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 one (1) permanent Biologist 1 position located in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 1.  The duty station is 2315 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA.

The Joint Stock Assessment Project (JSAP) Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 plays a key role in pursuit of the Department’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. The position directly contributes to the Department’s Vision and Goal 1 of conserving and protecting native fish and wildlife through identification and population assessment of Redband Trout stocks that persist in the upper Columbia River drainage.
This position is an entry level biologist that works under close supervision of the lead project Biologist 3 conducting professional biological studies related to stock assessment of Redband Trout in the upper Columbia River drainage. Under supervision and guidance of the lead project lead biologist and in coordination with regional co-managers, this position helps design and implement studies to assess population and genetic characteristics of Redband Trout stocks in the upper Columbia River drainage. The Biologist 1 uses established statistical methods to conduct abundance estimates and utilizes PIT tagging studies to investigate adfluvial Redband Trout life history characteristics. The Biologist 1 is responsible for the maintenance of RFID arrays and all field equipment necessary to complete field studies. The position is responsible for management of all field data collected at RFID arrays and during Redband Trout abundance and baseline habitat surveys. The positon is responsible for QA/QC of the data, drafting data summaries using established statistical procedures and organizing results into report ready format. This position presents summary data to regional co-managers and technical groups ensure coordination of stock assessment activities. The results of analysis conducted by this position provides measures of stock status of native Redband Trout and is critical to management of wild native salmonids in the upper Columbia River.

Participates in the development of the annual scope of work and coordinates with co-managers and regional stakeholders to schedule and implement work activities.
Tasks include: 
*Works with the lead biologist to develop the SOW for annual research activities.
*Documents protocols and methods to ensure data is collected according to the SOW and to meet the requirements of funding agencies.
*Prioritizes and implements work schedule to accomplish contractual obligations.
*Coordinates interagency field activities with regional stakeholders and landowners.
 
Oversees, conducts and coordinates field activities according to the annual contract SOW and established protocols in a safe, consistent, timely and efficient manner.
Tasks include: 
*Oversees field, lab, and warehouse activities.
*Conducts field activities including backpack electrofishing surveys (removal abundance estimates), drift boat electrofishing surveys (mark recapture abundance estimates), gill net surveys (relative abundance estimates) and habitat surveys.
*Collects biological data on fish, including total length, fork length, weight, genetic tissue samples, and ageing structures as well as application of PIT tags, acoustic tags, and fin clips.
*Conducts baseline habitat surveys, discharge measurements and collects water quality data to characterize the stream environment.
*Ensures data is collected consistently following established protocols.
*Ensures biological samples are handled, processed and stored in an appropriate manner following established protocols (age and genetic analysis).
*Manages PIT arrays to ensure proper operation and consistent data collection.
 
Manages a variety offield data, including input into a computer database, analysis, interpretation and reporting of the data with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy, 
Tasks include: 
*Maintains accurate daily records of field activities.
*Records data with consistency and accuracy.
*Checks data for quality assurance and enters data using Microsoft Office software.
*Maintains electronic backups of all data sets that is readily accessible to regional managers.
*Maintains original hard copies in an organized file system.
*Prepares summarized biological data.
*Conducts analysis and calculates descriptive statistics on biological and RFID detection data to describe age and size distributions, migration timing, and escapement and recruitment characteristics.
*Uses statistical principles to calculate abundance estimates and the precision of these estimates.
*Interprets data to provide recommendations to senior biologists and managers based on analyzed results.
*Prepares quarterly progress reports and technical reports or sections of reports according to strict guidelines and deadlines of funding agencies to meet contractual obligations.
 
Other duties as assigned.
 
Working Conditions
Generally, Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, but may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to work more than 40 hours during peak work periods.  Individual will interact with landowners and the general public.  Must be able to orally communicate the goals and objectives of the project and explain the established protocols.  Individual must be detail oriented and able to follow direction. Must be able to work independently without direct supervision. Must also thrive in a team environment.  Must be able to cooperatively work with WDFW staff and outside agencies.  Must foster good working relationships with these other entities.

Work is conducted in office, warehouse and field settings and may involve many hours of vehicle travel. Field work is conducted during inclement weather, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow, ice, and working in cold water for long periods of time. Most field work is conducted in remote locations with dense vegetated cover and in and/or around swift flowing water and may include long hours on a boat on a variety of water types (rivers, lakes, reservoirs etc.). May require hiking over rough, slippery and steep terrain for long distances (up to 5 miles) carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Potentially could encounter dangerous wildlife (including snakes, cougars, bears, wolves, elk, moose etc.) while in remote locations. Individual will need to handle chemicals for biological sampling (MS-222, ethanol, Virkon®), equipment construction and maintenance (PVC primer and glue, caulk, paint, solvents), and vehicle operation (gasoline, oil).   Must have a valid driver’s license.   Must be able to drive vehicles with either automatic or manual transmissions.
 
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. Twelve semester or eighteen quarter hours of specific course work is required for certain positions.
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Ability to design, implement, and complete statistically valid research and/or monitoring studies, analysis and reporting.
Advanced knowledge of the “Scientific Method”, scientific technical writing, applicable recording of data on resident fish populations, knowledge of style and formatting, and basic statistical methods.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Power Point, and Excel.
Working knowledge of Access and experience with statistical software (Program R, Sigma Plot and other applicable software programs).
Proficient in ArcGIS.
Proficient at identification of eastern Washington fish species.
Knowledge of Redband Trout biology and life history strategies.
Knowledge of RFID components, construction and installation.
Experience with PIT and Floy tagging procedures for juvenile and adult salmonid.
Must be able to cooperatively work with WDFW staff and outside agencies. 
Must foster good working relationships with these other entities.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, project partners, and the public.
MOCC Training preferred.

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 preferred qualifications for 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.