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

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be held as qualified applicants are identified, the position may be filled and the recruitment closed.  Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible.  The first review will be September 6, 2017.

This recruitment is for one (1) permanent Microbiologist 2 in the Fish Program, Science Division, Genetics and Fish Health Laboratories.  The duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protect native fish and wildlife, and provide sustainable fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. This position performs duties related to the discovery and identification of microbes (e.g., viruses and bacteria) affecting trust fish populations.  Therefore, the duties and activities of this position contribute to the agency mission by providing critical fish health services for fish, in particular, salmon recovery, mitigation, and management decisions.

Virology, with primary function to detect presence and identify viral particles from clinical samples
Tasks include:
Sample processing and plating, maintain cell culture and cell lines, microscopy, viral CPE identification of certifiable aquatic animal pathogens, cryopreservation of viral positives and cell lines, dot blot, maintain records logs

Bacteriology, with primary function to detect species and identify antibiotic sensitivities
Tasks include:
Sample processing, plating, streaking, and culture isolation, use of Gram stain, biochemistry, microscopy, antibiotic sensitivity testing, or API testing for identification of certifiable fish pathogens, ELISA for the identification of bacterial antigens, necropsy diagnostics submissions, maintain records logs.

Standard laboratory operating procedures
Tasks include:
Media preparation, sample submission and record keeping, stocking and inventory of consumables, supply ordering, data entry and review, report preparation, establish procedures and tests, SOP development and writing, equipment maintenance, special project coordination and development as assigned

Meetings, agency training, other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
The work schedule is M-F typically 8-5.  Majority of work is in a laboratory setting with potentially infectious microbes, and noxious and potentially carcinogenic chemicals.   There is some office work and occasional field work to collect samples.  The incumbent must be able to sit at a microscope for long periods.  Work long hours within a laboratory.  Able to work cleanly and maintain proper biosecurity appropriate for a typical BSL 1 facility.

The incumbent must be able to perform exacting hand manipulations to complete assays in the laboratory.  Ability to stand up to several hours a day.  Lifting, bending, and pulling is required when unpacking and storing laboratory supplies.  May be required to lift up to 40 pounds on occasion and be able to handle adult salmonids.

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.

Preferred qualifications
MS or PhD degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or related fields.   Ability to lead and train personnel when needed.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

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.