Job Title: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 *06367W
Opening Date/Time: Tue. 07/11/17 12:00 AM Pacific Time
Closing Date/Time: Mon. 07/31/17 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $3,612.00 – $4,737.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Location: Yakima County – Yakima, Washington
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

 

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 2
(Permanent, Full-time)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 3.  The duty station is 2030 Holaday Road, Mabton, WA 98935.

This person serves as an Assistant Manager of the Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area (SSRWA), which includes more than 20,000 acres within Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties.

The incumbent is a journey level professional Biologist under general supervision that conducts professional biological studies; and/or is responsible for monitoring, restoration, management or research of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat. Using predefined methodologies and/or predetermined criteria, biologists in this class 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 Assistant Manager position independently prioritizes and conducts studies utilizing predefined methodologies and/or predetermined criteria for scientific studies, surveys, and/or scientific analysis with planning and developing priorities and implementing the SSRWA Management Plan including implementation of all habitat, fish and wildlife and recreational use management activities on the Wildlife Area. Furthermore, the position supports the organization in administrative tasks and other resource management activities.

 Duties:
Facilitates, manages, and monitors the public use on the Sunnyside/Snake Wildlife Area.

  • Conducts or oversees wildlife/habitat surveys, data collection, and habitat improvement.
  • Assists with planning and developing priorities, coordinates, assists with implementation of all habitat, fish, wildlife and recreational use management activities on the Sunnyside/Snake Wildlife Area.
  • Assesses and evaluates fish and wildlife habitat management programs.
  • Works in difficult terrain, independently and often with little supervision.
  • Solves field and equipment problems to complete the assignment within timeframe.
  • Directs the efforts of volunteers or Master Hunters on wildlife areas.
  • Trains staff and volunteers, organizes and oversees work crews and contractors.
 Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management/biology/ecology, natural resource sciences, or environmental science
AND
One year of professional level experience in a wildlife management or natural resource sciences, or environmental science related field.
OR
A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.

A valid Washington State or other State Driver’s License

PREFERRED:

  • Experience with heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
  • Efficient use of computer and computer related technology for efficiency of communication.
  • Experience with livestock behavior and management, including fence repair and construction.
  • Experience with ESRI ArcMap (GIS mapping systems) and GPS to gather information and generate maps.

Ability to:

  • Drive a truck and tow a trailer.
  • Operate ATV’s and farm/construction equipment.

Job knowledge
Must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and methods of environmental or resource management, methods and techniques of field sampling, data gathering, field investigations, and technical report writing.

Additionally, must have experience that demonstrates thorough working understanding of:

  • Grant writing.
  • Familiarity with basic business-oriented personal computer hardware and software.
  • Organizing and prioritizing workloads.
  • Effective communication with other staff and the public both orally and in writing.
  • Maintaining documentation and historical records relating to management of a Wildlife Area.
 Supplemental Information:
Working Conditions

  • Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel.
  • Willingness and ability to work long, irregular hours at times.
  • Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud.
  • Ability to walk, bend, stoop, often on uneven terrain, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
  • 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.
  • Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in field situations.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and 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.