The Washington 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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

The primary role of this position will contribute to essential tasks involved for the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Project, one of the largest endangered species reintroductions in Washington State.  Under the supervision of the project coordinator, this position will assist in efforts to maintain a semi-wild adult breeding population, translocation of pygmy rabbits into the wild to establish self-sustaining populations, conduct field surveys to determine survivorship, abundance, and distribution of free-ranging pygmy rabbits, and collects biological samples and data in support of on-going research efforts (genetic analysis and disease monitoring).

DUTIES:

Animal capture and translocations:

• Captures/traps animals within breeding enclosures or wild, collects biological samples and data, then translocating them to designated release sites.
• Assists with directing interns and volunteers during capture events.
• Maintains and organizes capture equipment and supplies.

Field Surveys:

• Performs field surveys for pygmy rabbit burrows on recovery areas, following established protocols and predominantly in winter conditions.
• Collects biological samples for ongoing research (genetics, disease monitoring)
• Game camera deployment and monitoring
• Shrubsteppe habitat assessment

Infrastructure maintenance and animal husbandry:

• Construction or repair of breeding enclosures, release pens, artificial burrows, and capture apparatuses with use of hand tools
• Disease monitoring: sample collection and preparation, microscopy analysis, data recording following protocols
• Provides supplemental feed and medicinal treatment

Data Management:

• Organizes field data and entry into spreadsheets and databases (Excel and Access)
• Collects spatial data with use of GPS units (Garmin), mobile data apps
• Maintains records of volunteer efforts and daily activity logs

Wildlife Program Support:

• When primary duty schedule allows, can assist other Wildlife Program activities in need of support, including surveys, bird banding, and habitat assessment/restoration.

Work Setting, including hazards:Mostly outdoor (80% of time), with temperature/weather extremes (below freezing/snow in winter to 90+ degrees during summer.  Fieldwork includes heavy lifting (up to 40lbs), walking (snowshoeing in winter) up to 10 miles a day in rough terrain, and bending/stooping.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days):40 hours per week; Monday-Friday, regular early morning hours during spring and summer.  Occasional weekends.

Travel Requirements:<5% of time will be spent in travel status, with at least one out of state trip planned

Tools and Equipment:Hand tools, light equipment, 4×4 pickup trucks, ATV, and snowmobile operation.

Customer Interactions:Regular interaction with partners and volunteers, occasional interaction with private landowners in the field.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques
2. Able to collect spatial data with GPS units and mobile devices
3. Able to work in remote field sites, navigation, and strenuous hiking/snowshoeing in winter conditions
4. Good communication and organizational skills
5. Work well in a team setting
6. Valid driver’s license

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science
2. Wildlife handling, capture, and sample collection
3. Familiarity with GIS software
4. Snowmobile/ATV experience

WAFWP:
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.

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
• A minimum of 3 professional references

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions may 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.

Veteran Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (#10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (#10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

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.