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 Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill a position as the Chief Scientist located in the Wildlife Program. The position is located the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Washington.

This position is one of three Chief Scientists for the Agency and serves as the Division Manager with a unique set of policy, administrative, and management responsibilities. This position supervises four major areas:
Wildlife Research
Wildlife Information Systems
Wildlife Health Services
Wildlife Statistics, Data Analysis and Survey Design

This posting will remain open until filled.  It’s in the candidates best interest to apply before July 19, 2018, when a first review of applicants will be processed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice.

NOTE: We expect to hold first round interviews on or about July 31, 2018.  Please hold this date if you apply.

• Lead, organize, and account for the work performed by the Science Division.
• Supervise and evaluate the effectiveness of four Section Managers (with – 38 FTEs) in implementing Division roles and responsibilities.
• Manage the Division budget of approximately $8M per biennium (includes state and federal funds, local and interagency agreements).
• Represent the Director, Assistant Director and agency or supervise staff that represents the Director on state and national boards associated with natural resource policy.

• Five years of professional experience conducting applied wildlife research and statistical analysis. Understanding of natural resource data management systems including relational databases and a working knowledge of data analysis using GIS and statistical software and languages.  Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific information and success in publishing findings in peer reviewed journals. Strong experience and demonstrated ability to work in collaborative partnership with research faculty at higher education institutions and other partner agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s or Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or related field.
• Experience developing and managing complex budgets and contracts.
• Experience managing multiple, large, complex projects.
• Experience planning, organizing, supervising and prioritizing multiple work units, including strategic planning.
• Possess the ability to model and promote behavior that illustrates the value of a diverse, respectful and inclusive workforce.
• Possess the ability to convey clear, timely, persuasive verbal and written messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
• Demonstrate effective negotiation skills.

Leadership Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Leading Change

• External Awareness: Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, regional, and national policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders’ views; is aware of the organization’s impact on the external environment.
• Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with long-term interests of the organization. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.

Leading People

• Human Capital Management: Builds and manages a diverse, talented workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Model and promote behavior that illustrates the value of a diverse, respectful and inclusive workforce; encourage/empower staff to engage in discussions and to actively and respectfully consider the ideas/input of team members and stakeholders.
• Performance Management: Gives clear direction, sets performance expectations, and holds staff accountable for accomplishing Division objectives.
• Conflict Management: Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.
• Developing Others: Enhances the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Team Building: Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.

Results Driven

• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work.
• Decisiveness: Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences. Communicates decision and rationale to affected parties and staff.
• Problem solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

Building Coalitions

• Partnering: Develops networks and builds alliances, collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
• Political Savvy: Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
• Influencing/Negotiating: Builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.

Communications Effectiveness 

• Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.  Apply good listening skills and solicit input/ideas from team members and stakeholders.   Help to bridge the gap among Divisions/Regions within the Program, striving for person-to-person communication (not just sending an email).
• Plan, organize and prioritize Division work. Manage projects and workloads.  Communicate effectively in writing and orally. Mentor staff.  Apply current Agency policies and procedures.

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)

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.