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 recruitment is for a permanent Environmental Specialist 3 in the Fish Program, Fish Management – Aquatic Invasive Species Unit.  The duty station for this position is the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, WA.

The strategic objective for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program is to protect state waters by managing AIS.  The incumbent is a lead field supervisory position for the primary duties of the AIS Prevention Program, early detection zebra/quagga mussel monitoring, decontamination of infested equipment, and mandatory watercraft check stations.  Key measurable objectives are number of sites and samples conducted for early detection zebra/quagga mussel monitoring, number of watercraft inspections, and prevent the introduction and spread of priority AIS.

1. Researches and develops multiple sample method protocols using the best available science for detection of mussels;
2. Trains staff to properly conduct EDZQMM using protocols and schedules the seven-month monitoring season throughout eastern and western Washington; and
3. Conducts quality control and quality assurance on all data collected. Data provided from EDZQMM for presence will dictate policy and regulatory developments.

AIS Prevention Program Managerial Specialist
Tasks include:

1. Provides technical environmental assistance and administrative guidance to prevent, control, and eradicate priority AIS in marine and freshwaters of the state;
2. Identifies appropriate grants, applies, and manages;
3. Develop and implement education and outreach materials;
4. Respond to public and other agency AIS sighting reports and information requests; and
5. Trains department staff on department invasive species management policy and procedures

AIS Prevention Program Field Specialist for Mandatory Watercraft Check Stations (MWCS).
Tasks include:

1. Liaison with AIS Enforcement Program to coordinate MWCS throughout eastern and western Washington;
2. At MWCS, directs Enforcement to implement inspections for prohibited AIS. If prohibited AIS is detected, conducts decontamination of watercraft using complex hot-water pressure capable of heating water to at least 140 degree Fahrenheit.
3. Complex inspections of out of state commercially transported large watercraft. Determines if watercraft is free of prohibited AIS and allowed to be deployed into state waters.

Supervision and Mentoring
Tasks include:

1. Supervises and mentors 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. Develops the Performance Development Plan for each assigned employee within the unit;
5. Manages personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, performance issues, etc. in a positive manner for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit;
6. Develops and implements staff training and development plans to provide cross training of employees;
7. Participates in team meetings, communicates status of ongoing projects, and coordinates work schedules with team for the purpose of maintaining open communication; and
8. Responsible for planning and maintaining work systems, procedures, and policies that enable and encourage the optimum performance of its people and other resources within the unit.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Generally normal business hours 8hrs/day Monday through Friday 40hrs/week during office work and 10hrs/day Monday through Thursday 40hrs/week during field work, but may occasionally be required to exceed these hours or work outside of normal business hours during holidays and weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  This position requires frequent statewide travel and overnight stays up to five days at times.

Approximately 50% field and 50% office. Standard office environment, outdoors on water and on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, occasionally during inclement weather, day and night, walk up to five miles on uneven ground, and must be able to lift 75 pounds.  Interacts with the public on a regular basis conducting outreach and educational events, EDZQMM, and MWCS. Occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

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), which contains a “union security” provision.  This means that, 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.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for experience including: Master’s degree in one of the above fields can substitute for 1 year of experience other than aquatic invasive animals; OR PhD in one of the above fields can substitute for 1 years of experience other than aquatic invasive animals and one year of experience in aquatic invasive animals.
In addition, the position requires the below certifications and license

• WDFW motorboat operator’s certification;
• WSDOT Road Safety certification;
• WDFW Zerion Form Builder for iForms on electronic tablets certification; and
• Washington State driver’s license.

Work experience in:

•  Conducting zebra and quagga mussels monitoring;
•  Conducting control on African clawed frog and European green crab;
•  Conducting watercraft AIS inspections and decontamination including large commercial transported watercraft;
•  Cooperatively with WDFW Law Enforcement;
•  Stakeholder and public AIS education/outreach interaction with positive outcomes;
• Excellent safety record operating 4×4 vehicles, watercraft, hot water pressure washers, and towing trailers in all weather conditions.

The best qualified applicants will have training and experience that demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Job knowledge to perform the essential activities of this position including:

• Principles and procedures of AIS management;
• Develop, implement, and manage statewide biological studies and management actions;
• Prepare comprehensive written reports;
• Database construction, management, and routine analysis functions; and
• Workload management.

Other skills and abilities for full performance of essential functions including strong to excellent skills and attitudes in the following areas

• Oral and written communications;
• Interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty;
• Creativity and innovation both in working independently and in team building;
• Public service and partnership building motivation;
• Performance management with accountability and strategic thinking;
• Use of smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops; and
• Use of software including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and iForms.

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)

Also submit in a separate document a description of how you meet each one of the key competencies above.  Provide a response for each competency separately.  Describe your work experience, completed training, and other accomplishments that demonstrate that you have the competency.  Indicate with whom you worked, issues involved, and your role in the process. Specify job titles, employers, and schools attended. If you have no training or experience relative to a particular competency, just write “NA” for that competency.

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, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, 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 (360) 902-2207.