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 the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563.

The Fisheries Biologist 1 assists the Region 6-District 17 Area Fish Biologist with data collection necessary for Research and Monitoring Evaluation associated with the Chehalis Basin Strategy.  These data are also used in the management of the fish resources in the Grays Harbor basin.  The biologist provides the area biologist with fish biological data necessary to work with tribal, federal, public, and private organizations to facilitate cooperative and effective collection and exchange of fishery and escapement data.  The biologist will provide field supervision and training of scientific technician 2’s and will work closely with the area biologist to reconcile and analyze the data collected and to prepare the report.

The purpose is to calculate the natural spawning escapement of each salmonid stock by origin within the Grays Harbor basin.  This position will focus survey effort within the Upper Chehalis basin to assess the spatial distribution and abundance of salmon, steelhead, and lamprey above and below a proposed dam site.  Other areas will be surveyed based upon training.  Driving to and from stream survey locations via Federal, State, and County roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the District.  Depending upon specific project locations, the percent of travel time will fluctuate daily as survey plans are assigned.

• Fieldwork requires identifying, recording, and monitoring of salmonid redds and live/dead fish counts within selected reaches. Data collection is recorded on field forms, which include GPS locations, and mapping.  Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines origin: hatchery or wild), scale sampling (for age and origin), coded wire tags (determines stock composition and origin), opercle punch – T tags – Jaw tags, DNA tissue samples, or other biological samples as needed. Maintaining accurate and timely field records for this position is very important to meet management needs.  Data summarization and data entry is crucial.  Will assist in training other field staff.  Provides valuable input to improve data collection.
• Salmon surveys are conducted on foot or by utilizing rafts and pontoon-style boats, drift boats, or jet-pumped equipped river sled boat.  Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous.  Fieldwork is physically demanding with some surveyed reaches greater than 10+ miles per day.  Walking along streams in varying weather conditions and on slick surfaces, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength, agility, and ability.  Trail locations to and from stream reaches may be as equally physically challenging.  Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
• All travel will be conducted by use of State vehicles.  Operators must comply with all driving laws and any rules forwarded by agencies, public and private landowners.  Daily tasks include filling out check-in/check-out sheets, securing down all objects attached to vehicles, and properly maintaining the vehicle inside and out.  Always operate vehicles in a safe manner according to road and weather conditions.
• Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors.
• Keeps supervisor informed on a daily basis about status of work projects and emerging issues which may include other WDFW programs such as Habitat, Wildlife, or Enforcement.
• Maintain contact requirements and continue positive relationships with all landowners to gain access to survey reaches.

Train and Supervise Scientific Technician II positions
Tasks include:

• Planning, organizing, and assigning surveys each week for the crew to complete, taking into consideration weather, stream flow, and safety concerns.
•  Properly train and monitor scientific technician II positions. Review completed surveys to ensure accurate, logical, and complete data was collected in the field. Reconcile data and review survey card with surveyor to improve the data recorded.
• Problem solve in the field, as needed.
•  Be aware of how the crew operates and maintains assigned field gear, watercraft, vehicles and equipment, and provides training if needed. Ensure the crew’s attention to equipment maintenance, storage, accountability, and safety requirements.Electronic data entry and data reconciliation

Tasks include:

• Electronically enter field data collected by the survey crew.
•  Evaluate data collected to ensure accurate and logical content, so that data can be reconciled and surveyor re-training can occur in a timely manner.

Analyze and reconcile data, provide recommendations for management and for future work, and prepare final report.
Tasks include:

• Work closely with the area biologist to evaluate data collected during surveys to ensure accurate and logical content. Work closely with the area biologist to summarize biological data and draft summaries using established data conversion and statistical procedures.
• Research relevant information through scientific literature review. Assist area biologist with interpreting field data and conditions to aid in report writing on the specific applications of the data.
• Assist area biologist with preparation of tables and graphs for the final report. Work closely with the area biologist to write the final report.

Administrative items.
Tasks include:

• Daily update of timesheets and forward in a timely fashion.  Review and sign all agencies policies and procedures.
• Review and update all required safety training.

Other duties as assigned to meet the District’s Goals and Objectives.
Tasks include:

• Depending upon District 17 other project needs, additional project work maybe assigned to assist at hatcheries, adult traps or weirs, commercial catch sampling and/or on-board observations, creel sampling, or other field or lab related projects.

These projects would be assigned according to weather/stream patterns impacting the spawning ground survey program and/or adjusted based upon other project priorities.

Working Conditions
The hours of work are 24/7 (non-schedule) 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required.  Work hours can vary due to inclement weather, river conditions, access, fishing schedules, and fish densities.  Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 8 to 5 work schedule.  Hours over 40 per week accrue as comp. time.  Except for on-board observer programs, there is no night work.

The work environment is partially outdoors and physically demanding and partially indoors working using a computer.  The outdoor portion involves considerable driving and hiking into remote areas on private and public timberlands; walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength and agility; lifting equipment up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required. The indoor portion involves long periods of sitting reviewing survey cards and entering data in Access 2010; reconciling and analyzing data; summarizing data and contributing to report writing.  Valid Driver’s license.

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.

Preferred Job Knowledge and Abilities:

• Previous experience as a crew lead or supervisor is desired.
• Knowledge of the salmonid species present in the Grays Harbor watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods, and familiarity with the geography of the Upper Chehalis River basin area waters is key to the success in this job.
• Has experience creating, organizing and querying databases (Access and/or Excel).
• Familiar with mapping techniques and Global Positioning System.
• 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.

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.