Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1073117[2/23/2015 3:24:20 PM]
State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
invites applications for the position of:
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1 *01296W
SALARY: $2,663.00 – $3,459.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 02/23/15
CLOSING DATE: 03/04/15 11:59 PM
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.
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1
(Non-Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one part time, non-permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
position located in the Wildlife Program, Diversity Division. The duty station for this position is the Natural
Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County, with travel throughout the county, and a few multi-day trips to
the north Olympic Peninsula.The employment period is scheduled for April 17, 2015 to September 30, 2015.
This position supports the goal of “Conserve and protect native fish and wildlife” by collecting data essential to
inform WDFW on the conservation status of 9 WA butterfly Prairie-Oak Species of Greatest Conservation Need
(SGCN) and the effects and effectiveness of habitat management efforts for these species. The work is a
component of the State Wildlife Grant project, Conserving State Strategy Species in PNW Prairie-Oak Habitats:
a Bi-State Partnership.
DUTIES:
Primary duties include:
Prepare, organize and conduct field surveys and behavioral observations for nine Prairie-Oak Species of
Greatest Conservation Need butterflies.
Set-up survey areas in the field and conduct surveys to locate and observe behavior of 9 Prairie-Oak
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1073117[2/23/2015 3:24:20 PM]
butterflies (or their larvae) within sites and habitat restoration units on 12 south and north Puget Sound
grassland sites.
Conduct surveys and monitoring to determine site and restoration unit occupancy status, and the relative
abundance, type of use, and location of target butterflies.
Schedule and coordinate all participating surveyors to ensure accomplishment of project objectives.
Responsible for maintaining data sets for survey effort and results. Collect all 2015 project survey data
(from multiple observers), enter and maintain survey data in Access databases and spatial data in
ArcGIS data sets.
Create GIS files and digital maps of project sites, units and butterfly detections.
Analyze and interpret butterfly survey data.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Desired Qualifications
Two field seasons (minimum of 1 month each year) conducting surveys and collecting behavioral
observations of butterflies, including skippers (Subfamily Hesperinae).
Experience identifying grassland plants and grasses.
Experience conducting repeated systematic surveys for focal species and maintaining detailed
documentation.
Experience visually tracking butterflies or other small, fast-moving animals with binoculars.
Experience with Arc GIS, Arc Map, or other GIS software in a work-setting.
Experience with Access database software in a work setting.
Experience with use of GPS unit including downloading/interfacing with GIS software.
Preferred Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental science, or related field of
study.
Experience searching for and identifying south Puget Sound prairie butterflies by sight in the field.
Experience identifying common south Puget Sound prairie plants.
Experience conducting searches for insect larvae or eggs.
Experience conducting and directing a field research project including making and implementing
decisions regarding protocols, without having to have approval from a supervisor
Experience working independently in remote locations
Education or experience in insect or wildlife-related conservation including: interpreting insect behavior,
and assessing threats and interpreting impacts to threatened or endangered wildlife (including insects).
Education or experience in grassland habitat management and restoration practices.
Proficient with use of GPS unit and GIS software.
Proficient with use of Access database software.
Competencies
Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Ability to search for and identify south Puget Sound prairie butterflies by sight in the field.
Ability to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods while observing and interpreting behaviors of butterflies
or other wildlife species.
Ability to conduct consistent, systematic, detailed searches of vegetation and locate small objects
(butterflies/larvae/eggs).
Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical characteristics
of insects, especially butterflies;
Document, interpret and communicate wildlife species/habitat information in a detailed manner.
Think critically in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Use standard field equipment (binoculars, insect net, field forms, etc.).
Proficient in use of Access and ArcGIS software.
Ability to plan and execute a multi-task and ever-changing project survey plan.
Follow directions, show initiative, and work efficiently without direct supervision.
Must be reliable, punctual and demonstrate good scientific ethics and integrity and demonstrate a
flexible and creative approach to problem-solving in the field.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete all tasks to satisfaction, and show a
willingness to perform routine and repetitive work without sacrificing performance.
Ability to work independently and safely in remote locations.
Ability to get along with co-workers
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1073117[2/23/2015 3:24:20 PM]
Capable of working 6 to 8 hours a day outdoors under all weather conditions.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
Field work occurs in open grassland environments (with little shade) on uneven walking surfaces in the
south Puget lowlands, and steep-sloped, rocky, forest openings in the south and north Puget Sound,
including on privately owned, state managed lands, and the Olympic National Forest.
Position requires a flexible work schedule. Field work is weather dependent and may require working
long days (>8 hours), weekend days and holidays.
Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat
Work may be performed independently or as part of a team
Work may be routine and at times tedious.
Position will require daily travel to field study sites located within 35 miles of assigned work location, and
several multi-day trips to the north Olympic Peninsula.
Field work requires operating a pick-up truck, hand tools, close-focus binoculars, butterfly net, and a
GPS unit.
Office responsibilities require use of Access database, GIS software, and standard equipment including
computers, copiers, printers, etc.
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), 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.
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)
· 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