FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1 *04499W

 

Salary 
$2,925.00 – $3,807.00 Monthly
Location 
Walla Walla County – Walla Walla, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Non-Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2017-04499W
Closing
5/21/2017 11:59 PM Pacific
Description

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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.
Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1
(Non-Permanent, Full Time)
 The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1) full time, non-permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 position located in the Wildlife Program in Region 1. The duty station is located in the District 3 Office at 1340 13th Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

This position reports to a FW Biologist 2 (wolf specialist). Under the direct/close supervision of the FW Biologist 2 or Senior Biologist 4, this position assists in performing capturing, marking, and monitoring wolves and conducting surveys to address wolf management needs from May through September. There is a possibility of extending the season dependent upon on work priorities. The position will periodically assist in response/mitigation of wolf-livestock conflict and other large carnivore surveys and/or study activities across the state. Primary duties include: setting and maintaining a capture line, immobilizing and handling captured animals, radio-collaring wolves, conducting field survey work including use of trail cameras.
Duties
  • Locate, capture, radio-collar, and monitor wolves in Washington – Following reports from local biologists and the public to confirm wolf activity in identified areas. Once pack activity is confirmed, capture, collar and release wolves using contemporary trapping and anesthesia methods. Track collared wolves via satellite downloads, aerial or ground surveys. Assists with preparing management/research reports or proposals based on field activities.
  • Coordinate wolf monitoring and capture activities with state and federal agencies, tribal entities, private landowners, and other WDFW collaborating partners by developing good relationships with those entities.
  • Collaborate with WDFW regional and headquarters staff in responding to and mitigating wolf conflict reports – Upon request the incumbent may be asked to use their tracking and or trapping skills to address events.
  • Interacts with the public to answer questions about wolves as needed. Listens to, understands, and evaluates requests to determine course of action.
Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent in education/experience.
Licenses: Valid Washington State or other state Driver’s License.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Minimum one-year experience wolf capture and handling experience.
Experience in chemical immobilization of wildlife.
Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment.
Experience operating in the field with minimal supervision.

The qualified applicant will demonstrate knowledge & abilities in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of wolf ecology, biology, and behavior
  • Knowledge of wolf and other carnivore capture and handling techniques
  • Wildlife immobilization
  • Ability to conduct depredation investigation
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles, ATVs, trucks and a variety of power tools and equipment
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
  • Must be punctual and perform in a dependable manner
  • Must be able to travel and have a willingness to work irregular hours when necessary
Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

  • Most work (75%) will be carried out in a field setting with periodic office meetings. Travel in trucks and on ATVs occurring daily. Employee must be capable of stooping, bending, walking, lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds over steep, rugged terrain in hot or cold weather.  Employee must be able to exercise sound and good judgment to ensure personal and co-worker safety. Potential hazards are associated with hot (100+ degrees) and cold weather, stinging and biting insects, plants with thorns, animals with sharp pointed teeth, blistering sun, wind chill, use of tools such as chainsaws, gasoline, diesel and chemical solvents.
  • Monday –Friday, between 7:00am-5:30pm; depending upon daily tasks.  During peak workloads hours may be long and irregular.
  • Capture efforts may occur at various locations throughout the state; with emphasis in WDFW Regions 1, 2, and 3. Vehicle travel up to 200 miles per day to capture locations. Overnight travel may be required.
  • Vehicles include ½ to 1 ton pickup trucks.  Equipment used on a daily basis may include but is not limited to: equipment trailers, ATVs, immobilization equipment.  Tools include hand and power tools, chainsaws, weed trimmers,
  • Occasional interactions may occur while on the work site. Both internal and external customer interaction. Interaction may occur through written and verbal correspondence; including telephone, email, and in person interactions. Represent the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in a professional manner. Have professional and respectful dialog with other agencies and/or civilians.

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).
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

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.

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.