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

This is for a permanent full-time Biologist 2 position in the Fish Program, Fish management.  The duty station is located at 2315 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA.  99216

The Lake Roosevelt Evaluation Project Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 plays a key role in pursuit of the Department’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. The Project Biologist 2 will assist the lead Project Biologist 3 in development and implementation of fisheries research projects on Lake Roosevelt and associated tributaries. Research activities will be directed by the Lake Roosevelt Management Team to fill data gaps and guide management actions related to the Lake Roosevelt/upper Columbia River fishery. Project Biologist 2 will coordinate research with Project Biologist 3 and the Lake Roosevelt co-managers (WDFW, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Colville Confederated Tribes) to ensure protocols consistent with other regional stock assessment projects are implemented.  Activities will include population status assessment of fish stocks, limiting factors research, hatchery/wild interactions, harvest assessment, and identifying genetic composition of wild populations.

Supervise field activities and technical staff to ensure work is completed according to the annual contract SOW and established protocols in a safe, consistent, timely and efficient manner.
Tasks include: Develops weekly work schedules and supervises day to day activities of technical staff. Conducts fish surveys using a variety of gear types, including but not limited to backpack electrofishing, boat electrofishing, gill netting, weir trapping and angling. Conducts baseline habitat assessments and may construct, install and maintain PIT tag arrays. Collects biological data on fish, including total length, fork length, weight, genetic tissue samples, and ageing structures as well as application of PIT tags, telemetry tags, and fin clips. Individual will supervise a crew to assist with Fall Walleye Index Netting on Lake Roosevelt following established protocols under the lead of WDFW biologists.

Manage and maintain hard copies of data and electronic database.
Tasks include: Input data into a Microsoft Office based software database. Implement quality control to ensure accuracy of data. Maintain a database of clean final data sets. Organize and store original field collected data in a safe, accessible place. Provide accurate data to co-managers as requested in a timely manner.

Analysis and Reporting
Tasks include: Works with biologists and statisticians to conduct statistical analysis, complete quarterly progress reports, annual reports, publications and presentations.

Procurement and maintenance of tools and equipment
Tasks include: Procures tools and equipment necessary to conduct field and lab activities. Coordinates with technicians to maintain tools and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. Cleaning and maintaining office, vehicles, warehouse and other equipment as directed.

Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Generally, Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to work more than 40 hours during peak work periods.  Work is conducted in office, warehouse and field settings and may involve many hours of vehicle travel. Office work is in a controlled environment, but requires many hours of sitting and working on a computer. Individual will interact with landowners and the general public.  Must be able to orally communicate the goals and objectives of the project as well as explain the established protocols.  May be required to travel for up to one week at a time during field surveys or training.

Field work is conducted during inclement weather (including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, snow, ice, and working in cold water for long periods of time). Most field work is conducted in remote locations with dense vegetated cover and in and/or around swift flowing water and may include long hours on a boat on large bodies of water. May require hiking over rough, slippery and steep terrain for long distances carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife are possible. Individual may work with chemicals used for biological sampling (MS-222, ethanol, Virkon), equipment construction and maintenance (PVC primer and glue, caulk, paint, solvents) and vehicle operation (gasoline, oil).  Individual will be responsible for operating and maintaining fish sampling equipment (electrofishing gear, nets, traps, weirs, balances), hand tools, power tools, RFID equipment, GPS units, flow meters, vehicles and boats.  Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

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.

One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.

A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

Preferred/Desired Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and supervisory skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and produce high quality results
Computer and data processing skills using MS Office software including Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint.

Job Knowledge
1) Advanced knowledge of the “Scientific Method”, scientific technical writing, applicable experience recording of data on resident fish populations.
2) Ability to design, implement, and complete statistically valid research and/or monitoring studies, analysis and reporting.
3) Author annual reports according to strict deadlines, and reporting requirements spelled out in contracts with various funding agencies.
4) Must be able to cooperatively work with WDFW staff and outside agencies. Must foster good working relationships with these other agencies and local stakeholders.
5) Ability to create, maintain, and improve data collection forms and databases to maintain accurate records of survey data.
6) Experience with field sampling equipment including: backpack electrofishing, boat electrofishing, gill netting, weir trapping, and rotary screw trapping.
7) Experience with laboratory equipment and biological sample processing.
7) Proficient in ArcGIS
8) Experience with Program R, PTAGIS and Monitoring Resources.
10) Knowledge of RFID components, construction, installation and maintenance.
11) Proficient at identification of eastern Washington fish species.
12) Knowledge of Redband Trout biology and life history strategies.
13) Must be able to drive vehicles with either automatic or manual transmissions.
14) First Aid/CPR Training.
15) Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC Training) preferred.

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.