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

This is a full-time permanent Biologist 3 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management Div. – Region 3.  The duty station is the Region 3 headquarters located at 1701 S. 24th Avenue, Yakima, WA  98902.  Anticipated start date is March 16, 2018.
 
This position independently plans and implements all fish management activities for waters in Region 3, District 8 (Yakima and Kittitas counties). The incumbent manages fish resources to meet agency goals with respect to resource stewardship (i.e. protection/conservation) and providing sustainable fishing opportunities for the public.  Provides advice and recommendations to upper-level Fish Program managers, including the R3 Regional Fish Program Manager, the Statewide Inland Fisheries Program Manager and the Fish Management Div. Manager, as well as the Regional Director. 
 
The Dist. 8 Fish Biologist coordinates and leads fish management activities in the district. The incumbent must recruit, interview, make hiring recommendations to the RFPM and Appointing Authority, train and supervise non-permanent technician staff hired to perform Yakima River spring chinook salmon fishery creel census.
 
A major component of the District 8 position is to serve as lead coordinator for monitoring bull trout stocks in the Yakima basin and to work on a technical team with representatives from the Yakima Basin Fish & Wildlife Recovery Board and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in recovery planning/implementation for ESA-listed (i.e. “threatened”) bull trout. These activities are supported by USFWS ESA Section 6 bull trout recovery grant funding.

 Conducts, compiles and/or oversees fish resource and fishery assessments to remain up-to-date and knowledgeable about the status of fish populations (e.g. bull trout spawning surveys) and fisheries (e.g. angler effort, harvest) within Yakima and Kittitas counties.
Tasks include:
Conducts or oversees population assessments of fish resources by using age, growth, population size estimation and other scientific methods; compiles and integrates information from various sources regarding fish resources and fisheries; gives presentations and attends seminars and workshops related to fishery mgmt.; and quantifies angler use and harvest using fishery monitoring methodologies (e.g. Yakima R. spring chinook fishery creel census).
 
Identifies and recommends specific actions that WDFW should take to address identified problems and achieve management objectives.
Tasks include: 
Provides data summaries and analyses for use in making fishery management decisions, updating agency databases (e.g. SaSI, Fish Washington, and the Fishing Regulation Mobile Application via “Sportal”) and GIS map products; develops and recommends fishery regulations and/or management actions to the RFPM; participates in development and implementation of activities to restore and maintain healthy fish populations (e.g. sub-basin plans, recovery plans, watershed plans, etc.); and sets hatchery stocking allotments for each water body in the district specifying species, size, number, time and frequency of stocking for both lowland and alpine (high) lakes.
 
Serves as a front-line representative of WDFW in contacts with external groups and entities, public and private, to facilitate communications and develop/maintain positive relationships. 
Tasks include: 
Coordinates and facilitates discussions with constituent user groups; provides or presents information on fish resources and fisheries to external groups; and participates in decision-making forums with government entities (tribal, federal, state, local); investigates and processes public applications for private fish stocking permits, grass carp permits, and reviews scientific collector permit applications. 
 
Coordinates with agency staff to accomplish projects and implement special activities. Supervision (or lead) of technical or professional staff working in Dist. 8 waters, when applicable.
Tasks include: 
Represents Fish Management Div. on regional district teams; interacts with other agency staff (inter- and intra-program) to plan and implement agency activities; and provides critical information as requested by agency staff.
 
Working Conditions
Work a full work day (8 to 12+ hours) in the field or office, including night field work on occasion.  Works a 40-hour workweek (M-F), but may have to adjust schedule to work weekends on occasion; overtime exempt.
 
Work outdoors in inclement weather (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, etc.) over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud.  Work safely in the water wearing hip boots and chest waders in lakes, creeks and rivers (still and flowing water).  Conduct snorkel surveys (day or night) wearing a dry suit, mask, fins and snorkel. Ability to load and transport equipment and gear; walk, bend, climb, stoop, kneel, and dig, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds. Work safely while alone in the field by complying with WDFW’s “Work Alone Policy” (POL-2001).
 
Work out of rigid or inflatable boats (both powered and self-propelled) in river and lake environments. This function includes the ability to safely handle the physical demands of launching and reloading boats on trailers. Must be willing and able to wear respirators and other protective gear while working with rotenone and other hazardous materials, personal floatation devices (PFD’s), hearing protection, etc.  Drive light trucks and/or sport utility vehicles used to perform field activities and tow a boat/trailer combination.  Occasional overnight travel to meetings and conferences.   Incumbent must be willing and able to safely operate powered workboats after successfully completing a WDFW- approved motorboat operator’s training/safety course (MOCC).
 
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 three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research.  A Master’s degree in fisheries management or science may be substituted for one year of experience.  A Ph.D. in fish in fisheries management or science may be substituted for two years of experience.
 
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in fisheries management or science and three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research.  Professional experience working on bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and/or steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) recovery planning/implementation, applied research or population assessment monitoring.
 
Functional (technical/occupational) Competencies:
1)  Analysis—uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions and make decisions.
2)  Managing Workloads—effectively organizes multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
3)  Verbal Communications—effectively expresses ideas and information using language that is appropriate to both express the complexity of the topic and knowledge and understanding of the audience.
4)  Written Communications—effectively conveys ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both express the complexity of the topic and knowledge and understanding of the reader.
5)  Managing projects & programs—directs and integrates all aspects of a project or program, ensuring that work progresses toward achieving goals and objectives.
 
“High Performance” Behavioral Competencies:
1)  Communications Effectiveness—conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
2)  Results Orientation & Initiative—focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them.  Identifies what needs to be done and proactively takes appropriate action to get the job done.
3)  Resourcefulness in Problem Solving—uses intelligence, common sense, hard work and tenacity to solve particularly difficult or complicated challenges.
4)  Accountability—Accepts personal responsibility for the quality timeliness of his/her work.  Can be relied upon to achieve results with little need for oversight.
5)  Judgment—displays balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience and perspective.  Produces decisions that withstand the “test of time”.

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 competencies and 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.  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.