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.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 1. The duty station for this position is the Colville District Office in Colville, WA.

This position assists the District Wildlife Biologist in implementation of Wildlife Program goals, objectives, and assignments within District 1 (Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties).  Under the direction of the District Biologist, the scope of this position includes inventorying and monitoring diverse wildlife populations, participating in the development of recommendations for wildlife management and recreation opportunities, implementing wildlife management conservation and recreation activities, supervising temporary staff, and communicating with the public and other agencies on diverse wildlife issues within the 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.

• Communicate Effectively on Diverse Wildlife Issues:  Present information in a manner understandable to other scientists as well as the general public; write reports and correspondence that are succinct and understandable; participate in WDFW-conducted public meetings; give presentations to other government agencies, organizations including NGO’s, and the public; develop and foster positive relationships with private landowners within the District.
• Conduct Wildlife Surveys: Inventory and monitor wildlife populations, format and store data, analyze data, prepare reports;
• Manage Wildlife Populations: Assess population responses to habitat changes, capture wildlife (when appropriate), augment populations (when appropriate), and make wildlife management recommendations to the District Biologist;
• Manage Wildlife Related Recreation: Obtain input on wildlife-related recreation from users, assist with the development of hunting seasons, and help facilitate hunter access on private lands;
• Manage Wildlife Habitats:  Work to restore and enhance wildlife habitat, evaluate habitat quality and quantity, and prepare documents for permits to implement habitat modifications.
• Conduct Various Wildlife Management Tasks: Supervise temporary staff, direct volunteers, communicate with the public on diverse wildlife issues, participate in public meetings, give presentations, and assist the District Biologist in all wildlife management activities within the District as directed.

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology AND one year of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or equivalent in wildlife management or wildlife research.  A Master’s degree or above in an applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
• A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License.
• Willingness and ability to carry out aerial (fixed-wing and helicopter) surveys of wildlife.

Preferred:
In addition to the above experience and training, preferred applicants will also have:

• A Masters Degree in Wildlife Biology or a closely related field
• Quantitative training and experience for data analysis: Demonstrated coursework, training, and/or experience working with statistics, data analysis, or biometrics  and geographic information systems such as ArcGIS
• Demonstrated experience working with both hunted (game) and non-hunted (non-game) species
• Experience trapping/immobilizing wildlife

Competencies:
Well-qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
A knowledge of:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife survey methods.
• Population modeling
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Personal computer hardware and software (MS/Office, ArcGIS).
• Species identification of birds, mammals, herps, and invertebrates.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques including experience working with both hunted (game) and non-hunted (non-game) species.
• Computer hardware and software (MS Office, ArcGIS)

The ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• Negotiate effectively, appropriately, and respectfully, representing the agency with the intentions of a good faith partner.
• Conduct statistical analysis, make inferences from data, biometrics, and population modeling for wildlife population management recommendations
• Conduct field surveys to collect data; accurately and legibly record data and other information
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Work independently and as a team member
• Effectively and safely operate firearms and ability to dispatch animals.
• Recognize differentiating plant and animal characteristics to identify species
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Use Computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet, and other applications, web based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients
• Effectively and safely operate and perform basic maintenance on atvs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and standard highway vehicles.
• Effectively and safely operate additional equipment and tools including: radios and other mobile communication devices, laptop computers, digital cameras, spotting scopes/binoculars, global positioning systems, motion activated cameras, tools associated with fencing, traps, firearms, and radio telemetry.

In addition, candidates should have a record of accomplishments, which demonstrate the following character qualities: Ethics and Integrity; Communications Effectiveness; Results Orientation and Initiative; and Adaptability/Flexibility.

• The successful candidate must be willing and able to work long irregular hours, with a non-scheduled workweek and travel, perform aerial and/or water-based surveys, work in inclement weather walking long distances over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud, bend, stoop, and at times carry up to 40 pounds, load and transport equipment and gear, safely operate motor vehicles including snowmobiles, ATVs, and small boats in field situations, visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features, complete administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner, and work both independently and as a team member.
• The successful candidate will also be expected to acquire and/or maintain a valid driver’s license, mandatory boater education card (valid for Washington State), complete basic flight safety training, and complete first aid training.

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.

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.