Salary

 $3,541.00 – $4,644.00 Monthly

Location

 Grant County – Ephrata, WA

Job Type

Full Time – Permanent

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job Number

2017-02164

Closing

3/22/2017 11:59 PM Pacific

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.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 2. The duty station for this position is located at 1550 Alder Street NW, Ephrata, Grant County.
 
As a journey-level biologist under general supervision of a senior level Biologist, the incumbent will assist in implementation of Wildlife Program goals objectives and assignments within Region 2. Conducts professional biological studies; and is responsible for monitoring, restoration, management, and research of wildlife, lands and habitat. Works with federal, other state and local agencies; NGOs; and private landowners to incorporate fish and wildlife values into private lands conservation programs to improve, protect and restore habitat. Provides public access opportunities on private lands for fish and wildlife related recreational activities.Duties

The position supports WDFW’s Lands Division by performance of activities, including planning and implementation, vital to proper maintenance and enhancement of WDFW’s lands:

• Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Development; conducts biological studies to evaluate habitat conditions using predefined methodologies for shrub-steppe species. Implements field projects designed to test the efficacy of herbicide treatments to improve or create wildlife habitats; coordinates research project work plans with Federal, State, local governments and private and other organizations; submits periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations. Restoration/enhancement projects will focus on shrub-steppe habitats in rangelands and converting previously farmed lands for priority species and other upland wildlife. Knowledge required includes: shrub-steppe plant materials, soils, herbicides. The ability to identify and survey for plant and animal species using established protocols. The ability to write plans that result in successful habitat enhancement projects, write grants and contracts, and create and maintain databases.
• The position will provide sound recommendations resulting in healthy habitats which will enhance wildlife populations and recreational opportunity for the public.
• Habitat Enhancement Project Implementation and Maintenance works with private landowners to design and implement wildlife habitat using funding from Farm Bill Programs (e.g.: EQIP, WHIP and CSP), NGO’s, and private grant sources. Knowledge required includes: ability to select the appropriate plant materials, timing of agricultural practices to prepare site, appropriate planting methods for plant materials, integrated pest management to control pests and promote successful plantings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:  
A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science
AND one (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
OR A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
 
Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A MS degree in Wildlife Biology, Management, Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related Natural Resource field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental rules, regulations, and procedures;
• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife and vegetation survey methods.
• Personal computer hardware and software (MS Office; ArcView).
• Animal and plant species identification.
• Wildlife and habitat management tools and field techniques.
• Federal, state, local, and agency private lands conservation programs.
• Agricultural and silvicultural practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience developing and editing content for grant proposals, technical reports, and presentations.
• Experience with vegetation monitoring.
• Familiarity with aerial herbicide application, including potential impacts on T&E species.
• Experience developing and managing budgets and contracts.

Ability to:

• Conduct field surveys to collect data.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data.
• Communicate effectively with other governmental agencies and private landowners.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

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.
 
How to Apply:
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. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.   
 
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
 
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.