The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill five (5) 5.5 months full time non-permanent Fish and Wildlife Biologist – 1 positions located in the Fish Program, Region 2 Fish Management.  The duty station for the positions will be Twisp, WA, with most work in the field capturing and translocating animals, preparing release sites, and collecting monitoring data.  The duration of these positions is anticipated to be from April 18 through September 30, 2016.

These non-permanent filed biologist positions will be working on the Methow Wetland Restoration Project.  The employees would work closely with a USFS biologist (beaver project field lead).  The primary duties will include beaver capture/care/release, stream parameter monitoring, wetland monitoring, data compilation and analysis, and report writing.  The project goal is to enhancement/restoration of riparin habittats and water quality by translocation nuisance beavers to suitable unoccupied habitat to create new wetlands.  This addresses WDFW’s objectives of maintaining healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations and providing sustainable wildlife-based recreational opportunities.

•  Capturing wild beavers from undesirable locations and caring for them in a temporary holding facility.  Interacting with landowners at beaver capture sites and coordinating with local biologists and enforcement staff.  Identifying, evaluating, and preparing beaver release sites.  Transporting beavers to these sites, and monitoring beaver activity at these sites.
• Deploying stream parameter monitoring equipment, collecting stream data, and Downloading and organizing data in computer spread sheets.
• Analyze and write up collected field data.  Assist with the production of project reports and publications.
• Work with other professional biologists to refine project protocols, develop new beaver restoration methodology, and train visiting staff from other projects.
• Help with public outreach and education.  Give public presentations and attend relevant workshops/conferences and present project accomplishments.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces up to 80% of the time.
• Work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings and weekends.
• Transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Travel up to 3 hrs to field sites.
• Safely operate motor vehicles and animal traps.
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Work alone in remote locations.
• Stay overnight periodically during trapping at remote locations.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status

Preferred
At least 3 months previous experience on a moderately strenuous field-based wildlife project.
Competencies

• Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
•  Safe capture and handling of live animals for research/management purposes.
• Proficient use of a GPS unit and the ability to navigate off-trail in rugged, forested terrain.
• Ability to properly identify wildlife sign (tracks, scat, chew marks, etc.).
• Meticulous data collection and recording.
• Previous beaver capture and monitoring experience.

• Cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted)
• Current resume
• List of three professional references

Please note that failure to follow application instructions will lead to disqualification.  If you have questions about the process, or need assistance, please contact the recruiter listed below before the posting closes.

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 identify 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 Telecommunications Devise for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.