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

This is a permanent Fisheries Biologist 4 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 4.  The duty station for this position is the Region 4 Office located at 16016 Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek, WA.

The District 13 biologist is part of the Regional Fish Management team in Region 4.  The position supervises Area Biologist and technicians on fish management activities.  The position also works closely with hatchery staff in District 13 on issues that cross Fish Management/Hatchery boundaries.  DutiesLeadership and supervision 
Tasks include:
This position is a leadership position in Region 4 fish management, responsible for the staff that conduct surveys for salmon and steelhead, other survey and creel work as needed, work with other regions and headquarters to support agency research needs, support for agency initiatives.  In this role, this position is expected to work within the agency leadership and management structure to implement agency policies, work within co-management and provide services to internal and external customers. Supervisor duties include ensuring staff safety, meeting contractual obligations such as completing employee evaluations on time (by July 31 each year), ensuring that work activities of her staff and their staff are consistent with job classifications, and prioritizing work according to management’s needs.

Stock assessment
Tasks include: 
Evaluating effects of hatchery programs on wild fish populations and developing management recommendations to reduce risks; monitoring fish abundance and productivity to assess the effectiveness of habitat, harvest, and hatchery management actions; obtain necessary federal ESA permits; ensure compliance with aquatic invasive species protocols; participate in development of HGMP’s, in particular monitoring requirements.

Fish management planning
Tasks include:
Assess fish abundance and allowable catch, forecast abundance for harvest models, develop recreational fishery regulations by evaluating fishing proposals to ensure they are consistent with conservation, allocation and other management objectives, update information for the District on Fish Washington website, take active management role in trout planting/fishing schedules.

Co-management and external communications
Tasks include: 
Work with tribal staff to provide technical information needed to negotiate fishery plans with tribal comanagers, lead for the District in public meetings for developing, adopting and publishing permanent rules; lead development of co-manager annual steelhead management plan; develop all species fishing opportunities with consistent with conservation objectives.

Other duties as required

Working Conditions
Work schedule is 8-5 Monday – Friday and work is done in the office and field.  This position requires about 25% of travel.  Customer interact through e-mail, phone or letters. A valid WA driver’s license.

Union
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in fish management or related field and a minimum of three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research (an M.S. degree in the applicable science may be substituted for one year of experience, a Ph.D. may be substituted for two years of experience).

Preferred Qualification
1)Agency processes and procedures, especially all policy and collective bargaining agreement material relates to supervision.
2) Basic biometrics and principles of statistical sampling and the scientific method.  Understanding of sampling bias and implications in biological sampling.
3) Spreadsheets, word processing, and communications applications
4) Tribal perspectives and sport/commercial fisher’s needs.
5) Operations and proper maintenance of sampling gear such as CWT detectors, otolith removal, DNA sampling, scale sampling, small boats.
6) Life history and behavior of all aquatic species of interest/responsibility and relationships in natural aquatic systems and relationships between physical, chemical and biological components of natural aquatic ecosystems.

Ability to:
1) Work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks and sticky mud.
2) Walk, bend, stoop, kneel and dig while at times carrying up to 40 pounds
3) Use critical thinking in collection, recording compiling and summarizing data
4) Follow oral and written directions
5) Wear respirators, personal floatation devices and hearing protection
6) Work long and irregular hours as needed
7) Perform routine and repetitive manner
8) Perform work in a safe and effective manner
9) Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner
10) Work independently as a team manager
11) Operate motor vehicle and small boats
12) Apply a positive work ethic and common sense to a variety of tasks
13) Adapt to changing work schedules, conditions and priorities.

Supplemental InformationTo 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
• 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.