See more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2477456/fish-biologist-2-non-permanent-05833-19
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 recruitment is one (1) 12-month non-permanent full-time Fish Biologist 2 in the Fish Program, Science-Fish Ageing and Otolith Labs. The duty station is the Natural Resource Building located in Olympia, WA.
Under the supervision of the Team Lead in the Fish Ageing Laboratory, this positions primary task is to generate life history estimates using scales analysis for studies of the ocean ecology of Pacific salmon. The incumbent assists the principle researchers in study development, laboratory work, and data analysis in order to complete contractual obligations. These activities provide defensible and sound science based management recommendations for decision makers in meeting resource and economic needs for the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
This biologist will help maintain the Fish Ageing Laboratory’s capacity to fulfill contractual obligations while providing timely age data to WDFW fishery biologists.
Primary objective and responsibilities of this position:
- Organize and prepare previously aged historical collections of Chinook and Chum salmon scales for image analysis.
- Accurately and precisely measure salmon scale features such as circuli, annuli, ocean entry checks, and record biological information on scale cards.
- Assist in project design, analysis, and interpretation of the project data and draft technical reports for review by principal researchers.
Duties
Study development and Image Analysis of Scales
Tasks include:
The incumbent assists the principle researchers in study development and laboratory work.. The incumbent will help design methodology and generate protocols for scale data collection, and QA QC scale measurements. The incumbent must skillfully image scale impressions and measure scale morphometrics. The incumbent will be responsible for digitizing scale samples using standard procedures and operating equipment including compound and dissecting microscopes and using image analysis software. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying scales suitable for age and growth studies and measuring scale features such as annuli, circuli, and ocean entry checks using image analysis software and standard procedures.
Data entry and organization
Tasks include:
Accurately records, compiles, and organizes data for later analysis by the incumbent and other WDFW biologists. Incumbent must highly organized and detail oriented. The incumbent must have experience with data entry and experience with MS Office software products.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Tasks include:
Assist in analysis and interpretation of the project data including calculating descriptive statistics, generating tables and figures.
Tasks as assigned
Tasks include:
This may include field tasks and lab work that are not part of the incumbents normal responsibilities but occur as a result of competing deadlines and projects.
Working Conditions
The work week is 40 hours (Sunday – Saturday) 12 months a year. Work is done primarily in a laboratory setting with hot surfaces. No Travel requirements. Tools: Hydraulic pressure presses, and microscopes.
Union
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field AND one year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience. OR One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1. Equivalent education/experience.
Required Experience:
- Requires knowledge of Pacific salmon life history.
- Requires knowledge of current fish ageing research techniques.
- Requires knowledge on estimating fish ages from calcified structures (otoliths and scales).
- Must be able to effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are precise, thorough, and on time.
- Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
Supplemental Information
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 preferred 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. Unsupported answers to supplemental questions may also 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.