FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
 SHELLFISH DATA SCIENTIST
 IT DATA MANAGEMENT – JOURNEY LEVEL

Information Technology Program – Biological Data Systems Team
 *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*The primary duty station for this position is in Olympia, however, this position may also be based out of our Port Townsend or Mill Creek offices.

Ready to make waves at the intersection of technology and conservation? 

Join our dynamic team at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where you’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding Puget Sound’s shellfish resources. As a key member of our Biological Data Systems, you’ll lead the charge in designing, developing, and maintaining databases and software solutions. 

Your expertise will support the sustainable management of shellfish fisheries by currating data, empowering critical decision-making and ensuring the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.

Crabbing in Deception Pass – Photo credit: Laurie Holgate

Duties

The essential functions of this role include, 

Database management – Design, develop, maintain, and enhance databases, and web services: 

• Consult with subject-matter experts and application users (e.g., Shellfish biologist and technical staff) to translate current data needs and legacy systems into modern data frameworks.
• Uses programming languages to develop and maintain applications for data collection, editing and viewing during field surveys.
• Write and maintain code to automate workflows using programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL) and implement transformation/translation of source data into agency-compatible formats. 

Data analysis – Manages, processes, and performs advanced statistical, spatial and/or temporal analyses of and reporting on shellfish data:

• Manages, analyzes, and reports on Puget Sound Shellfish data. Uses custom scripts (using e.g., R, SQL, Python, etc.) to compile source data, incorporate follow-up survey results, and update status and trends estimates that inform shellfish management and regulations. 
• Manages ArcGIS Online hosted feature services and ArcGIS Server (feature and map services), spatial views and web maps.
• Performs spatial analyses of harvest and compliance data using ArcGIS software and Python scripts.
• Performs quantitative analyses of shellfish data using R.
• Creates custom statistical and geostatistical processing models, scripts, and ArcGIS tools for use by Shellfish staff to process or analyze project data. 
• Creates maps and reports of spatial data using ArcGIS software and Python scripts.
• Performs appropriate verification, validation, and quality control to ensure data integrity of end products.
• Creates technical documentation (metadata) for data products that details sources, limitations of use and processing steps. 

Application Development — Design, develop, maintain user interface applications for entry and analysis of data: 

• Develop or customize front-end interfaces to allow users to display, query and extract data. 
• Develop, as needed, mobile and web user interfaces to facilitate data entry and ensure QA/QC
• Maintain user interfaces to databases in technology stack consistent with Biological Data Systems as planned by BDS lead developer. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is primarily performed in a n office setting, with occasional field work.  
• Schedule:
  • 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  A varied schedule may be required, including working Saturday or Sunday and overtime during peak periods, system implementations, maintenance and outages. 
• Travel Requirements:
  • Occasional in-state day trips and/overnight travel may be required; infrequent out of state travel may be required (conferences, trainings). 
  • Some travel is required throughout the State to build and support software and hardware solutions for hatchery and field staff.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Computer hardware and software; multi-line telephones; various mobile devices and connected hardware.
• Customer Interactions:
  • This position will interact with Puget Sound Shellfish staff regularly, along with other IT staff. 
  • Potential for occasional interaction with external entities like Puget Sound treaty tribes, NGO’s, or other government agencies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

 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. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

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

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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Subject line must 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. 

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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email JaymeChase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

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