See more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2456230/fish-biologist-4-permanent-05169-19?keywords=otolith&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
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
Applications will be reviewed and interviews held as qualified applicants are identified, and the position may be filled and the recruitment closed. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The first review of applications will be June 13, 2019.
This is a permanent Fisheries Biologist 4 position in the Fish Program, Science – Fish Aging and Otolith. The duty station for this position is the Natural Resource Building located in Olympia, WA. This position could be filled at the Fish Biologist 3 In-training depending on the qualifications of the applicant pool. If filled at the Fish Biologist 3 level the in-training plan will be 24-month.
This full time position overseas and implements the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Otolith Thermal Marking Program. This 100% mass marking technique allows differentiation of hatchery and wild salmonids used in WDFW’s Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan, Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy, and fisheries management and research broadly. This position works with hatchery staff statewide to implement mass marking of ~ 50-100 million salmonids annually. The incumbent leads a team of four full time employees to implement marking, document mark patterns, interrogate (~20-40,000 otoliths annually), and reports result to state, tribal and federal fisheries managers. This position participates in scientific endeavors using otolith microchemistry as it relates to hatchery and wild interactions, salmonid life history, growth, and migratory pathways. 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.
Primary objective and responsibilities of this position:
- Implement statewide thermal marking program.
- Prepare samples for thermal mark interrogation.
- Accurately and precisely identify thermal mark banding patterns.
- Supervise/lead laboratory staff
- Manage contracts and budgets
- Participant in scientific studies using fish otoliths/scales/fin rays.
Duties
Implement Statewide Thermal Marking Program
Tasks include:
Implement statewide thermal marking program. Create and implement/monitor thermal mark patterns assigned to dozens of hatcheries. Work with otolith lab and hatchery staff to implement mass marking of 50-100 million salmonids annually. In the laboratory, use precision saws/ grinding wheels and microscopes and computers to section/read and record the present/absence and documentation of thermally marked otoliths. Incumbent must show expert level understanding of otolith growth/formation and sample preparation and be able to convey/teach lab personnel.
Supervision/ Lab Management
Tasks include:
Assign work tasks, checks work, mentors, trains and supervises staff. Incumbent acts as the states expert in thermal marking activities and must be a good communicator, team oriented, and focused on problem solving. Must be able to prioritize competing deadlines and communicate priorities to staff.
Budget/Contract Management, Report Writing
Tasks include:
Manage and complete contractual obligations, manage contracts and work with budget staff to make sure laboratory stays within budget allowances. Completes reports as part of contract deliverables or scientific/management needs.
Other 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 with saws, lapping wheels, grinders, and misc chemical hazards. With stakeholders, co-managers, and contractual personnel. Works with unit lead to develop scientific research and laboratory goals/mission. Must work well with state and tribal co-managers.
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).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field AND 4 years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research equivalent to a fish. A Master’s degree or a PH.D in the applicable science will substitute for one or two years of experience (respectively).
- Two years as a Fish Biologist 3 or equivalent for an In-training.
- Requires expert level knowledge of fish otolith formation/development as it pertains to thermal making and/or growth and life history of fishes.
- Excellent leadership skills and problem solving abilities.
- Concise and clear communication
Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Note: A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two years of the required experience.
Preferred experience
- Requires expert level knowledge of fish otoliths and thermal mark application
- Requires knowledge of otolith microchemistry sample techniques and methods.
- Requires strong computer skills (excel, access, statistical packages).
- 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 qualifications and competencies 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.