The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill 1 full time non-permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist
1 position in the Wildlife Program, Region 2, Pygmy Rabbit Reintroduction Project. The duty station is in Ephrata, WA with work in the field, predominantly at the Sagebrush Flat Wildlife Area. The duration of this position is anticipated to be from February 22, 2012 through November 15, 2012.
DUTIES:
Performs animal husbandry, trapping, monitoring, data collection and analysis, and relocation of pygmy rabbits.
Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
· Managing the husbandry of breeding and pre-release pygmy rabbits.
· Monitoring released pygmy rabbits using radio telemetry, cameras, burrow surveys, fecal
genetic sampling, and tracking.
· Maintaining a vehicle and field equipment (GPS, telemetry and trapping equipment)
· Supervising volunteer surveyors, trappers, and field work crews.
· Trapping pygmy rabbits in other range states for translocation to Washington
· Constructing and maintaining enclosures and other reintroduction infrastructure
· Analyzing data on post-release survival, breeding and movements
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
· Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or rain, sometimes over difficult terrain
and surfaces, up to 90% of the time.
· Work long and irregular hours, including early morning, late evening, and weekends.
· Walk up to 5 miles carrying sampling equipment.
· Safely operate motor vehicles and ATV’s.
· Load and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
· Travel to other states for 2-3 week periods in spring and fall, staying in employer provided trailers or tents.
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), which contains a “union security” provision. This means that, as a condition of employment, you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representation or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in natural resource science, environmental, or wildlife management.
A valid driver license
Preferred Qualifications
At least 6 months’ experience performing similar duties with small mammals
The best qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
· Familiarity with reintroduction techniques and endangered species biology.
· Meticulous data collection and recording.
· Ability to orient using a GPS receiver and follow survey transects using GPS.
· Experience performing radio-telemetry.
· Construction of fencing and animal enclosures.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
To apply for this position you will need to complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
● Cover letter specifically detailing why you should be considered for this position. Generic cover letters will not be accepted.
● Current resume.
● List of three professional references.
Please note that failure to follow application instructions will lead to disqualification. If you have questions
about the process, or need assistance, please contact the recruiter listed below before the posting closes.
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
identify 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 Telecommunications Devise for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
If you have questions about this recruitment, you may contact Jan Bacon, Human Resource Consultant, at (360) 902-2280.