For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3360727/fish-wildlife-biologist-2-columbia-river-fisheries-sampling-biologist-perma

Salary- $3,987.00 – $5,229.00 Monthly

Our Columbia River Fisheries Sampling Biologist, 

  • Schedules, organizes, coordinates, and leads sampling operations.
  • Manages spawning ground surveys.
  • Hires, supervises, and mentors permanent and seasonal staff.
  • Supervises and monitors sport and commercial sampling crews for proper sampling protocol and data collection procedures.
  • Oversees and conducts broodstock sampling including collection of coded wire tags (CWT), PBT samples and other biological data.
  • Collaborates to develop and modify existing data collection and weir operation protocols to identify appropriate survey methodology, set sampling bio-rates, and develop and modify protocols.
  • Coordinates trap operations and data collections.
  • Interacts and resolves disputes with local landowners and the general public.
  • Establish sampling bio-rates, using existing agency statistical and research procedures.
  • Collects and records information on harvest, prevalence, and distribution of fish, viable salmonid population monitoring data.
  • Collects designated biological samples, DNA, and CWT/PIT tag samples.
  • Monitors quantity and quality of in-season spawning ground survey data collection objectives and provide direction to crew leads.
  • Safely operates motorized and non-motorized boats.
  • Provides training on monitoring and observation data collection and sampling protocols to field staff – mentors and guides field staff in proper sampling technique, accurate data collection, and professional behavior.
  • Queries various internal and external databases for run reconstruction data components.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    1. Work is performed approximately 60% in an office setting and 40% in the field – field work can include lifting up to 70 lbs, walking streams up to 5 miles per day in adverse weather conditions, slippery surfaces, climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.
    2. Frequent climbing in and out of boats with high gunnels – operation of rafts, drift boats, and powered boats in various water and weather conditions.
  • Schedule:   
    1. Typically, work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; with occasional weekend – before and after work hours will be required.
  • Travel Requirements:
    • May occasionally travel to various work sites.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Vehicles and boats including propeller, jet, raft, and drift boats.
    • Mobile digital data collection devices, tag detectors, and other general sampling equipment.
    • Power saws and drills, computers, and office machines.
  • Customer Interactions:
    1. Frequent interaction during interviews with the sport fishing public and interactions with commercial fish processors.
    2. Communication and scheduling with commercial full fleet participants and WDFW contracted test fishers.
    3. Constant interaction with landowners and the general public to explain agency goals and objectives.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

AND

  • One (1) year of professional experience in fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research or habitat management or habitat research.

OR

  • Equivalent education/experience.

Please note:

  • A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
  • A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
  • Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement if that experience is related to fish habitat assessments, fish passage evaluations, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning, and rearing habitat.

Knowledge and experience with:

  • Salmonid life history and population monitoring.
  • Biological sampling methodology for population studies.
  • Communicating with diverse user groups.
  • Organizing, scheduling, and implementing fish research and management studies.
  • Preparing written reports and delivering oral presentations.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • A valid driver’s license is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and experience with:

  • Columbia River and tributaries fish runs and fisheries.
  • Escapement and harvest models.
  • Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
  • Directly supervising field staff.
  • Generating data summaries and using data processing software like Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and R.
  • MOCC certification and boating experience, specifically the ability to operate rafts, drift boats, and jet and propeller powered boats.
  • Analysis and Statistical Procedures.

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.