Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 5. The duty station for this position is located at 2108 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, Clark County.
Please note:  Our new regional office will be located in Ridgefield, Clark County beginning the summer of 2017. 

This position serves as the Wildlife Area Assistant Manager for the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area.  This Wildlife Area is comprised of over 10,000 acres in 20 Units of WDFW owned and managed lands spread across five counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Lewis, and Wahkiakum).  These areas are managed for a variety of game and non-game species including: elk, black-tailed and white-tailed deer, waterfowl, band-tailed pigeon, other small game, and numerous songbird species. This a journey level professional biologist position under the general supervision of the Shillapoo/Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area Complex Manager that conducts professional biological studies, and is responsible for monitoring, restoration, management or research of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat. Using predefined methodologies and/or predetermined criteria, biologists in this position also interpret data in relation to laws, rules, and regulations to make decisions in response to emerging situations in the field, on public or private lands. Using established procedures, collects, organizes, and/or provides analysis and assessment of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat management data and actions.

The incumbent may also serve as a liaison for the wildlife area (in the absence of the Wildlife Area Manager), by working with other staff, other agencies and organizations, landowners, agricultural lessees, hunters, and the general public. The incumbent may also assist with supervising wildlife area staff and volunteers, and completing plans regarding habitat restoration and management projects on the wildlife area.  This position promotes WDFW values and recreational opportunities associated with the Wildlife Area Complex.Duties

Assists in conducting professional scientific studies and provides analysis and assessment of data collected to provide impacts or determine analysis that may lead to change of agency goals or mission objectives and/or provide other factors on fish and wildlife conservation, habitat or land use. Gathers and/or analyzes samples to study the effects of particular affect or mitigation strategies that may contribute to fish and wildlife priorities. Summarizes and assesses data using standard statistical procedures and scientific analysis. Develops initial reports of findings and provides recommendations to higher level fish and wildlife staff. This position may respond to routine inquiries or requests for technical assistance regarding the scientific background and technical implementation of agency programs.
Tasks include:

• Significant responsibility for implementing the wildlife area management plans, to include conducting and overseeing wildlife/habitat surveys and data collection.
• Assist the Wildlife Area Manager and District Biologists in collecting biological data; trapping, transfer, and releasing wildlife; conducts annual surveys for priority species including elk, band-tailed pigeon, and waterfowl.
• Implements adaptive management plans for restoring, enhancing, and maintenance of forest, wetland, and meadow habitats.
• Conducts field reviews of restored sites, recommends and implements future management activities.
• Surveys wildlife areas for invasive vegetation, native T&E plants, and general habitat conditions; uses predefined methodologies to implement appropriate management.
• Assures compliance with applicable laws, label restrictions, and record keeping associated with agricultural chemical applications to wildlife areas.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, forestry, agriculture, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field.
• AND One (1) year of professional level experience in wildlife or habitat management.

OR

• Two years of professional experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 or Natural Resource Specialist 1 (which requires a Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aqua culture, business, engineering, geology, forestry or a related natural science and one year of related professional experience).
• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field will substitute for one year of the required experience.

(Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements. *College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.)

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A strong working knowledge and experience working with forest management, and habitat enhancement and restoration for big game species is highly desirable.
• Previous experience identifying big game, waterfowl, songbirds, birds of prey, and shorebirds in the field.
• Background in the use of agricultural practices and equipment is highly desirable.
• Experience with biological data collection is highly desired.
• Experience in identifying Western Washington native plant species is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in inclement weather, including extreme heat or snow, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud up to 80% of the time.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear weighing over 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willingness to accept supervision and correction.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, trailers, farm machinery, shop equipment, small boats, and ATV’s in field situations.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.
• Willingness to perform aerial surveys.
• Ability to safely operate firearms
• Ability to dispatch animals