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 5-month non-permanent Biologist 1 position located in the Fish Program, Region 6 Fish Management – Salmon.  The duty station is 411 Tillicum Lane, Forks, WA. 98331.

This position provides leadership for the Hoh River and the Quillayute River system steelhead creel surveys, and directs two ST-2 surveyors.  This position is also responsible for timely data management, summarization, analysis, and report writing for statistical creel surveys in District 16.  In addition, this position participates in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management. These duties are closely linked to WDFW’s mission and goals to preserve and protect wild fish while providing sustainable recreational opportunities.

Duty: Implement the creel survey study designs.  Data management and project reporting:  Primary responsibility is to ensure study data collected adhere to study design and the highest standards of scientific integrity. Participates in sampling and field data collection.
Tasks include:
–Schedules and directs ST-2 field staff and coordinates creel data management tasks including data entry and data quality control procedures; assists the database manager.
-Ensures that data entry and quality control procedures are accomplished on schedule.
-Performs routine audits of data to ensure data accuracy; corrects errors.
-Prepares data summaries, data tables, charts and figures for reports. 
-Updates the WDFW website that provides weekly updates of fishing success based on creel numbers. 
-Edits and formats reports for annual publications for the Agency and DJ Reports.
-Provides accurate data to the lead biologist for updating annual forecasting and harvest management models.
-Participates in creel surveys by interviewing anglers, collecting biological samples, and daily summaries.
 
Duty: Supervises, schedules, and leads ST-2s in the collection and compilation of creel data.
Tasks include:
-Schedules and assigns tasks on daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on project deadlines and environmental factors.
-Assigns equipment, calibrates and maintains assigned field gear, sampling equipment and vehicles
-Reports to lead biologist on equipment needs, repairs and reports monthly vehicle mileage and repairs, reviews Total Time reported by field staff
-Updates lead biologist weekly on progress and personnel issues
-Arranges time for field staff to take online LMS training classes
 
Duty: Maintains assigned rooms at field station
Tasks include:
-On a daily basis, directs seasonal field staff to keep office conditions clean and will work with WDFW field station officer manager on making any corrections when needed.  Will implement vehicle parking arrangements and rules assigned by managers at DNR
-Contacts WDFW- ITS for any computer and internet connection problems
 
Duty: Other duties.
Tasks include: 
-Assists the lead biologist as needed
-Attends meetings and presents data summaries
-Coordinates with Agency, Tribal and other government biologists and the public for data collection or sharing.
 
Working Conditions
Work hours are generally 40 hours per week but extra hours may be needed.  Must work weekends and three week days. Work days and hours may change due to weather and river conditions.  A flexible hourly and daily work schedule is necessary to perform the assigned tasks.  Holidays may be included as potential work days.
 
WDFW’s Region 6-District 16 Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 needs strong inter-personal skills that allow them to forge and maintain good working relationships with sport fishermen and the public.  These skills will be necessary to successfully address sometimes contentious issues while maintaining communication, good will, and productivity among co-workers and public contacts including the occasional hostile fisherman.  These skills include listening, patience, and self -control.  RequiredSafety and Learning Management Systems online training.
 
The biologist counts and interviews anglers at a variety of popular sport fishing boat launch sites and access areas along the rivers.  Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather. Contacting anglers requires short hikes to fishing areas or driving to creel locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district using a state vehicle.  May come in contact with private landowners or public that may have negative opinions of governmental agencies and regulations.
 
Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.). State vehicle, wading shoes or hip boots, rain gear sampling gear, notebooks, and vests.
 
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, natural resource science or environmental science is desired and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 2 or equivalent. OR   Associate’s degree from an accredited school and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.  Volunteer work or past experience with state or federal agencies in technical field positions will be evaluated, and credit given, on a case-by-case basis.  
 
College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes
 
Preferred Job Knowledge and Abilities:

• Previous work experience from port sampling, and lake or river creel surveys.
• Previous experience as a crew lead or supervisor is desired.
• Knowledge of the salmonid species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods, and familiarity with the geography of the North Coast area waters is key to the success in this job.
• Experience working with sport fishermen and guides preferred.
• First-hand knowledge of the Quillayute and Hoh rivers’ fishing access areas is a plus, as is experience creating, organizing and querying databases (Access and/or Excel).
• Familiar with using iPads and creating and entering data into iFormBuilder forms.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.
• Verbal skills will be employed in communicating ideas in technical discussions with other professionals over the phone and in person.
• A commitment to accuracy in detail is important for recording, analyzing and summarizing field notes and data.

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 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.