Description

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.

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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

Full-Time/Permanent
F&W Biologist 2

We are recruiting to fill one (1) F&W Biologist 2 position within the Fish Program. This position located at the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, WA.
Duties
The position functions as a journey level biologist working independently to operate an automated/manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet lab at hatcheries statewide and also supports the Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement Fund (PSRFEF) by conducting data compilation and analysis of hatchery programs related to recreational fisheries in Puget Sound. January through July, plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments. Analyzes coded wire tag data to determine contribution rates, allocation, brood-stock identification, and effect of mark-selective fisheries. August through December, compiles and analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine survival and contribution rates, conducts retrospective analysis of hatchery contributions to inform funding decisions, participates in outreach opportunities and develops new tools to promote PSRFEF goals and objectives. This position contributes to the Agency goals of conservation of wild salmon through coded wire tagging and mass marking, and through evaluation of critical elements of hatchery programs and their contributions to recreational saltwater fisheries.

Independently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab statewide. Supervise up to 11 contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and/or mass marking. Train new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitor work product. Assist in teaching WDFW staff in proper tagging and marking techniques.
Tasks include:
Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments. Ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments. Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software. Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results. Analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.

Maintain automated/manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs.
Tasks include:
Remove and repair all mechanical devices once a year to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations. Re-home and check operation of all stepper motors (6). Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Improve data integrity, reporting, and processes from the point of source to develop a LEAN, precise and inclusive overall data tracking system.
Tasks include:
Continual development and improvement of our CWT data tracking through multiple databases. Further develop and improve internal tracking of CWT data for the purpose of meeting scheduling demands, ensuring all projects are completed and/or accounted for annually, and meeting budget projections as outlined by management. Aide in developing databases as needed to improve our tracking processes and quality.

Works with HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab as directed by the Bio 3 & 4.
Tasks include:
Compiles, QC’s and analyzes data. Provides data and summary reports/analyses to the Bio 3 for review and distribution to the requesting unit.

Research, development and data analysis.
Tasks include:
Under Bio 3 supervision, conducts, authors and presents research intended to improve the efficiency of marking and tagging operations and the integrity of analytical data.

Conduct Analysis of PSRFEF funded hatchery programs and Puget Sound recreational salmon fisheries to determine contribution rates and develop recommendations for improvement.
Tasks include: Use coded-wire tag recoveries from the RMIS database to calculate survival and fishery contribution rates of PSRFE-funded salmon hatchery program releases. Conduct a retrospective analysis of PSRFE-funded hatchery programs to better understand their capabilities, limitations, and ways to increase the contribution rate. Assist in the completion of a report that evaluates the new and experimental hatchery rearing and release strategies that improve survival and contribution to Puget Sound fisheries.

Develop and participate in extension and outreach programs that advance the goals and objectives of the PSRFEF and promote recreational fishing opportunities in Puget Sound.
Tasks include: Attend trade shows and other outreach events, and prepare and conduct instructional fishing clinics and other materials to promote Puget Sound recreational fishing and the hatchery programs supported by PSRFEF monies. Work with coordinator and representatives from the WDFW Public Affairs division to promote PSRFEF through various social media platforms.

Prepares reports on PSRFEF programs for F&W Commission, WA Legislature, other external entities on contribution rates, survival, and cost benefit analysis.
Tasks include: Under the direction of the PSRFEF coordinator, writes reports summarizing the contributions of PSRFEF programs to Puget Sound recreational fisheries, and long-term trends in Puget Sound license sales and angler trips.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and
One year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.
OR
One year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
Knowledge of the coded wire tag system.
Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment.
Experience with salmon stock assessment surveys and methodologies.
Experience supervising or directing employees.
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
Experience working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
General mechanic, electrical and plumping experience.
Data management and analysis skills leading to publication of research findings.
Knowledge of salmon life histories.
Knowledge of Puget Sound salmon stocks.
Knowledge of recreational fishing techniques and regulations for salmon in Puget Sound.
Ability to convey fisheries-related information to anglers in a public setting and through social media platforms.
Ethics and Integrity – Earns and maintains the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.

Communication – Clearly and effectively communicates with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization. Writes appropriately for the audience and situation. Follows standardized rules of technical writing regarding spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage, sentence structure, and composition. Keeps supervisor and co-workers informed. Coordinates effectively with supervisor and co-workers. Follows chain of command.

Performance Leadership – Creates and nurtures a performance-based culture that supports efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals. Emphasizes agency goals over individual goals. Demonstrates enthusiasm about achieving goals. Creates an atmosphere of continuous learning. Ensures appropriate consequences for good and poor performance. Takes every task through to conclusion.

Results Orientation and Initiative – Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Identifies what needs to be done and proactively takes appropriate action. Gets the job done. Sets high goals and achieves them. Pays attention to own performance and works to improve. Responds to setbacks with renewed and increased efforts; persistent in the face of difficulty. Goes the “extra mile” to ensure the goal is met.

Team Leadership – Promotes cooperation within the work unit to achieve unit and agency goals. Recognizes and encourages behaviors that contribute to team work. Helps remove obstacles for the team.

Flexibility and Adaptability – Anticipates and effectively communicates need for change; provides alternatives. Proactively embraces changes as a way to accomplish unit and agency goals more effectively, by incorporating those changes with appropriate training so as to maintain efficiency and professional quality of work by the unit. Copes well and helps others deal with the ongoing demands of change and training.

Accountability – Meets productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules. Makes the best use of available

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
Work settings will include working in a mobile lab, hatchery environment, outdoors and in an office setting. This position works 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with considerable overtime and possible shift work (mainly in the spring). Extensive travel and driving are required up to six (6) months of the year with minimal travel August through December.

Union:
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.
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
Three professional references
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions may 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.

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 (#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 (#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.