Website link here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2831672-0/aquatic-resources-fish-wildlife-biologist-2-non-permanent-05534#new_tab
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2
Olympia, WA
September 1st, 2020 – June 30th, 2021
Aquatic Resources Section
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. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.
Are you a talented, dedicated and personable Biologist with strong technical knowledge? Do you exemplify exceptional communication and organizational skills? Are you inspired by the natural environment and have a passion for aquatic resources? Do you feel rewarded when given the opportunity to inform responsible resource management through scientific research? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!
The Habitat Program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking to fill a Non-Permanent Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position.
Our ideal candidate is experienced in developing and presenting biological information to diverse groups of people and has excellent facilitation, negotiation and written communication skills.
Strong candidates are analytical, result-oriented and are passionate about assessing the needs and establishing resolutions related to resource management.
Duties
- Characterize, create and restore habitats for a variety of species.
- Determine behavior, abundances, distribution, survival, mortality and/or growth of wildlife.
- Contribute to research projects with Federal, State, local governments and private and other organizations.
- Capture and handle live animals – collect tissue for the purpose of genetic analysis, obtain measurements and weight (predominantly amphibians).
- Vehicle and equipment acquisition/maintenance.
- Site access, map development and scheduling.
- Manage data in databases and summarize work completed and/or remaining.
- Provide data quality control and ensure complete, consistent and accurate data.
- Evaluate and analyze data and develop data summaries to address research questions.
- Write reports or summaries and draft technical report sections.
- Formulate educated conclusions.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- The working environment is a composite of office and field work. Employees are expected to work independently and in teams.
- Field work includes hiking off-trail through dense vegetation, up and down steep slopes and streams, in and around waterbodies. This includes wading, boating and snorkeling.
- Must be comfortable navigating over land and through aquatic systems through a variety of landscapes that include managed landscapes, agricultural and timber stands ranging from recent clear-cut to mature forests. This may require time spent crawling through dense understory and woody debris.
- While in the field employees may be required to carry a heavy pack (< 40 pounds) and haul awkward equipment such as rebar.
Schedule:
- 4 days per week – 10 hours per day, Monday through Thursday.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel to and from study sites is required.
- Camping overnight at sites near study sites is infrequent, 1 – 3 nights some weeks during the field season (typically March – October).
Tools and Equipment:
- Driving 4WD trucks and SUVs on logging roads located in Federal, State, and Private forestlands.
- Rubber boots, caulked boots and/or wading boots to navigate off trail and through aquatic systems.
- Handheld computer or other device to collect field data and enter it into menu driven data sheets located on the PDA.
- GPS to navigate and collect data.
- Handheld tools to cut through woody debris.
- Data loggers to collect temperature and water quality information.
Customer Interactions:
- Landowners or other users of public and/or private lands when on or in route to study sites.
- Responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with members of the general public and landowners on whose lands study sites are located.
- Interactions must be in a respectful manner, informing them of their reasons for their presence and providing documentation of permission to access study sites through the display of access permits if requested.
QualificationsPreference will be given to candidates who have the following REQUIRED education, experiences and competencies:
- Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
- Professional:
- One year of professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research. (A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two years of the required experience).
- Ability to perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather, participate in conferences, develop presentations and present findings.
- Research and Analytical Skills:
- Ability to use standard laboratory and field equipment, apply standard statistical techniques in analysis of research data, reason logically, draw valid conclusions, make appropriate recommendations, collect data according to established protocols and train and supervise field staff in appropriate field collection techniques.
- Ability to apply research techniques to a project, manage and manipulate data in large databases.
- Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research, standard laboratory and field methods, statistical techniques, population measurement techniques, fish, wildlife, and habitat ecology.
- Communication:
- Ability to communicate directly and effectively and convey ideas and facts orally and in writing to study partners, the public and federal, state and county officials.
- Ability to partner with field crew staff, supervisors and collaborators to identify needs and prioritize tasks.
- Relationship-Building:
- Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators.
- Sensitivity to the concerns of Public and Private Landowners.
- Computer Resources and Programs:
- Microsoft Word, Excel and Access, Windows driven computer programs.
- ArcGIS to create maps and experience with GPS.
- Experience managing databases, summarizing data, tracking task completion.
- Writing:
- Prepare detailed well-written reports on technical studies.
AND
Demonstrated experience in the following PREFERRED competencies:
- Three years professional experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
- Familiarity with aquatic freshwater systems in the Pacific Northwest and standard aquatic sampling techniques.
- Experience with native stream-associated amphibians and collecting tissue samples for the purpose of genetic analysis.
- Experience with statistical programs for data analysis, including R.
- Proven success writing and revising technical and professional reports.
- Familiarity with the use of handheld computers or other device for collecting data.
Supplemental InformationPlease note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully 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
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!
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.
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
UNION – 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.
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 (for 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 (for 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.