Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2657868/seabird-and-marine-mammal-biologist-bio1-12337#new_tab

Salary: $3,198.12 – $4,160.34 Monthly

Job Number: 2019-12337

Closing: 12/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

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. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.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

Project | F&W Biologist 1

We are recruiting to fill one (1) F&W Biologist 1 within the Wildlife Program, Science Division. This position is located at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA. This position is anticipated to run through the end of 2020 but may be extended.

We are seeking an individual who has a positive attitude, adventurous spirit, and is able to adapt and be flexible in a work environment and schedule that changes based on weather and marine conditions. The successful candidate will have professional experience identifying Washington seabirds in flight and on the water and marine mammals from considerable distances and understands the value of high quality and consistent detailed scientific data collection according to long standing protocols.  Ideally, this individual will have experience in adverse weather and sea conditions on a small vessel and be comfortable trailering, launching and retrieving small boats (up to 26′ long).  We strive for a cohesive and team centric work environment that also provides ample opportunity for continuous personal growth through opportunities including contributing to other Wildlife Science projects.

DutiesThis position conducts professional biological studies and provides analysis and assessment of wildlife management data using established scientific principles and techniques. As a seabird and marine mammal biologist, this position is a member of a four-person field team conducting boat-based surveys in Puget Sound, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast of Washington south to the Columbia River. The incumbent collects information on the distribution and abundance of marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals throughout the marine waters of Washington – both inland and coastal.  In addition to gathering distribution and abundance data, this position is also responsible for entering data, proofing data, summarizing data, and co-authoring annual monitoring reports, as well as assisting with other seabird and marine mammal research projects.

The marbled murrelet is a seabird that was listed under the federal Endangered Species Act as a Threatened species in California, Oregon, and Washington and it is listed as Threatened by Washington State.  The marbled murrelet recovery plan outlines recovery strategies including developing and conducting standardized at-sea surveys. These surveys allow researchers and managers to model population trends and evaluate progress towards recovery. In addition, when developing the Northwest Forest Plan for managing federal forest lands, it was decided that at-sea marbled murrelet population trends were to be used to assess the effectiveness of the plan. The surveys conducted for USFWS allow us to estimate the density and trends of marbled murrelets in the marine waters of Washington.  The surveys conducted for the US Navy provide information on the density of marbled murrelets, other seabirds, and marine mammals relative to Navy facilities in the Northwest and these data are ultimately used by USFWS and NOAA during ESA Section 6 consultations to assess impacts of Navy training and facility development.  These projects are Federally funded and research on seabirds and marine mammals are necessary to address USFWS, NOAA, and WDFW research and management needs.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

  • Professional experience and ability to accurately identify Washington’s seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, have excellent eyesight (corrected), and knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research and of field methods.
  • Field experience using line transect distance sampling from boats and proficient use of a personal computer.
  • Be physically capable of withstanding long hours in a small boat (24 feet) at times in adverse weather and sea conditions.
  • Ability to accurately identify Washington marine mammals.
  • Experience trailering, launching, retrieving, and operating vessels
  • Ability to prepare detailed written reports on technical studies
  • Proficient in use of MS Word and Excel with experience summarizing data in Excel or similar software.
  • Ability to apply standard statistical techniques to summarize research data.
  • Live and work cooperatively in a team of four people, have excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
  • Ability to adapt, respond positively, and be flexible when needs, conditions, and work responsibilities change at the last minute.
  • Ability to use standard field equipment.
  • Communicate effectively to the public and federal, state, and county officials.
  • Teamwork: Promote cooperation and commitment within team to achieve goals and deliverables by valuing others, earning trust, and acting with integrity.  Encourage team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.  Maintain and enhance self-esteem of team members – seek understanding and convey respect.  Help remove barriers to team productivity and success.  Ensure joint ownership of goal setting, commitments, and accomplishments – involve everyone on the team.  Use diversity (cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds) as an advantage.
  • Respectful and Inclusive work environment: All individuals are welcomed and treated fairly and respectfully, and employees feel empowered to contribute fully to serving their work unit, agency, and Washington’s citizens

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. Twelve semester or eighteen quarter hours of specific course work is required for certain positions.
  • Equivalent education/experience.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:
Work is primarily conducted with a four-person team on a small boat (24 feet), with larger vessels contracted during the winter. Travel is expected Monday through Friday with surveys originating from ports through Puget Sound (even years), or along the outer coast of Washington (odd years). Biologist will live in hotels during the week or make day trips depending on the location. Per Diem will be provided when overnight stays away from the duty station are required. A Motor Pool or agency vehicle will be provided for transportation from duty station to field sites.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.

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
  • Three 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.

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 (Example: #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 (Example: #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.