May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Proficient in the use of computers and software such as ArcGIS and Microsoft Access, Word, and Excel.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Position will frequently communicate with landowners and other stakeholders. 
  • Must possess effective communication skills with clients, local government officials, agriculture, forest, and special interest groups.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

And

Please note:

• Professional equivalent experience may substitute year-for-year for education requirement if that experience is related to fish habitat assessments, fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat.
• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Take interest in and understand others’ perspectives; easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives, or ideas; demonstrate appropriate assertiveness; and be committed to the service of the public, mission, and team.

Writing skills:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of the following:

• Fish passage requirements of salmonids.
• Site survey protocols using common equipment and established agency procedures.
• Habitat requirements of salmonids.
• Fish passage and screening assessment protocols.
• Physical and biological data collection techniques in freshwater systems.
• Microsoft Office programs.
• ArcGIS spatial data analysis methods.
• Fish passage and habitat data collection methods.

The following skills and abilities:

• Proficient GIS data analysis skills.
• Excellent attention to detail when performing data quality analyses to minimize data entry errors.
• Ability to interpret substandard data and format for use in fish passage database.
• Excellent writing ability.
• Verbal communications skills with outside groups with varying backgrounds and expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple work assignments.
• Seek and act on opportunities to improve, streamline, and re-invent work processes.
• Data collection experience.
• Creativity to solve problems.

The following behavioral competencies:

• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must conduct self in a professional manner.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work closely with others.
• Be accessible, timely, and responsive to internal and external entities.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.

To Apply
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. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4086863/fish-passage-biologist-fish-wildlife-biologist-2-permanent-07965-23