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 Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) currently has one fulltime, nonpermanent, Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 position.  The duty station for this position is the Wildlife Program, Region 5, in two locations, White Salmon, Klickitat County, and Ridgefield, Clark County, WA. The anticipated start date for this opportunity is May 1, 2018 to July 2019.

Under the direction Wildlife Program Manager in Region 5, this position facilitates and monitors the goose harvest program for Goose Management Area 2A, assists District 9 and 10 Biologists to implement conducting surveys for Western Grey Squirrels, and assists with Western Pond Turtle population and disease monitoring.

1) Facilitates and monitors the goose harvest program for Goose Management Area 2A (7 months);

• Facilitates the goose harvest field check program for Goose Management Area 2A.
• Monitors goose harvest through field checks to determine compliance.
• Assists Law Enforcement with field checks and determining compliance.
• Coordinates and oversees 1 field technician.
• Collects and enters data into Access database.
• Maintain log of all data sheets and reports.
• Deals with licensing issues (goose hunting authorization).
• Interacts with USFWS, Wildlife Olympia, Region 6, and Law Enforcement.
• Proctors goose exams if needed.
• Interact with private landowners to address goose damage.
• Gather data by morphological examination of harvested Canada geese and identify appropriate subspecies.
• Check goose authorization card, record appropriate data, and interact with the hunting public
• Procure and maintain all necessary equipment and supplies for harvest field check operations.
• Conduct goose collar observation surveys.

2) Conducting surveys for Western Grey Squirrels (2 Months);

• Preparation and maintenance of field equipment
• Deploys hair tubes on survey routes
• Safely navigates forest roads by vehicle and difficult terrain by foot
• Collects and enters data into database
• Maintain log of all data sheets and reports
• Manage electronic records
• Coordinates field survey efforts with biologists and volunteers

3) Assists with Western Pond Turtle (WPT) population and disease monitoring (6 months)

• Set up traps and participate in captures, marking, identification and releasing of WPT.
• Attach radio transmitters to female WPT and use telemetry to find and monitor nests.
• Data entry and maintenance of electronic records.
• Participate in disease monitoring in collaboration with State and zoo veterinarians.
• Participate in lethal bull frog control.
• Preparation and maintenance of extensive field equipment related to WPT work.

A valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife survey methods.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Understand waterfowl management and regulatory processes
• Develop understanding of WDFW waterfowl hunting rules and hunting regulations
• Understanding of threatened and endangered species and recovery plans.
• Scientific principles and techniques
• 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.
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills – conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.

Ability to:

• Speak and write effectively.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data
• Accurately and legibly record and organize data and other information and ability to input data into appropriate databases (e.g., Excel, Access, etc.)
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Become skilled in identifying Canada goose subspecies, breast color, culmen length, tarsus length, age, sex and conduct morphological examination of harvested Canada geese and identify appropriate subspecies
• Become skilled in identification of squirrels by hair samples
• Become skilled in the identification of turtles.
• Become skilled in the use of radio telemetry.
• Ability and experience handling live and harvested wildlife
• 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
• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• 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 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, radio telemetry, motion activated cameras, tools associated with fencing, traps, firearms, snares, pyrotechnics, and radio telemetry.
• Ability to communicate with the public (including both positive and negative interactions).
• Ability to provide direction and support to temporary Scientific Technician
• Ability to utilize standard scientific measuring techniques
• Ability to lift gear and wildlife up to 50lbs
• Ability to follow directions in written and oral format
• Ability to hike in remote areas and on rough terrain in all kinds of weather conditions.

Behavioral Competencies:

•  Ethics and integrity.
• Communications effectiveness.
• Results orientation and initiative.
• Adaptability/flexibility.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• Customer focus.
• Sound Judgment.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving.

• Monday through Friday is the general work schedule. For the goose season work, includes Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday; and other regular workweek days. Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel and to work irregular hours. Weekend work will be required during the Western Pond Turtle work time
• Work in an open office environment.
• Work in a trailer office.
• Work alone in remote areas.
• Travel frequently throughout the Region 5 area.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Handle hunter harvested wildlife.
• Communicate in a professional manner with the public (including both positive and negative interactions) and with co-workers.
• Communicate effectively in writing.
• Follow written and verbal directions.
• Provide direction and support to subordinate staff.
• Utilize standard scientific measuring techniques.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to perform aerial and/or aquatic/marine surveys including small ponds, lakes, and the Columbia River.
• Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain in all west side (wet) and east side (arid) habitats.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
• Ability to safely operate firearms and dispatch animals.
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis including overnight (motel and camping).
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and small boats in field situations.  Work with tools and equipment needed to conduct wildlife projects. Firearm, Vehicles, ATV.
• Ability to interact with all public interest groups in field and meeting environment.
• Work in the field up to 70% of the work schedule.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to hike in remote areas and on rough terrain in all kinds of weather conditions.

Union
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 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)