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

There is one (1) permanent Fisheries Biologist 4 position in the Fish Program, Hatcheries Division.  The duty station for this position is the Natural Resource Building located Olympia, WA.
The primary purpose of this position is to supervise 8 Permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 positions and coordinate the coded wire tagging and mass marking of juvenile Chinook and Coho at hatcheries statewide.

Key job responsibilities include:

• Work independently to coordinate coded wire tagging of 16 million juvenile Chinook and Coho at hatcheries statewide.
• Work independently to coordinate the mass marking of 80 million juvenile Chinook and Coho at hatcheries statewide.
• Supervise 8 full time biologists
• Coordinate tagging and marking operations with tribal, federal, and state fish managers and hatchery staff
• Develop annual marking and tagging timelines and schedules.
• Direct and evaluate quality control procedures.
• Develop and maintain a cost framework for all projects.
• Allocate expenditures to appropriate fund sources.
• Design and implement tagging and marking techniques to improve efficiency.
• Research and test current and future marking/tagging techniques for effectiveness.
• Agency expert on tagging and marking procedures and protocols.

Working Conditions
This position requires that you be willing and able to work overtime, perform occasional shift work. Requires good physical health.  Ability to stand for long hours, lift up to 40 pounds, ability to work around hatchery ponds and catwalks over hatchery ponds. 
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.

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND five years of professional experience in fish management, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.  A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.  A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience. Or 4 years as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3.

Preferred applicants will also have demonstrated experience in: 

• Hatchery operations
• Coded-wire tagging procedures
• Operating and maintaining manual and automated tagging/mass marking mobile wet labs.
• Operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injector.
• Operating all types of Electronic Detection Equipment for coded wire tags.
• Working with the coded wire tag system.
• Working in a salmon hatchery environment.
• Supervising employees.
• Work independently and self-motivated.
• Working with hand tools for general repairs to automated/manual marking labs.
• Data analysis leading to publication of research findings.

Working knowledge of:

• Juvenile and adult salmon biology
• Coded wire tag Electronic Detection Equipment.
• Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
• Automated Tagging and Marking System troubleshooting.
• Computer applications including word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
• Experimental design for expected results.
• Mechanical inclination to repair and service automated tagging equipment.
• Hatchery operations

The ability to:  

• Work independently with a high degree of accuracy in collecting, compiling, and updating data
• Design/identify strategies to ensure random sampling for experiments and research
• Adhere to sound scientific guidelines and protocols
• Work cooperatively with hatchery personnel and subordinates.

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 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.