Salary
$3,987.00 – $5,229.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2020-07210
Closing
11/9/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Full-Time/Permanent
Fishery Biologist 2
Hatchery Division – Fish Program
Olympia, WA
Anticipated start date is December 1, 2020
This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WDFW’s legal obligations: Essential due to:  Maintain animal husbandry, maintain hatchery operations to ensure fish/animals stay alive and associated testing/vet response etc.

Do you want to contribute to the agency mission by providing maximum recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the long-term conservation of salmon, steelhead and inland fisheries resources?

Do you want to make a positive impact to the recovery of federal ESA listed anadromous stocks?  If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!
This position works independently to operate an automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet lab at hatcheries statewide.  Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments.  Analyzes coded wire tag data to determine contribution rates, allocation, brood-stock identification, and effect of mark selective fisheries.  This position contributes to the Agency goals of conservation of wild salmon through coded wire tagging and mass marking.
Duties

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Independently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide.
  • Supervise up to 11 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking.
  • Train new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitor work product.
  • Assist in teaching WDFW staff in proper tagging and marking techniques.
  • Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments.
  • Ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.   Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
  • Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.
  • Analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.
  • Works with HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab as directed by the Bio 3 & 4.
  • Compiles, QC’s and analyses data. Provides data and summary reports/analyses to the Bio 3 for review and distribution to the requesting unit.
  • Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs.
  • Remove and repair all mechanical devices once a year to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
  • Re-home and check operation of all stepper motors (6).
  • Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Working Conditions
Work Setting, including hazards:  

  • Work is performed in an automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab in a hatchery environment during inclement weather, office setting.
  • Good health, ability to be on feet all day, ability to lift 40 pounds commonly, ability to work around hatchery ponds, and catwalks over hatchery ponds.

Schedule: 

  • Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the spring.

Travel Requirements: 

  • Extensive travel and driving required.
  • Up to six months per year, 5 days a week

License/Certifications:   

  • A valid unrestricted driver’s license.

Tool Use Requirements:   

  • Basic and power hand tools

Customer Interactions: 

  • Interacts with Biologists, hatchery staff, Tribal staff and the general public.

Union – WAFWP
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).    Qualifications

Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND one year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.

OR

One year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1

Note:  A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
  • Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors
  • Knowledge of the coded wire tag system
  • Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
  • Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment
  • Experience supervising or directing employees
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
  • Data analysis skills leading to publication of research findings

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, competencies and job knowledge experience of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume (please make it succinct)
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

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.

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

  • Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
  • 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

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.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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.