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 a permanent Fisheries Biologist 4 position in the Fish Program, Region 5 (Southwest Washington).  The duty station for this position is the Region 5 Office located at 5525 South 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA. 98642

This position plans and implements fish management activities, administers projects and personnel within WDFW’s Districts 9 and 10 (excluding Cowlitz and Lewis basins), reports to the Regional Fish Program Manager and participates in the Region 5 Fish Program Management Team as needed.  Primary responsibilities include: 1) supervision of professional staff who manage fishery resources, 2) leading the development of sport fishing regulations for Region 5 that protect fish stocks while providing sustainable fishing opportunities, 3) management of staff, contracts and budgets that are fiscally responsible 4) providing staff with appropriate training to meet agency and position objectives.  Specific Region 5 tasks under supervision of this position are:  1) the inland fish management program, including warmwater fish and inland lake management, 2) anadromous fish management and 3) cross-program coordination with other programs and divisions.

1. Develop and implement stocking plans for lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers that are planted with trout (jumbos, catchables, fingerlings, and fry) tiger muskies and channel catfish.
2. Lead the development and review of inland fish regulations for lakes throughout Region 5, consistent with agency strategies and processes.
3. Direct activities for the opening day creel census – determine which areas to survey and set staffing schedules.
4. Develop and implement lake surveys to update management plans.
5. Evaluate and oversee staff review of fish stocking permits for grass carp, warm-water fish, and trout.
6. Oversee activities associated with Fish Washington in Region 5
7. Education and outreach – develop presentations and speak at meetings and workshops, including local governments and sport fishing organizations to provide information on agency programs and objectives.

Direct anadromous fish management activities in Region 5 tributaries (except Cowlitz and Lewis basins).  
Tasks include:

1. Lead the development and review of anadromous fish regulations throughout Region 5, consistent with agency strategies and processes.
2. Develop and/or implement regional plans for nutrient enhancement in cooperation with regional salmonid species lead biologists, hatchery division staff and key non-agency organizations.
3. Review and recommend Remote Site Incubator requests to ensure consistency with agency and program policies and procedures.
4. Coordinate and communicate with tribes and co-managers on anadromous fish issues and activities in the district.
5. Develop and/or implement regional plans for salmon and steelhead
6. Ensure programs are consistent with agency policies on hatchery and fishery reform.

Cross-program coordination with other programs and divisions.
Tasks include:

1. Participation in District Team meetings.
2. Regular communication and coordination with Enforcement, Habitat and Wildlife programs.

Supervises technical and professional staff (e.g. biologists and/or scientific technicians).
Tasks include:

1. Supervises and mentors technical and professional level staff in order to support an effective, motivated team.
2. Sets goals and objectives, develops strategies to implement, and develops performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and program performance objectives are met.
3. Monitors and inspects work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work.
4. Recruits, interviews and recommends candidates for vacant positions. Implements current HR hiring protocols.

Working conditions
As a standard, this position follows a 40 – hour work week, Monday – Friday with core hours of 8:00AM -5:00PM. However, during field seasons hours/day is highly variable.  Occasionally, this position is expected to work in excess of 40 hours per week, beyond core hours (potentially including nights), and outside of the normal work week (i.e., Saturday, Sunday, holidays) to complete necessary field and office duties.  Position covers a six county area. The position is expected to periodically travel throughout Washington and to other states for meetings and special projects.

This position is a lead Regional fish biologist position that splits time between field work and working in the Region 5 office setting.  The percentage of time spent in each is highly variable depending on field seasons, staffing needs, and project objectives.  Field work is performed year-round under a wide array of weather conditions. Hazards include: working around streams/rivers in varying weather & flow conditions.

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.

Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Note: A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two years of the required experience.
OR
Four years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
Knowledge of anadromous and resident fish biology, life history and population dynamics for cold and warmwater species.
Knowledge of Columbia River fish runs, fisheries and sport regulations.

Competencies in: verbal and written communication, statistical analysis, decision making and sound judgment, problem solving, researching, dependability and reliability, diligence, integrity, high stress tolerance, tact, teamwork, negotiating skills, leadership, strategic vision, personnel management and financial accountability.

A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications and competencies 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.