Please see the following website for application link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2396264/fish-and-wildlife-biologist-1?department[0]=Dept.%20of%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife&sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Salary: $17.84 – $23.22 Hourly
Job Number: 2019-03096W
Closing: 4/6/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
Description

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) 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 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.

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
Part-Time/Non-Permanent

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one part time, non-permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 position located in the Wildlife Program, Diversity Division. The duty station for this position is the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County, with travel throughout the county, and 3 -5 week-long trips to eastern Washington.The employment period is scheduled for April 16, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

This position supports the goal of “Conserve and protect native fish and wildlife” by collecting data essential to inform WDFW on the conservation status of seven Washington butterfly Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), including six butterflies that occur in rare prairie and oak woodland systems in western Washington, and one butterfly, the Monarch, which occurs in eastern Washington. Butterfly detection data will also be collected to assess the effects and effectiveness of habitat management efforts for the prairie butterflies. The work is a component of two State Wildlife Grant projects: Conserving State Strategy Species in PNW Prairie-Oak and SWAP Enhancement Monarch Butterfly.

DutiesPrepare, organize and conduct field surveys and behavioral observations for 9 Prairie-Oak Butterflies of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).

  • Orient and establish survey areas in the field and conduct surveys to locate and observe behavior of 9 Prairie-Oak SGCN butterflies within sites and habitat restoration units on 5 south Puget Sound grassland and oak woodland sites.
  • Conduct surveys and monitoring to determine site and restoration unit occupancy status, and the relative abundance, type of use, distribution, and key habitat features for the focal species.

Responsible for updating and maintaining data sets for survey effort and results 

  • Collect 2019 survey data, enter and maintain survey data in Access databases, and spatial data in ArcGIS data sets. Create GIS files and digital maps of project sites, units and butterfly detections.

Prairie habitat restoration work as needed

  • Invasive plant control activities including weeding, hand-pulling, mechanical brush-cutting.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

  • Two field seasons (minimum of 1 month each year) conducting surveys and collecting behavioral observations of butterflies, including skippers (Subfamily Hesperiinae).
  • Experience identifying grassland plants and grasses.
  • Experience conducting repeated systematic surveys for focal species and maintaining detailed documentation.
  • Experience visually tracking butterflies or other small, fast-moving animals with binoculars.
  • Experience with Arc GIS, Arc Map, or other GIS software in a work-setting.
  • Experience with Access database software
  • Experience using GPS unit, including downloading/interfacing with GIS software.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental science, or related field of study.
  • Experience searching for and identifying south Puget Sound prairie butterflies by sight in the field.
  • Experience identifying common south Puget Sound prairie plants.
  • Experience conducting searches for insect larvae or eggs.
  • Experience conducting field research, including making and implementing decisions regarding protocols, without having to have approval from a supervisor
  • Experience working independently in remote locations
  • Education or experience in insect or wildlife-related conservation including: interpreting insect behavior, and assessing threats and interpreting impacts to threatened or endangered wildlife (including insects).
  • Education or experience in grassland habitat management and restoration practices.
  • Proficient with use of GPS unit and GIS software.
  • Proficient with use of Access database software

Supplemental InformationUnion Notice:
This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

Working Conditions:
Field work occurs in open, non-forested environments, during warm-to-hot weather often in full-sun exposure, and on uneven walking surfaces in the south Puget Sound lowlands.  Office work will primarily be conducted at the Natural Resources Bldg. (Olympia). Work may be performed independently or as part of a team. Work may be routine and at times tedious.

This position requires a flexible work schedule. Field work hours will vary over the employment period and are dependent on weather conditions. Field work may require working some long days and potentially weekend days or holidays.This position will require daily travel to field study sites located within 50 miles of assigned work location. Field work requires operating a pick-up truck, hand tools, close-focus binoculars, butterfly net, and a GPS unit. Office responsibilities require use of Access database, GIS software, and standard equipment including computers, copiers, printers, etc.

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) or a completed online profile that includes education and employment history

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.