KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

The Lake Washington Area Fish Biologist is responsible for all of the WDFW Fish Program’s biological monitoring activities within the Lake Washington watershed.  The person in this position implements biological monitoring programs (spawning ground surveys), and collects biological data (i.e.., DNA, otoliths, scales, etc.) associated with naturally spawning Chinook, coho, sockeye, steelhead, and kokanee populations.  This position monitors and evaluates the performance of hatchery programs and recreational fisheries within the Lake Washington watershed.  The Area Fish Biologist coordinates monitoring and research activities across programs within WDFW as well as with Tribal Co-Managers and other external government agencies, including NOAA, USFWS, King County, and the City of Seattle.

The Area Fish Biologist has the principal responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of biological data. 
The person in this position calculates spawning escapement estimates and pre-season salmon forecasts for natural and hatchery-origin salmon within the Lake Washington watershed.  This position contributes to the agency mission by helping to provide recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the long-term conservation of salmon, steelhead, and inland fisheries resources, and by contributing to the recovery of federal ESA listed anadromous stocks.

The Area Fish Biologist actively participates in spawning ground survey work for salmon. The person in this position will be required to walk long distances in stream channels at times.  This position also requires the ability and willingness to navigate swift-water sections of large rivers (Cedar River) using single person and larger rafts.  This position may require working alone, sometimes in adverse weather conditions and remote locations.

Working Conditions
Work Setting, including hazards:

• This position often requires working alone, sometimes in adverse weather conditions and remote locations.
• The person in this position will be required to walk long distances in stream channels and use a raft to float down swift-water sections of large rivers.
• When not conducting field work, the work setting for this position will be in an office setting at a computer desk.

Schedule:  The schedule for this position is flexible.  Mostly it is (5) 8-hour days,    sometimes the incumbent has to work 10 or 12-hour days, and sometimes on the weekend (but very rarely).
Travel Requirements:  Seasonal travel and work in excess of eight hours per day to meet critical deadlines may be required.

Tools Requirements:  Equipment includes a 4×4 vehicle, waders, rafts, GPS Unit, wading staff, and any other equipment needed to safely conduct spawning ground survey work.  Other tools include a computer equipped with a variety of software packages.

Customer Interactions:  Represents the Department on technical committees and citizen organizations, writes and reviews plans, designs and delivers presentations.  Disseminates salmon and steelhead stock information to agency staff, non-agency colleagues, and other interested groups and/or individuals.  Regularly interacts with other biologists and field staff representing State, Federal, County, Tribal, and local City governments/organizations.

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).

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Science degree in fisheries science, natural resources management, or a closely related field, and three or more years of experience conducting stock assessment work for Pacific salmon or steelhead.

OR

Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in fisheries science, natural resources management, or a closely related field, and three or more years of experience conducting stock assessment work for Pacific salmon or steelhead.

• Preferred applicants should have at least three years of professional prior experience conducting spawning ground surveys for Pacific salmon (Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, or pink salmon) or steelhead, and must be able to use redd counts, live fish counts, or other fish census metrics to generate estimates of spawning escapement.
• Closely related experience involving fish population abundance monitoring of non-salmonids may be substituted for spawning ground survey work.
• Must have the ability to effectively analyze field data and prepare written reports summarizing biological data and stock assessment work that has been conducted.
• Must be capable of organizing and managing a variety of biological data in electronic databases using standard software such as Microsoft Excel or Access.
• Must have the ability to coordinate and supervise seasonal technicians and/or volunteers to complete salmon and steelhead stock assessment work or other related field projects.
• Must be able to perform physically demanding work for long hours, including hiking in rocky streams, carrying equipment over rugged terrain, handling fish carcasses, and rowing rafts in rivers.
• Must work confidently and safely as a team member or when working alone in remote locations.
• Must be able to work effectively with biologists or other staff members from outside organizations to complete cooperative projects involving fish management or stock assessment.
• Must be comfortable interacting with the Public.

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 and competencies of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume or Curriculum Vitae (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.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Directive, 20-08, this position will be subject to one furlough day per week through one day per month beginning October 1, 2020, through November 30, 2020.

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

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2882708/fishery-biologist-3-permanent-06333-20

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.