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.  The duty station for this position is the Region 5 Office located at 5525 South 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA. 98642

This position works in the Columbia River Management Unit.  This position independently directs and oversees research, monitoring, evaluation and fishery management for Columbia River sturgeon and eulachon (smelt) populations and administers projects and personnel of the Columbia River sturgeon program, the eulachon program and the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery program. This position functions as the Unit Leader for the sturgeon/smelt/pikeminnow unit.  This position directly contributes to the agency mission of preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish resources while providing sustainable sport and commercial fishing opportunities.

1. Develop, design and implement research and monitoring activities associated with white sturgeon in the Columbia River basin and Washington State, and provide information and recommendations to managers for fishery management.
2. Statewide Resource Expert – Provide expert guidance on sturgeon management to Fish Program staff throughout the state and assist in coordinating and directing statewide research and management activities.
3. Develop, design and implement research and monitoring activities associated with green sturgeon based on availability of funding.
4. Review and analyze data relevant to green sturgeon for management decisions, recovery planning and Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation and permitting.
5. Provide recommendations and technical expertise for sturgeon aquaculture activities.
6. Develop, design and implement research and monitoring activities associated with eulachon to assess population status and trends, based on availability of funding. Provide information and recommendations to managers for fishery management.
7. Review and analyze data relevant to eulachon for management decisions, recovery planning and ESA consultation and permitting.
8. Oversee management of the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program and Dam Angling programs.
9. Provide recommendations for sport, commercial and tribal fisheries associated with sturgeon and eulachon.
10. Participate in field work, as needed, to cover peak work-loads and conduct QA/QC for projects above.
11. Utilize sound scientific principles for activities above and coordinate with Science Division staff on study design development and analysis, as needed.
12. Identify key uncertainties and provide recommendations to managers on how to address them.
13. Develop proposals, work statements and strategic plans for all projects/programs.
14. Develop and provide annual progress and final reports summarizing results and activities to all funding agencies and WDFW, per contract deliverables.

Develop and manage budget &contracts and other fiscal/administrative duties.
Tasks include:

1. Develop budgets, spending plans, and work statements for sturgeon and eulachon projects. Implement and manage contracts for these projects, as needed.
2. Oversee management of budget and contract for Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery and Dam Angling programs.
3. Ensure budgets and spending plans are financially sound.
4. Secure funding for projects and apply for appropriate grants for research, monitoring and management activities.
5. Complete other fiscal/administrative tasks.

?Dissemination of data and communication of study results and recommendations.
Tasks include:

1. Provide information/recommendations for management of populations and fisheries.
   1. Prepare and provide regular briefings for Director and Commission.
   2. Prepare Joint Staff Reports and Fact Sheets for Columbia River Compact hearings.
2. Prepare and provide professional presentations for commission, advisor groups, co- managers and professional organizations.
3. Coordinate with state, federal and tribal agencies and local governments in the basin on research and monitoring activities associated with projects.
4. Provide input on policy development based on technical information and professional expertise.
5. Present research findings at professional meetings, in agency technical reports, and/or in peer-reviewed professional journals.

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

1. Functions as Unit Leader for the sturgeon/smelt/pikeminnow unit.
2. Develops staffing needs for projects in this unit.
3. Supervises and mentors technical and professional level staff in order to support an effective, motivated team.
4. 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.
5. Monitors and inspects work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work.
6. Recruits, interviews and recommends candidates for vacant positions.

Working Conditions
As a standard, this position follows a 40-hour work week, Monday – Friday with core hours of 8:00AM -5:00PM. Work is primarily conducted in the Region 5 office; however, some field work will be required.  The percentage of time spent in the field is variable depending on project objectives, staffing levels, and funding levels.

During fieldwork, hours per day may be 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.  The position is expected to periodically travel throughout Washington and to other states for meetings and special projects, including overnight stay.  Frequent customer interaction on the phone, in writing, at advisory group meetings and at public meetings Field work may be performed year-round under a wide array of weather conditions. Hazards include: working around streams/rivers in varying weather & flow conditions; working on boats in the Columbia River.

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 sturgeon, eulachon (smelt) biology, life history and population dynamics.
• Knowledge of Columbia River fish runs and fisheries.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with fisheries stock assessment and/or population dynamics modeling and analysis tools.
• Knowledge and experience with R programming language, Program Mark and JAGS, Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Word).
• Knowledge of safe fish collection, handling, sampling, surgical and tagging techniques, procedures, and equipment, including the use of fish anesthesia.
• Experience developing and managing multiple large and complex contracts/budgets.
• Ability to communicate Agency policies, management decisions, and scientific results effectively to WDFW management and field staff, external entities and the general public.
• Ability to organize, document, and communicate results of research in a way that can be understood, interpreted, and acted upon by end-users.

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.