FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 4 *11517W

FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 4 *11517W

Salary
$4,506.00 – $5,920.00 Monthly
Location
Stevens County – Colville, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2017-11517W
Closing
1/7/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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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 4
(Permanent- Full Time)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 1. This recruitment is for the District Wildlife Biologist for District 1. Northeast Washington (Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties). The duty station for this position is located at the District 1 Office, 755 S. Main St. Colville, Stevens County.

The District Wildlife Biologist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of Wildlife Program goals, objectives, assignments, and activities within District 1 to effectively contribute to the Agency’s goals of providing healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations and habitats and sustaining fish and wildlife-related opportunities to Washington citizens through operational excellence and professional service.  The incumbent supervises permanent and temporary staff in the work unit within a district.

Under the direction of the Region 1 Wildlife Program Manager, the scope of this position includes:

  • Inventorying and monitoring diverse wildlife populations and measuring population changes within a District;
  • Developing recommendations for wildlife management and recreation opportunities;
  • Implementing wildlife management conservation and recreation activities;
  • Supervising permanent and temporary staff in the work unit;
  • Communicating with the public and other government and non-governmental agencies on diverse wildlife issues within assigned area.

Wildlife Habitats in the Colville District range from the shoreline of the Columbia River, to the wildland/agriculture/urban interface of the Colville River valley, to the forested habitats of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area.  Species of management interest include Moose, Rocky Mountain Elk, White-tailed deer, Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Bald Eagle, Leopard Frog, and numerous other game and non-game species. Wildlife related recreation occurring within the District includes big game hunting and numerous watchable wildlife activities including the Northeast Washington Birding Trail.

Duties
Communicates with the public and other agencies on diverse wildlife issues within an assigned area
Tasks include:

  • Explains data and presents options to public groups to increase public knowledge
  • Participates in interagency and tribal co-management activities.

Inventory and monitor diverse wildlife populations.
Tasks include:

  • Conducts assigned wildlife surveys as part of a statewide effort.
  • Develops or co-develops wildlife surveys for assigned district.

Measure population changes within the District
Tasks include:

  • Compiles and analyzes data and writes reports.

Supervise permanent and temporary staff in the work unit
Tasks include:

  • Assigns and directs work of staff.
  • Recommends hiring staff, trains, evaluates, mentors, and corrects employee performance.
  • Leads work-team on carrying out assignments and ensures deadlines are met.
Qualifications
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science
AND
Five years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
OR
A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.
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.
Equivalent education/experience.

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Experience trapping and immobilizing wildlife.
Experience conducting field surveys of wildlife species including aerial surveys and surveys from watercraft.

The best qualified applicants will have experience and training that demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Job knowledge

  • Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
  • Wildlife habitat relationships.
  • Wildlife survey methods.
  • Applicable state, federal, and local environmental regulations and policies.
  • Principles of wildlife harvest management.
  • Personal computer hardware and software (MSOffice).
  • Must have good oral and written communication skills – conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
  • WDFW habitat and access programs.
  • WDFW hunting and fishing regulations.
  • Plant and animal species identification.
  • Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
  • Contract development and administration.

Ability to:

  • Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
  • Conduct field surveys to collect data.
  • Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data.
  • Train staff.
  • Organize and prioritize work for self and others.
  • Provide constructive correction, redirection and discipline when needed.
  • Develop effective objectives, timelines and action plans.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
  • Use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
  • Follow oral and written directions.
  • Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
  • Willingness to accept supervision.
  • Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Work independently and as a team member.
  • Safely operate motor vehicles and small boats in field situations.

Behavioral Competencies:
Ethics and integrity.
Communications effectiveness.
Results orientation and initiative.
Adaptability/flexibility.
Team leadership.
Tact and diplomacy.
Customer focus.

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:

  • Ability to work in inclement weather, including extreme heat or snow, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud up to 80% of the time.
  • Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to load and transport equipment and gear weighing over 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
  • Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
  • Ability to follow oral and written directions.
  • Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
  • Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
  • Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
  • Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Willingness to accept supervision and correction.
  • Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, trailers, farm machinery, shop equipment, small boats, and ATV’s in field situations.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of time.
  • Willingness to perform aerial surveys.
  • Ability to safely operate firearms
  • Ability to dispatch animals

Union
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
What best describes your level of education:

  • Associates degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above
02
What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
03
Please describe your experience working with non-game wildlife species.
04
Please describe your experience working with game wildlife species including the development of hunting seasons.
05
Please describe your experience conducting wildlife surveys including any experience in aircraft and watercraft.
06
Please describe your experience developing and/or implementing programs associated with wildlife-related recreation.
07
Please describe your experience conducting data analysis and drawing inference from that data on wildlife species and habitats.
08
Please describe your knowledge and experience using GIS.
09
Please describe the strategies you would use to build and maintain successful working relationships with colleagues and partners.
10
Please describe experience working with non-profit organizations, local governments, and tribes.
11
What best describes your professional level experience in wildlife or habitat management? 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.

  • I have less than 12 months of experience
  • I have 12 – 23 months of experience
  • I have 24 – 35 months of experience
  • I have 36 – 47 months of experience
  • I have 48 or more months of experience
  • None of the above
12
Are you willing and able to load and transport equipment and gear weighing over 50 pounds over uneven terrain?

  • Yes
  • No
13
Are you willing and able to walk, bend, squat, twist, stoop, and reach arms over head often on uneven terrain while at times carrying or operating heavy equipment or tools?

  • Yes
  • No
14
Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions, including snow and extreme heat or cold, and over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud?

  • Yes
  • No
15
Are you willing and able to work non-scheduled hours including evenings and weekends?

  • Yes
  • No
16
What best describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer?

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • I am not proficient in the use of a PC
17
Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an Interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

  • Yes
  • No
18
Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references. You will be eliminated from consideration if you do not attach a cover letter.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact