Title- Coded Wire Tag/Mass Marking Operations Biologist 
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position plays a key role in protecting native fish populations by implementing mark-selective fisheries that align with conservation goals and the Hatchery and Fishery Reform policy. 

With a focus on efficiency and cost reduction, you will supervise both automated and manual marking and coded wire tagging operations. 

You will also conduct vital experiments to analyze fishery contributions, allocation, and brood-stock identification. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, 

Provide key leadership and coordination of multi-agency marking and tagging projects ensuring the successful completion of all projects statewide on an annual basis:

• Supervise Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 and 2 trailer operator’s performance and provide guidance, training in the field and corrective action as needed.
• Develop performance standards and improvement plans for Auto Trailer operators and provide in-field supervision of marking and tagging operations. 
• Conduct all tag group quality control for supervised staff to establish consistency and to monitor the operator’s effectiveness. 
• Interagency liaison to assess, interpret and recommend marking and tagging plans for Federal, State and/or local agencies, non-governmental and tribal organizations to ensure compliance with hatchery reform and best science available. 
• Conduct technical reviews of coded wire tagging (CWT) projects statewide. 
• Responsible for reviewing, recommending, and assessing biological studies related to the application of coded wire tags in salmon and steelhead for WDFW hatcheries statewide. 
• Negotiate, plan, develop, research, conduct or oversee technical data collection and coordinate reviews draft reports. 

Research, development, and data analysis:

• Conduct, author, and present research intended to improve the efficiency of marking and tagging operations and the integrity of analytical data.

Independently operate an automated/manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab at hatcheries statewide:

• Plan, organize, direct, and conduct coded wire tag experiments and ensure scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments. 
• Diagnose and repair problems with automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work in an automated coded wire tag (CWT) mobile wet lab, hatchery environment (including hatchery ponds and catwalks over ponds) and in an office setting. Work during inclement weather and lift or move 40 pounds commonly. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M - 5:00 P.M. with considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the spring.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel and driving required. Up to six (6) months per year, five (5) days a week.

Customer Interactions: Interact with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff, and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

AND 

Three (3) years of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.

OR

One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note: 

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience: 

• Operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging (CWT) and mass marking mobile wet lab.
• Operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag (CWT) injectors
• Working in a salmon hatchery environment.
• Supervising or directing employees.
• Working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
• With data analysis skills leading to publication of research findings.

Knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of the coded wire tag system
• Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental information:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-10971.

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