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. 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.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This is for a permanent full-time Biologist 2 In-training position in the Fish Program, Region 6 District 17 – Willapa Bay.  The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563.  Depending on the qualifications of the applicant pool, this position could be filled at the Biologist 2 level.

This position contributes to the protection and enhancement of the fish resources within the district, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.  Activities to meet the mission include: Overseeing and participation with on-going data collection to monitor the status and trend of fish populations; development of plans/regulations that protect stocks of concern and assure ESA compliance; regulation development (season setting) for recreational fishing and assist with the development of harvest plans between recreational and non-tribal commercial fishers; providing professional service to the general public, media, local and county governments and organized sport fishing groups; and providing leadership and supervision to technical staff.

Recreational Fisheries Monitoring
Tasks include:
Plans, develops, designs and supervises all aspects of the recreational fisheries monitoring program for Willapa Bay recreational fisheries.
This includes collection of, and directing technical staff to collect data needed for recreational fisheries monitoring. These data collection activities will include but not be limited to angler interviews, absence/presence of CWT’s, CWT collection, genetic tissue collection, adult salmonid identification, and mark sampling.
Involved in determining the extent of monitoring necessary for an approved and established standard of accuracy.
Oversees and manages recreational creel database.
Evaluates and analyses collected data, formulates a conclusion and drafts a clear and concise evaluation summary for review by supervisory biologists.

Other duties as directed
Tasks include:
Completion of tasks in a timely manner as assigned by the District Fish Biologist or Regional Fish Program Manager.
Responds to inquiries from constituents, data requests, and in-person inquiries from the public.  Coordinates with, advises, and maintains effective working relationship with local, state, and/or federal governmental office to accomplish required work.

Agency policy review and analyses
Tasks include:
Provides review of Washington Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory (SaSI) participate in Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) process, review and comment on 21st Century Salmon and Steelhead projects, attend NOF meetings, and review and comment on annual NOF regulations

Working Conditions
This position is primarily a field position and the work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may include nights, weekend, and long hours (including long hour’s on-board commercial vessels).  Interaction with public, Advisory Board members, and co-managers.

Field work includes walking long distances through rough and uneven terrain, inclement weather conditions, and boating on both marine and fresh water.  Travel is required for field work and on-board sampling during commercial fisheries, along with occasional long distant travel to training opportunities, statewide project participation, salmon fishery management process participation (NOF, PFMC).
Operation of 4X4 vehicles, towing boats and trailers, motorboat operation in calm and sometimes swift moving water, sampling equipment, and computer operation.  Valid drivers’ license is required.

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.

• Collect and compile information and enter data/information into appropriate records.
• Strong computer skills, specifically with data software such as Excel and Powerpoint.
• Organize and screen data, recognizing valid data for the purpose and discarding irrelevant data.
• Analyze and interpret information to identify best options, or better courses of action, etc.
• Suggest or recommend decisions or options based on interpretation of data.
• Prepare written reports to communicate statistical and other findings.
• Give verbal reports of findings or recommendations (e.g. presentations).
• Make projections or forecasts based on statistical/quantitative analysis and advises policy makers.
• Identify fish species and recognize habitat characteristics.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Trained for Low-level aircraft surveying;
Certification through agency Motorboat Operation Certification Course;

Familiarity with: Operating power and drift boats, electrofishers, nets, G.P.S. equipment, Motor vehicles (cars/trucks/motorcycle, and four- wheel drive vehicles), Digital cameras, Flowmeters, Radio communications equipment, and sampling equipment.

Effectively trains and supervises a staff of Scientific Technicians.

Make escapement estimates and aid in projecting preseason forecasts and run reconstruction based on statistical/quantitative analysis and advises policy makers.

Working knowledge with a variety of software programs including Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), word processing, and databases (e.g. ACCESS), and PowerPoint presentation software. G.I.S. software (e.g. ArcView)

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.  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.