The Wildlife Biologist I position is expected to monitor wildlife populations and natural resource activities and practices on the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) and within the traditional hunting area(s) of the Quinault Indian Nation. This position participates in the implementation of the QIR Forest Management Plan, a document which provides the direction and technical specifications by which forest management activities are performed on the QIR.

The Wildlife Biologist will work closely across disciplines to communicate technical expertise to the Nation and all employees therein concerning wildlife habitat. The Wildlife Biologist participates in all Interdisciplinary Team processes for on-reservation timber sale projects. This work includes reviewing forest management activities for impacts to threatened and endangered species as part of Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPA) for projects as required by QIN laws and policies. This position will also provide support for other wildlife management issues and ongoing wildlife research projects as directed by the Wildlife Section Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Tasks that may be required as part of this position include:

• Conducts work necessary to provide information on ESA listed species, other species of interest as assigned, and their respective habitats.
• Participate as required in the implementation of the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) Forest Management Plan
• Participate in the Interdisciplinary Team process for on-Reservation timber sale development
• Issue Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) for projects as required by QIN laws and policies
• Provide necessary technical expertise to QIN Forestry staff (e.g. identifying threatened and endangered species habitat)
• Provide consultation/technical expertise to the Division Director and the Quinault Indian Nation Business Committee (QBC) as required
• Maintain necessary files and databases
• Conduct wildlife population monitoring (e.g., radiotelemetry, aerial surveys, non-invasive sampling) as assigned by the Wildlife Section Supervisor
• Assist Wildlife Section Supervisor in chemical immobilization and handling of large mammals.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Establish and maintain an effective system of communications within the organization, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals. Make presentations to senior staff, Business Committee members, and the general public as required. May direct technical/support staff.

In addition to serving as the technical wildlife expert for forest management on the QIR, a large part of the position’s duties include collecting field data for ongoing wildlife research on big game species. These duties include managing game camera grids, monitoring collared animals, investigating wildlife mortality events, and acting as an animal handler during wildlife captures. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• P3-4: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field, plus:
• Grade 7: A minimum of 1 years of related professional experience. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
• Grade 8: A minimum of 3 years of related professional experience. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for 2 years of the required experience.
• Grade 9: A minimum of 5 years of related professional experience. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for 2 years of the required experience.

The incumbent must have knowledge of:

• Requirements for compliance with the Endangered Species Act
• Principles and procedures of wildlife habitat management and biological research
• Forest management practices and the resulting effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat
• Standard wildlife sampling methodologies
• Appropriate software and applications

The incumbent must have the ability to:

• Work independently
• Conduct field sampling in remote and steep terrain and in inclement weather conditions
• Supervise technical staff day-to-day
• Train less experienced technicians in methods and techniques required to conduct data collection and in maintenance of instruments and other technology used for data collection.
• Use computers for data management, data analysis, and correspondence
• Pass hearing tests to qualify for ESA species protocol survey training
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, across disciplines, and with operators, agency staff, and the general public
• Develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators
• Clearly express ideas and technical knowledge both orally and in writing, to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Recognize and describe adverse implications of natural resources decisions/practices
• Occasionally work outside normal working hours (eg., evenings and weekends)

Must hold a valid Washington State driver’s license or be able to obtain a Washington State driver’s license within 90 days of employment.

Must have and maintain the ability to be insured under QIN automobile insurance.

Able to comply with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced (Masters of Science Degree or above) degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience reviewing forest practices
• Experience and training in assessing Marbled Murrelet habitat
• Experience and training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Large mammal capture and immobilization training and experience
• Experience conducting radiotelemetry
• Knowledge and experience in quantitative analyses
• Experience in tribal natural resource management
• Experience in collaborative natural resource management