State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
invites applications for the position of:
Hydraulic Structures Research Scientist
*06494HR1
SALARY: $4,770.00 – $6,257.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 08/12/14
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
DESCRIPTION:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and
providing sustainable fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.
Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees–field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab
technicians, customer service representatives and others—manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species,
maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial
fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife
resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
Hydraulic Structures Research Scientist
(Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 2, Permanent)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Hydraulic
Structures Research Scientist (job class: Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 2) position located in the Science
Division of the agency’s Habitat Program. The duty station for this position is located in the Natural Resources
Building, Olympia, Thurston County.
One of the most important functions of WDFW’s Habitat Program is protecting fish and shellfish habitats
through the administration and enforcement of the hydraulic code rules. WDFW has been administering these
rules for many decades, but we have little information on the rates of compliance with or the effectiveness of
the rules. To help ensure that hydraulic structures are compliant with current rules and that hydraulic structures
effectively protect fish habitats, WDFW is developing a hydraulic structures monitoring program.
The purpose of this position is to lead and manage a monitoring program which will provide reliable, useful
information on:
· Effects of hydraulic structures on the physical structure of fish and shellfish habitats;
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· The characteristics of hydraulic structures that are commonly associated with failures to protect fish or
shellfish habitats;
· Ways that hydraulic code rules and/or structures could be modified to reduce adverse impacts to fish
and shellfish;
· Ways to improve implementation of permits.
This position is the agency’s expert on the interactions between hydraulic structures (e.g., culverts, bridges,
river and stream bank armoring, marine shoreline armoring, and marine overwater structures) and fish and
shellfish habitats. This position will oversee hydraulic structure monitoring and conduct scientific research on
the impacts of hydraulic structures on fish, shellfish, and their habitats. Effects on fish and shellfish habitats
includes changes to the physical structure of stream channels or marine beaches and impacts to fish behavior
(e.g., upstream and downstream movements).
DUTIES:
Lead implementation and effectiveness monitoring of hydraulic structures, in particular, monitoring of culverts
and marine shoreline armoring.
· Plans, designs, conducts, coordinates, and manages monitoring of recently permitted hydraulic
structures.
· Oversees up to 5 employees engaged in data collection for monitoring.
· Works with other agency staff on monitoring database development and upkeep and on data quality
control.
· Analyzes data and writes detailed reports on the results of implementation and effectiveness monitoring.
· Works with managers and engineers to determine monitoring needs and prioritizes data collection in
response to specific problems/questions raised by management or engineering staff.
· Provides feedback to managers and engineers to improve implementation of permitting process and the
effectiveness of culvert designs.
· Keeps abreast of research and engineering developments relevant to the impacts of hydraulic structures
on fish and fish habitats.
Lead or co-lead a multi-stakeholder scientific advisory group (SAG) that will address scientific and technical
topics pertaining to the impacts of hydraulic structures on fish and shellfish habitats.
· In collaboration with other members of the SAG, develop short and long-term agendas for cooperative
research on hydraulic structures.
· In collaboration with other members of the SAG, work with policy makers from multiple stakeholder
groups on obtaining funding for the research agenda.
· Confer as needed with representatives of other state, federal, and tribal agencies on the scientific
aspects of the effects of hydraulic structures on fish and shellfish habitats.
Oversee cooperative research projects that answer key questions pertaining to the impacts of hydraulic
structures on fish and shellfish habitats.
· In collaboration with other scientists and engineers, review and approve plans of cooperative research
studies.
· As funding opportunities arise, seek grant money and conduct research on the impacts of hydraulic
structures on fish and shellfish habitats. This task includes budgeting, proposal writing, and most other
aspects of conducting an experiment: study design, data collection, data management, statistical
analysis of data, report writing.
· Authors and publishes research findings through peer-reviewed technical reports or in peer-reviewed
scientific journals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Desired Qualifications
A Master’s degree in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, civil or hydraulic engineering, fisheries science, or
closely allied field; AND two years of professional experience designing, conducting, and supervising research
on the impacts of hydraulic structures (e.g., culverts, shoreline armoring) on stream channels or fish habitats .
A Doctoral degree in one of the above fields of study will substitute for one year of the required experience
AND a valid Washington or other State Driver’s License
Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20
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hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational.
Job knowledge
· Advanced knowledge of fluvial geomorphology and hydrology;
· Advanced understanding of how hydraulic structures (particularly culverts) can potentially affect fluvial
geomorphology and hydrology at the site and stream reach scales;
· Proficient with various types of statistical analysis;
Other skills and abilities
· Ability to identify and focus on key information needs pertaining to hydraulic structures;
· Possesses well-developed interpersonal and managerial skills needed to successfully lead a small
group of seasonal technicians to conduct field work;
· Has hands-on experience with field techniques used in fluvial geomorphology and hydrology;
· Possesses a working knowledge of how hydraulic structures may impact fish, shellfish, and their
habitats;
· Highly motivated to understand the impacts of hydraulic structures (in particular, culverts) on fish and
shellfish habitats and to reduce the severity of those impacts.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with exposure to hazards mostly limited to those
commonly found in government office environments. Office work includes extended work with personal
computers. Field work can vary from 10% to 30% of work time depending upon season. Field work includes
travel to and from field sites, performing measurements in extreme weather conditions, and walking over rough
terrain. Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the incumbent must be
willing to work a non-scheduled work week. During field season could work 4 ten-hour days per week. A
flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
Union
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). As a condition
of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other
fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
How to Apply:
To 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 (please make it succinct).
· Detailed responses to all supplemental questions.
· Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional).
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. E-mailed
documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be
notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the
status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Due to the high
volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online
process and avoid calling for information.
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.
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Hydraulic Structures Research Scientist *06494HR1 Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. What best describes your level of education:
Associates Degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Ph.D.
None of the above
* 2. What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
* 3. Please describe your experience developing and executing complex research projects on
hydraulic structures.
* 4. Please describe your professional experience measuring the geomorphological or
hydrological characteristics of a dynamic aquatic environment.
* 5. Please describe your experience managing multiple, deadline-driven tasks.
* 6. Please describe your professional experience directing employees to perform and
successfully complete complex technical tasks.
* 7. Are you willing and able to travel to and from field sites, performing measurements in
extreme weather conditions, and walking over rough terrain?
Yes No
* 8. Are you willing and able to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday
– Friday work hours?
Yes No
* 9. Are you willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time including occasional multiple day
overnight trips?
Yes No
* 10. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony within the last ten (10) years?
(Answering yes will not automatically disqualify you from competing for the position.)
Yes No
* 11. Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an
interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)
Yes No
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* 12. Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application:
1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and
employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications
for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three
professional references.
Yes No
* Required Question