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

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
(Full time, Project)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is recruiting to fill one (project designated), full time, Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 position located in the Wildlife Program, Science Division. The duty station is Pierce County but work will be conducted throughout the Puget Sound Area to include the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the outer coast of Washington State to the Columbia River.

This position conducts professional biological studies and provides analysis and assessment of wildlife management data using established scientific principles and techniques. As a project seabird and marine mammal biologist, this position is a member of a four-person field crew conducting boat surveys in Puget Sound, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast of Washington south to the Columbia River.  The primary objective of this position is to collect information on the distribution and abundance of marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals in Puget Sound and the outer coast of Washington. In addition to gathering distribution and abundance data, the position will also be responsible for entering data, proofing data, summarizing data, and co-authoring annual monitoring reports.

The marbled murrelet is a seabird that was listed under the federal Endangered Species Act as a Threatened species in California, Oregon and Washington and it is listed as Threatened by Washington State.  The marbled murrelet recovery plan outlines recovery strategies including developing and conducting standardized at-sea surveys. These surveys allow researchers and managers to model population trends and evaluate progress towards recovery. In addition, when developing the Northwest Forest Plan for managing federal forest lands, it was decided that at-sea murrelet population trends were to be used to assess the effectiveness of the plan. The surveys conducted for USFWS allow us to estimate the density and trends of murrelets in the marine waters of Washington.  The surveys conducted for the Navy provide information on the density of murrelets, other seabirds, and marine mammals relative to Navy facilities in the Northwest and these data are ultimately used by USFWS and NOAA during ESA Section 6 consultations to assess impacts of Navy training and facility development.  These projects are federally funded and research on seabirds and marine mammals are necessary to address USFWS, NOAA, and WDFW research and management needs.

• Conducts biological studies and carries out programs using established procedures and protocols; summarizes biological data, and co-authors research reports;
• Collects data on bird and mammals in marine environments for use in determining habitat use, population distribution and abundance and the relative importance (suitability) of different habitats;
• Enters, proofs, and summarizes data in DLog and/or Excel including using summary statistics.  In addition, they will co-author year-end reports to the federal funding agencies;
• Participates in report writing summarizing annual at-sea data for funders.
• Conducts pelagic surveys in the fall and winter 80 km off the Washington coast.
• Assists with bird and mammal surveys associated with steelhead survival around the Hood Canal Bridge.
• May assist with other aspects of seabird research including conducting Tufted Puffin colony surveys – a species that has been proposed for state and Federal listing and assist with data summary and report writing and marbled murrelet on water captures.
• May assist research scientists in the Wildlife Program with data collection, analysis, and report writing when opportunities arise.
• May supervise or lead assigned personnel or volunteers in the field.

Specific tasks include:

• Use line transect distance sampling to collect detailed seabird and marine mammal distribution and abundance data and enter those data into specialized software on a laptop computer during surveys.  Surveys are conducted in accordance with the Marbled Murrelet Effectiveness Monitoring survey protocols and protocols developed for the Naval Base Monitoring Program.  Surveys are conducted throughout the year and often in inclement weather;
• Data collection includes distribution and abundance of all seabirds (in both summer and winter plumages) and marine mammals encountered along transects as well as monitoring attendance at Washington seabird colonies;
• Data entry, data proofing, data summary (summary statistics) and report writing;
• Communicate effectively to the public and federal, state, and county officials;
• Daily cleaning of research boat;
• Maintenance of binoculars, electronic equipment, and communication equipment.

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

• Must possess professional experience and ability to accurately identify Washington’s seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages.
• Ability to accurately identify Washington marine mammals.
• Ability to prepare detailed written reports on technical studies.
• Proficient in use of MS Word and Excel with experience summarizing data in Excel or similar software.
• Ability to apply standard statistical techniques to summarize research data.
• Be physically capable of withstanding long hours in a small boat (24 feet) at times in adverse weather and sea conditions and have excellent eyesight.
• Field experience using line transect distance sampling from boats and proficient use of a personal computer.
• Live and work cooperatively in a team of four people, have excellent attention to detail, and good communication skills both written and oral.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research and of field methods.
• Ability to use standard field equipment.
• Ability to apply standard statistical techniques in analysis of research data.
• Communicate effectively to the public and federal, state, and county officials.

Experience*: Equivalent education/experience.

Licenses: Valid Washington State Drivers License

* 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.

Schedule:

• Naval Base Monitoring Project: approximately 15 September – March/April, Monday – Friday (approximately 0.7-0.85 of full time – up to full time work during this survey window depending on survey schedule and weather).  Work on weekends and holidays possible.  Pelagic surveys 80 km off Washington coast are also scheduled during 3 months in this time window and consist of long days at sea.
• Bird and mammal surveys associated with steelhead survival around the Hood Canal Bridge full in April and May.
• Marbled Murrelet Monitoring Project: approximately 15 May – July, Monday – Friday (full time).  Work on weekends and holidays possible..

Working Conditions & Travel requirements:Travel is expected Monday through Friday of each week with surveys originating from ports throughout Puget Sound (even years), or along the outer coast of Washington (odd years). Biologists will live in a trailer and hotels during the week, or make day trips depending on location. Per Diem will be provided when overnight stays away from duty station are required.  A Motor Pool or agency vehicle will be provided for transportation from duty station (TBD) to field sites.

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.

How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• 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. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.
 
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
 
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.