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

This recruitment will fill a 12-month non-permanent, full-time Fisheries Biologist 3 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 6.  The duty station is the Region6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Rd, Montesano.

This position is responsible for coordinating and managing the adult salmon and steelhead monitoring and evaluation portion of the Chehalis River Field Project. This position works cross program and ensures that the agency commitments and products associated with the adult salmon and steelhead monitoring and evaluation projects of the Chehalis project are met and are of the highest quality and delivered on time. This position will coordinate and supervises field staff conducting spawning ground surveys and collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis; manage and analyze data; summarize results in written and oral formats; and participate on technical committees as needed to ensure agency and technical representation.

The information analyzed and produced by this position will contribute to management of fish resources in the Chehalis River watershed including the site selection for habitat projects, the development of a basin-wide Fish Plan, and the evaluation of impacts of a potential flood retention structure.

• Plans and oversees spawning ground survey data collection.  This includes collection of, and directing technical staff to collect data needed for salmonid population assessment; redd accounting, species identification, carcass sampling, and collection of age and growth information.
• Implement study design to evaluate Chum spawning distribution and abundance within the Chehalis River basin.
• Applies statistical principles and ecological framework to interpret data to estimate fish densities and distributions in study areas.
• Oversee the collection of tissue samples for Coho and Chum genetic evaluation.
• Effectively communicates and build relationships with WDFW Region 6 Staff and constituency.
• Develop and direct others in the pursuit of appropriate project management tools to keep the project in scope and on target to accomplish its goal of implementing the research and monitoring deliverables for the project.
• Maintain adult salmonid monitoring database.

Writing and Communication
Tasks include:

• Prepare written reports that meet contractual obligations.
• Develop and deliver oral presentations describing project outcomes to local, state, tribal, and federal audiences.
• Prepare for and attend monthly progress report meetings.

Staff supervision
Tasks include:

• Hires, trains, and directs technical staff to successfully conduct programs including spawning ground surveys, population assessments, and genetic sampling.
• Provide logistical oversight and develop scheduling of weekly activities for technical staff.
• Counsels and settles employee conflicts, enlisting help of supervisor when necessary.
• Oversees time accounting (timesheets) for staff.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Typically M-F 8 to 5, but may include nights, weekend, and long hours.  Travel is required for field work, along with occasional long distant travel to training.  Combination of office and field work.  Interaction with public, presentations to stakeholders. Field work includes walking long distances through rough and uneven terrain, inclement weather conditions, and boating on fresh water.  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.

• Collect and compile information and enter data/information into appropriate records.
• Strong computer skills, specifically with data software such as Excel, ACCESS, and Powerpoint.
• Organize and screen data, recognizing valid data for the purpose and discarding irrelevant data.
• Analyze and interpret information to identify best options, or better courses of action, etc.
• Prepare written reports to communicate statistical and other findings.
• Give verbal reports of findings or recommendations (e.g. presentations).
• Identify fish species and recognize habitat characteristics.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of salmonid and other fish life histories and behavioral characteristics.
• Experience reviewing literature on aquatic species.
• Knowledge of Chehalis basin aquatic species and experience working in the basin.
• Familiarity with statistical study designs and analyses used to estimate VSP parameters for salmon populations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ArcGIS and writing and modifying R code.

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.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted 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.

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.