[MB advising: see link at bottom of post to full job posting and application details (will expire when position is filled). Job posting details provided here for career exploration purposes.]

WDFW is seeking candidates with a strong scientific background and a knack for conducting biological studies. If you are wishing to build your career in the fishery sciences, and wish to use your scientific expertise, then this is the job for you!

As the Fish & Wildlife Biologist, you’ll serve as field support, collect data on multiple projects, and provide critical support on research assignments designed to explore the utility of innovative restoration techniques throughout the Chehalis River Basin.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (WDFW) mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. 

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself participating in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management.

This is an opportunity to collaboratively lead a team, set goals, develop strategies, and ensure the program performance objectives are met.

The optimal candidate has applied experience in fish and wildlife management, principles, and procedures.

The best suited candidate has strong work ethic, the ability to take initiative, work independently, and has excellent inter-personal communication and relationship skills.

We are seeking a candidate that will work hard to serve WDFW staff, agency partners, and the public.

Our Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1, 

• Participates in sampling programs designed to inform the effectiveness of specific restoration actions for improving water quality, aquatic and semi-aquatic species habitat, and state Forest Practices Rules.
• Conducts fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research.
• Installs permanent equipment and delineates sample transects.
• Utilizes established procedures to characterize streams and stream habitats.
• Conducts biological surveys, including for fish and amphibians.
• Conducts wood surveys (i.e., wood count, function, and volume).
• Operates trucks and driving on logging roads on private forestlands.
• Downloads temperature and other monitors and sensors in the field.
• Enters field data on handheld iPads in the field, and uploads data.
• Leads and oversees small crews of field staff in field data collection.
• Tracks and prioritizes field sampling progress and completion.
• Ensures required access permits are available and communicates with landowners if approached in the field.
• Performs routine maintenance and ensures that equipment is functioning reliably and safely.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    

1. Work is performed 80% outdoors in the field and 20% in the office.
2. Fieldwork involves hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense and up and down steep slopes.
3. Will be required to carry a heavy pack (< 40 pounds) and haul awkward equipment (e.g., rebar), additionally, frequent bending, ducking, balancing, and crawling through, under, and over dense understory and woody debris.
4. Periodically, navigating and driving on logging roads located on Private forestlands throughout western Washington.

• Schedule:   
  1. Typically, work schedule is Monday – Thursday, four (4) ten (10) hour days – there is no flexibility in workdays or hours.
• Travel Requirements: 

1. Primarily travel is required to field sites located within distance of the Natural Resources Building (NRB).
2. Occasional camping – overnights near study sites may be required. 

• Tools and Equipment: 

1. 4WD trucks and SUVs.
2. Rubber boots, caulked boots, a hard hat and high visibility vest, and raingear, waders, and wading shoes.
3. iPad or other devices.
4. Monitors, sensors, and standard software (e.g., Microsoft Office). 

• Customer Interactions:

1. Frequent interactions with landowners or other users of public and/or private lands when in/on route to study sites.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

 Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience:

• Two (2) years professional experience conducting field research, familiarity with water quality and physical monitoring.
• Leading / supervising subordinate staff in a field setting.
• Downloading and managing data in an Access database, conducting quality control to assure data integrity.
• Summarizing large data sets and tracking work completed for complex projects.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

 In order to successfully 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.

full position description/application (expires when filled)