See full job and application details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3171423/fish-wildlife-research-scientist-1-fish-program-permanent-project-07869

Duties

Performs data analysis and statistical modeling. 

• Creating models and performing statistical analyses to produce unbiased estimates of steelhead catch with estimates of precision – these estimates may include uncertainty associated with count data and other inputs associated with current and past sampling programs.
• Implementing the use of new technologies for estimating adult salmon and steelhead abundance including PIT tags and SONAR.

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

• Collaborating work with other scientists and conservation/restoration practitioners from multiple organizations including NOAA, USFW, NPS and private entities.
• Preparing contractual reports and peer-reviewed publications for dissemination to the public, fisheries managers, and the scientific community.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  • This position is stationed in WDFW Region 6. 
  • Work will be in an office environment but includes periods of field work for data collection. 
  • Field work may include encountering streams, extreme temperatures, unstable surfaces (rocks, mud, etc.) and in moving water.
• Schedule:   
  • Work schedule is typically 5-days, 40 hr./week (exceeding the standard hours a week may become necessary to meet deadlines). 
  • This position also includes periods of field activity and coordination with a broad network of collaborators including those working in the field. 
• Travel Requirements: 
  • Sporadic travel, primarily within the Puget Sound and coastal regions.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  • Laptop, waders, etc.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Communicating with the public and fishing groups, and other WDFW staff in a polite and courteous manner is necessary.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Doctoral degree with a major in fisheries science, population biology, or wildlife ecology or mathematics or statistics with emphasis in animal population or management.

        OR 

• A Master’s degree in wildlife, habitat, or fisheries science, biology, zoology, or in mathematics with emphasis on animal population biology, or closely allied field. 

       AND

• Two (2) years of professional experience designing and conducting wildlife, habitat, or fish-related research studies; or statistical or mathematical research in population biology or population management.

• One (1) year of experience coding in and modifying existing code of statistical programming languages and/or platforms including R.

       OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience or closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

 
Certifications/Licenses:

•  Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Data analysis: 

• Develops and executes analytical approaches to address scientific questions, and ultimately draws conclusions from biological data based on facts and evidence. 
• Experience with descriptive, comparative, and advanced statistical approaches. 
• Designs studies to estimate adult salmonid abundance including redd surveys, area under-the-curve methods, mark-recapture, and others. 
• Understands sampling theory. 
• Knowledge of fish population dynamics. 

Communication: 

• Clearly articulates scientific concepts and facts, both orally and in writing.
• Experience presenting research findings at scientific conferences and to general audiences. 

Organization: 

• Sets clear project objectives, develops a work plan, and meets deadlines. 
• Proficiency in setting and achieving interim project milestones consistent with long-term research priorities. 
• Plans research expenditures and tracks budgets.

Writing: 

• Publishes articles demonstrating success in writing scientific reports and peer-reviewed research articles.
• Evaluates multiple sources of information, scientific literature, including data generated, in order to synthesize a narrative that builds biological knowledge. 
• Aptitude for critical thinking, intellectual autonomy, and crafting precise language.

Field experience: 

• Some experience with fisheries sampling techniques in rivers and streams, including electrofishing, rotary screw traps, redd surveys, PIT tags, angling, snorkeling, rafting, and/or wading.

Salmonid ecology: 

• Knowledge of salmonid behavior, life history, ecology, and population dynamics.

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.govand 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: 
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.
 
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. (ASPIRE)

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION – WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.