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 preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish,  wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable  recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations.  Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.  WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state.  WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.  WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is for a permanent Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1 in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Marine Fish Science.  The duty station the Natural Resource Building, Olympia, WA.
 
The incumbent provides agency science expertise and leadership to meet department objectives in support of commercial and recreational dive fisheries; and provides interagency and inter-jurisdictional science support where resources responsibilities are shared or collaboration is desired with other entities.  The incumbent serves as the environmental science expert for shoreline permitting processes related to commercial geoduck fishery.  The incumbent serves as the principle researcher for development of rearing methods and restoration efforts for Northern abalone.  The incumbent serves as principle investigator for assessing subtidal sea cucumber, sea urchin, and geoduck, clam stocks in Washington and develops yield models to assure substantial harvest.  These activities provide sound science-based management recommendations for decision makers in meeting resource and economic needs for the state.

• Serves as lead scientist for shellfish dive fisheries, determining research and analysis needs to improve stock assessment and biological parameters to meet sustainable harvest objectives.
• Serves as lead scientist for Northern abalone restoration, developing research studies to improve captive rearing and outplant survival and reproductive success.
• Provides ecological expertise for nearshore habitats relating to shoreline permitting processes for the geoduck wild stock fishery.
• Determines and implements fieldwork and management studies to meet management objectives for shellfish dive fisheries, fishery-related permitting, and state/tribal harvest management plans.
• Provides biological support for state/tribal negotiations of harvest management plans for shellfish dive fisheries.
• Supervise shellfish dive research team and has oversight agency Master Diver.
• Assists other shellfish projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Working conditions
The work week is 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, though travel and longer work weeks are typical during peak field work periods. Work is done in an office environment with a personal computer, but also has significant periods of field work involving vessel operation, scuba and use of underwater scientific tools.  This position requires a scuba certification, an annual dive physical and approval of dive physician and approval of the agency Master Diver.

Note:
This Agency dive position also requires documentation of basic scuba certification (5 open water dives, 30 hour course) from a recognized and qualified dive organization (e.g. NAUI, PADI, or SSI); at least 15 hours of logged time dive time at water depth of 40 feet or greater; at least 12 logged dives in addition to basic certification, 6 of which must have been made in previous 12 months.  Annual WDFW Diver registration, dive physical and approval to dive an accreted dive physician, and demonstration of open water dive proficiency are required for the incumbent’s continued employment.  Completion of a Basic First Aid and CPR course are required prior to resuming duties.  Completion and certification in the Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) is required to operate agency vessel.

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.

Qualifications and preferred work experience:
A Master’s degree or higher with a specialty in biology, environmental science, natural resource management or marine ecology, and two years of professional experience designing statistical or mathematical  research in biology or population management or designing or conducting wildlife, habitat, or fish related studies, in addition to two articles published or in press refereed literature. 
 
Required job knowledge

• Requires knowledge of marine ecosystems, population dynamics, statistical theory and analytical procedures, yield modeling of marine animal populations targeted for harvest, experimental design, and computer proficiency.
• Requires knowledge in safe use of research tools in the marine environment, safe scuba diving procedures, and safe operation of vessels in marine waters of Puget Sound.
• Requires competency to scuba dive, as specified in the agency dive operations manual (including dive certification by a recognized dive organization, annual approval to dive by an agency-approved dive physician, and successful completion of a practical test of dive skills).
• Must be a certified scuba diver and meet agency dive competency requirements.
• Must successfully complete the US Department of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification course.
•  Must have a current valid driver’s license.

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 and the required job knowledge for 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 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