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

There are currently one (1) permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 position available in the Hatcheries Division of the Fish Program in Olympia.

The position works independently to operate an automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet lab at hatcheries statewide.  January through July, plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments.  Analyzes coded wire tag data to determine contribution rates, allocation, brood-stock identification, and effect of mark selective fisheries.  August through December, plans, organizes, directs, and conducts monitoring and reporting activities for the Skokomish River late-timed Chinook program.  Oversees collection, summarization, analysis, and reporting of age, mark, and tag, data in order to evaluate the experimental effort to re-establish a late fall Chinook life history in the Skokomish Basin.  This position contributes to the Agency goals of conservation of wild salmon through coded wire tagging and mass marking, and through evaluation of critical elements of the Skokomish Chinook Recovery Plan.DutiesIndependently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide. Supervise up to 11 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking.  Train new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitor work product.  Assist in teaching WDFW staff in proper tagging and marking techniques.
Tasks include:
Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments.  Ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.   Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.  Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.  Analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.

Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs. 
Tasks include:
Remove and repair all mechanical devices once a year to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.  Re-home and check operation of all stepper motors (6).  Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Works with HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab as directed by the Bio 3 & 4.
Tasks include:
Compiles, QC’s and analyzes data. Provides data and summary reports/analyses to the Bio 3 for review and distribution to the requesting unit.

Research, development and data analysis.
Tasks include:
Under Bio 3 supervision, conduct, author and present research intended to improve the efficiency of marking and tagging operations and the integrity of analytical data.

Improve data integrity, reporting, and processes from the point of source to develop a LEAN, precise and inclusive overall data tracking system.
Tasks include:
Continual development and improvement of our CWT data tracking through multiple databases. Further develop and improve internal tracking of CWT data for the purpose of meeting scheduling demands, ensuring all projects are completed and/or accounted for annually, and meeting budget projections as outlined by management. Aide in developing databases as needed to improve our tracking processes and quality.

Biological sampling of Chinook salmon in Hood Canal hatcheries
Tasks include:
Collecting DNA, scales, lengths, and mark status of all hatchery fish spawned at George Adams and Hoodsport hatcheries

Spawning surveys and biological sampling in Skokomish River and tributaries
Tasks include:
Foot and float surveys counting live and dead fish, and marking Chinook redds.  Habitat assessment of Chinook spawning.  Biological sampling of dead Chinook on the spawning grounds for scales, lengths and mark status.

Data entry and office work including producing coded wire tag summaries, analyses, and reporting.
Tasks include:
Data entry for all field data collected including use of Access database application, summarizing age composition, cwt data and spawning ground survey data from the WDFW cwt database, SGS database, and RMIS

Working Conditions
General: 8-5:00 M-F with considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the spring.  Extensive travel and driving required. Interacts with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff and general public.
Automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab, hatchery environment, stream surveys, work during inclement weather, office setting.  Good health, ability to be on feet all day, ability to lift 40 pounds commonly, ability to work around hatchery ponds, and catwalks over hatchery ponds.  Ability to use electric hand tools, basic hand tools.

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.

QualificationsA Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND one year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.  A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience. OR One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.

Preferred Applicants will also have demonstrated experience in:
Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors
Knowledge of the coded wire tag system
Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment
Experience with salmon stock assessment surveys and methodologies
Experience supervising or directing employees
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
General mechanic, electrical and plumping experience
Data management and analysis skills leading to publication of research findings

Supplemental InformationVeteran 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

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 (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.