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FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1 *03789W

Salary
$2,984.00 – $3,883.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Non-Permanent
Department
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job Number
2018-03789W
Closing
4/29/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without description
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 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.

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.

Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1
(Full time, Non-Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one, full time, non-permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 position located in the Wildlife Program, Game Division. The duty station will be located at the District 3 office, located at 1340 13th Ave. Walla Walla, Walla Walla County. The employment period is approximately 6 months, May 2018 – October 2018.

This temporary position will work under the supervision of a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4, Wolf Specialist. Under the direction of the Wolf Biologist 4, the Section Manager, or the Wolf Biologist 2, this position assists in performing capturing, marking, and monitoring wolves and conducting surveys to address wolf management needs from mid-May through August, with a potential employment extension. The position may periodically assist in response/mitigation of wolf-livestock conflict and other large carnivore surveys and/or study activities across the state.

Duties
Primary duties include: setting and maintaining a capture line, immobilizing and handling captured animals, radio-collaring wolves, conducting field survey work including use of trail cameras.

  • Locate, capture, radio-collar, and monitor wolves in Washington:
    • Following reports from local biologists and the public to confirm wolf activity in identified areas.
    • Once pack activity is confirmed, capture, collar and release wolves using contemporary trapping and anesthesia methods.
    • Track collared wolves via satellite downloads, aerial or ground surveys. Assists in preparing management research reports or proposals based on field activities.
  • Coordinate wolf monitoring and capture activities with state and federal agencies, tribal entities, private landowners, and other WDFW collaborating partners by developing good relationships with those entities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent in education/experience.
Professional experience: require three (3) years of experience as a Habitat Technician, Scientific Technician or equivalent similar technician in wildlife field.
Experience with four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs.
Experience in chemical immobilization of wildlife.
Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment.
Experience operating in the field with minimal supervision.

Key Competencies: The qualified applicant will demonstrate knowledge & abilities in the following areas:
Knowledge of wolf ecology, biology, and behavior
Knowledge of wolf capture and handling techniques
Wildlife immobilization
Knowledge of health and safety policies, procedures and standards.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to de-escalate confrontational situations.
Ability to meet productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules.
Knowledge of vehicles and equipment maintenance and repair.
Ability to work independently maintaining a high quality of work.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to safely operate vehicles, ATVs, trucks, tractors and a variety of power tools and equipment.
Maintain daily activity and use records.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Must be punctual and perform in a dependable manner.
Must be able to travel and have a willingness to work irregular hours when necessary
Behavioral Competencies:

  • Creative and innovative thinking.
  • Communication effectiveness
  • Organizational awareness.
  • Work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
  • Adaptability and flexibility.
  • Accountability
  • Performance leadership.
  • Ethics and integrity.
  • Results orientation and initiative.

Appearance and Attire – While an agency dress code is not currently required, Biologists are expected to dress appropriately for the type of work they are conducting. An agency emblem must be visible while conducting work for the department. A professional appearance including grooming and attire is expected when working with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, permit applicants and the public. Footwear used during fieldwork should be appropriate to minimize risk of injury.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years of independent fieldwork.
Minimum 2 years of independent wolf capture and handling.
Master’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology; with emphasis on wolves.
Work experience and geographic familiarity with areas currently occupied by wolves in Washington.
Experience in chemical immobilization of wildlife.
Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment.
Experience operating in the field with minimal supervision.

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
The working environment is primarily composed of fieldwork but involves a minimal amount field preparation and data management in the office. Most work (75%) will be carried out in a field setting with periodic office meetings. Travel in trucks and on ATVs occurring daily. Employee must be capable of stooping, bending, walking, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds over steep, rugged terrain in hot or cold weather. Employee must be able to exercise sound and good judgment to ensure personal and co-worker safety. Potential hazards are associated with hot (100+ degrees) and cold weather, stinging and biting insects, plants with thorns, animals with sharp pointed teeth, blistering sun, wind chill, use of tools such as chainsaws, gasoline, diesel and chemical solvents.
Fieldwork requires that sometime be spent on hands and knees in the stream, and walking or crawling through dense understory and woody debris. These positions are physically demanding and require carrying field gear in frequently rough and steep terrain for moderate distances, often during inclement weather. At study sites, the incumbent is expected to work both independently and in teams. Employees must be comfortable navigating throughout managed landscapes on foot and in some study sites that have been recently harvested, over downed trees and wood and up streams that may be slippery. Employees must be comfortable navigating and driving on logging roads.

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.
If you do not fill out the application profile employment history section and provide references in the application profile, then please attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A current resume (please make it succinct)
  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualification of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted)
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please ATTACH a cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted). Failure to attach a cover letter will eliminate you from continuing to compete for the position.

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
What best describes your level of education completion?

  • High School or GED
  • I am currently attending college.
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree or higher
  • None of the above
02
If you hold a degree or are attending college, please list your major, graduation date or anticipated graduation date. If you do not have a degree or are not attending college, please indicate by placing N/A.
03
Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions, including snow and extreme heat, and/or navigating over difficult terrain including slippery rocks and downed wood, steep banks and mud and through dense vegetation?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you willing and able to load and transport equipment and gear weighing less than 50 pounds over difficult and uneven terrain and surfaces?

  • Yes
  • No
05
Are you willing and able to work non-scheduled hours, including evenings?

  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you willing and able to work non-scheduled hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays?

  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you possess a minimum 2 years of independent wolf capture and handling?

  • Yes
  • No
08
Please briefly describe your experience conducting independent wolf capture and handling.
09
Are you willing and experienced in chemical immobilization of wildlife.

  • Yes
  • No
10
Please briefly describe your work experience and geographic familiarity with areas currently occupied by wolves in Washington State. If none, please place “N/A” in the statement box.
11
Please briefly describe your experience conducting aerial surveys, including location, type, and duration.
12
Do you possess a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)

  • Yes
  • No
13
Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov