The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

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.

Are you an energetic and dynamic leader in a natural resource field? Do you want to lead professional teams in managing human-wildlife conflict mitigation in Washington? The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Natural Resource Scientist Section Manager position located in the Game Division of the Wildlife Program. The duty station for this position is the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Washington. Interviews will be scheduled for the week of April 10, 2017. 
 
This position oversees the Wildlife Program Game Division’s Human-Wildlife Conflict section.  The incumbent is responsible for evaluating research, harvest, and survey data to inform recommendations related deer, elk and carnivore conflict and depredation.  Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for budget management, making rule or policy recommendations regarding conflict management issues, and supervision of professional staff working in the Conflict Section.

• Formulates and justifies conclusions and recommendations related to wildlife conflict management; coordinates regional hunting season recommendations; acts as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) liaison with state, federal, and citizen’s committees as they relate to wildlife conflict management and hunter access issues; and, serves as WDFW representative on wildlife conflict management and scientific committees, and hunter access management committees.
• Writes and edits management plans, guidelines, and scientific peer reviewed reports; prepares and gives presentations (2 – 5 per year) to the public, advisory councils, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission; provides presentations to executive management, agency staff and peers at wildlife workshops.
• Provides consultation to natural resource managers related to human-wildlife conflict management; develops public opinion surveys to determine landowner, hunter, and general public perspectives on human-wildlife conflict and hunter access issues; and, responds to the public’s input on management programs.
• Develops or contributes to original research and adaptive management projects related to mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Develops and implements monitoring projects to determine effectiveness of programs.
• Responsible for budget management and business practices associated with contract administration with regional personnel, where appropriate, recommend changes to improve business practices. Review allotment and expenditure reports to help ensure Regional managers are informed of progress and compliance with contract budgets and deliverables.
• Analyzes and applies related research work conducted by other professionals in the human-wildlife conflict fields.
• Plans and directs agency programs and projects related to human-wildlife conflict management and research, including hiring, training, and supervision.

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in wildlife science, wildlife management, human dimensions or outdoor recreation; AND six years of professional work experience in the field of human-wildlife conflict research and/or management.
 
A Master’s degree in wildlife management or closely related field will substitute for two years of the required experience provided the field of major study was in human-wildlife conflict research and management
 
A Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided the field of major study was in human-wildlife conflict research and management.
 
Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in wildlife science, wildlife management, human dimensions, outdoor recreation or closely related field.
• Direct experience with human-wildlife conflict management and development and implementation strategies to encourage landowners to participate in recreational access programs.
• Recent peer reviewed publications related to human-wildlife conflict management or outdoor recreation.
• Experience in designing and conducting public opinion surveys and development of monitoring techniques to determine the effectiveness of human-wildlife conflict mitigation or recreational access programs.

The best qualified applicants will have experience and training that demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Job knowledge:

• Identify or approve appropriate research design for most accurate results.
• Identify or approve appropriate hardware/software and other equipment to meet research purposes.
• Supervise and conduct field surveys and research.
• Determine staff required and roles that they serve.
• Translate raw data into meaningful biological information and recommendations.
• Select and employ appropriate statistical methods for data analysis.
• Conduct data analysis and draw inference from the analysis.
• Review data and statistical methods to analyze related research.
• Oversee or conduct literature reviews.
• Lead, guide, and/or write scientific reports, or recovery, management, and conservation plans. Submit results for peer review and publication if appropriate.
• Serves on panels discussing professional issues dealing with field of expertise.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills. Make presentations to the scientific community, public, other government organizations, and Commission.
• Serve as an expert consultant/advisor to management and advise them of emergent issues.
• Attend professional conferences to stay up-to-date on current research.
• Have comprehensive working knowledge of computer programs and database programs.

Ability to:

• Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data.
• Train staff.
• Organize and prioritize work for self and others.
• Provide constructive correction, redirection and discipline when needed.
• Develop effective objectives, timelines and action plans.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• Negotiate effectively.
• Use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• And willingness to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• And willingness to accept supervision.
• Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Work independently and as a team member.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Ethics and integrity.
• Communications effectiveness.
• Results orientation and initiative.
• Adaptability/flexibility.
• Team leadership

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License (or an ability to obtain one).

Working Conditions
The typical work duty is 90% indoors in a busy office environment. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work hours may extend beyond the core hours of 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, including evenings and weekends. Most office duty tasks will involve sitting at a desk and working on a computer (75% of the work day). The department will consider a flexible work schedule at incumbent’s request; however, this will be the subject of the supervisor’s approval and must meet business need of the program and the division. 10% of the duties involve travel to field operations/sites and may include meeting with regional staff, attend training, or conducting other business.
 
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 qualification of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Complete answers to supplemental questions (see below)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional references)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.
 
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
 
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