This position is responsible for the supervision of a FW Biologist 1, five (5) permanent Scientific Technician 3s, and  two (2) to eight (8) nonpermanent Scientific Technician 3s (up to 14 direct reports). Other responsibilities include hiring (screening applicants, interviewing, selecting, training), field crew training on sampling protocols, development of data collection protocols, preparation for field data collection, fieldwork implementation and data collection, data management, data analysis and report preparation.This position independently plans, develops, designs, and implements small studies and projects as needed, including overseeing field data collection, summarizing study results, and preparing reports and final deliverables for contracts and project work.

This position coordinates with external entities, including state and local governments, to build and maintain partnerships that result in new and continued projects and funding sources.

The activities of this position support the goals and objectives of the Habitat Program Business Plan and the Agency Strategic Plan.

Principal activities include:

• Plan, assign, and review the work of field staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to respond to fluctuating workloads
• Supervise and mentor field staff to support an effective and motivated team
• Train, set goals and objectives, and evaluate work performance of technicians
• Monitor and inspect work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work
• Establish employee expectations and evaluate employee performance
• Manage personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, performance issues, etc. in a positive manner for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Organize team meetings, communicate status of ongoing projects, coordinate work schedules with the team and maintain open communication
• Purchase/acquire and maintain field gear, including vehicles.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret data for the development of conclusions and recommendations for management, research, and mitigation needs
• Create maps using GIS software
• Review requests for field data collection and assign work to field staff
• Respond to data requests
• Communicate with landowners for site access
• Write detailed biological assessments as they pertain to fish passage barriers
• Create summary reports for project scientists and managers and make recommendations for program improvements and efficiencies
• Review and edit reports created by others
• Review inventory and biological data to ensure accuracy and completeness in fish passage database
• Assist with the development of forms for mobile electronic data collection
• Enter, download, organize, and maintain electronic data – includes data QA/QC
• Summarize data in tabular form for analysis and development of maps and figures
• Develop surveying protocols for field data collection, and assist with the development and design of fish passage studies
• Conduct barrier assessments and stream surveys to collect physical measurements and evaluate man-made barriers and stream reaches
• Conduct HPA monitoring field protocols
• Independently evaluate complex site-specific fish passage conditions (biological and physical)

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Professional or scholarly experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; knowledge of principles and procedures of research; familiarity with the use of GPS or other devices for collecting data in the field; experience with Microsoft Word and Excel and familiarity with Windows driven computer programs; ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness; ability to act safely and decisively in the field; ability to adapt to challenges in order to complete project objectives.

Ability to: think critically; collect, record, and compile data; perform work in a safe manner; work independently and as part of a team; accept supervision; follow prescribed protocols and procedures; follow oral and written direction; develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers, collaborators, and local landowners; make independent judgments in the field; perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather; tolerate difficult and sometimes tedious work conditions; abide by all applicable agency policies.

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

• Coordinate and lead technical staff, train & mentor others, also seek and act on opportunities to improve, streamline and re-invent work processes
• Demonstrable leadership qualities
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Good interpersonal skills
• Fish passage requirements of salmonids
• Habitat enhancement/restoration techniques for salmonids
• Habitat requirements of salmonids
• Fish passage & screening assessment protocols
• Physical & biological data collection techniques in freshwater and tidal systems
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple work assignments
• Follow directions and work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software, especially MS Word and Excel
• Proficiency in the use of GIS
• Ability to quickly switch tasks to meet new priority needs and then return to previous tasks in an efficient manner
• Must be self-motivated, reliable, punctual, and demonstrate good scientific ethics and integrity. Must be able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Must be able to complete all tasks to satisfaction and in a professional manner. Must be accessible, timely and responsive to internal and external entities’ requests.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• The position demands a mix of office and field work.
• Safely work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces up to 50% of the time.
• This job is physically demanding and the incumbent must be able to work year round in varying weather conditions, hike streams and through rugged, steep terrain carrying moderately heavy loads.
• Work schedule is typically 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Thursday, though may include some evening and weekend hours and travel on fairly short notice, with travel up to 50% of the time.
• Transport equipment weighing up to 30 pounds over long distances and uneven terrain.
• Travel by vehicle up to 200 miles per day to survey locations.
• Safely operate motor vehicles.
• Work both independently and in a team environment.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, other agency staff, and the public.
• Must be able to work comfortably and safely along busy roadways.

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)
• 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.