Description

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.

DutiesData collection of fish habitat variables in focused research streams:

• Off-trail hiking through sometimes dense vegetation and downed trees, up and down steep slopes or within sometimes very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, or hardpan. Climbing on log jams to count individual pieces of wood. Driving on narrow logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks and utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions. Carrying up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior. Bending, squatting, or crawling may be required within/during transit to study sites to achieve desired results. Using GPS to navigate to previously sampled study sites. Camping within the work area may be required to achieve desired results.

Assist with fish population data collection in focused research streams:

• Off-trail hiking through sometimes dense vegetation and downed trees, up and down steep slopes or within sometimes very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, or hardpan. Driving on narrow logging roads and navigating complex undeveloped road networks and utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions. Carrying up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior. Bending, squatting, or crawling may be required within/during transit to study sites to achieve desired results. Capture fish using a backpack electrofisher. Count fish using snorkel survey techniques. Identify fish species.

Maintain and care for equipment, vehicle, housing:

• Care for and maintain assigned equipment. Ensure that assigned vehicle maintenance is conducted at prescribed intervals. Ensure that assigned housing remains undamaged and is left in the condition it was in when assigned.

Ensure that data is complete and delivered:

• Ensure that data collection forms are complete on a daily basis. Ensure that data is delivered to either the supervisor or data manager on a bi-weekly basis

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field.
• Knowledge of stream habitat survey methods, primarily the USEPA EMAP methodology for wadeable streams.
• Ability to identify morphological characteristics of streams.
• Knowledge of work area.
• Professional or scholarly experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; Off-trail navigation with GPS and/or map and compass; knowledge of principles and procedures of research; familiarity with the use of iPad’s and GPS’s or other devices for collecting data in the field; Utilization of the USEPA EMAP protocol for physical characterization of wadeable streams. 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.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Ability to hike, bend, squat, crawl, and carry up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain.

Ability to: think critically; collect, record, and compile data; perform work in a safe manner; work independently and as part or leader of a team; accept and provide 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. Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
Hike (off-trail) through sometimes dense vegetation and downed trees, up and down steep slopes or within sometimes very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravel, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, sand, or hardpan. Climb on log jams to count individual pieces of wood. Drive on narrow logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks and utilizing a CB radio when required to avoid collisions. Carry up to 50 lbs. by hand or within a backpack over difficult terrain as mentioned prior. Bending, squatting, or crawling may be required within/during transit to study sites to achieve desired results. Use GPS to navigate to previously sampled study sites. Camping within the work area may be required to achieve desired results.
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, include 3 professional references, and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A current resume (your completed profile does not substitute for resume)

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Emailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the on line profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirmation 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.