Working Title- Conservation Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wildlife Diversity Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to conduct seasonal biological assessments for native, state- and federally listed butterfly species and their habitats in the south Puget Sound region, in particular Taylor’s Checkerspot.

In this dynamic role, you will work with land managers to create, enhance, and maintain habitat for sensitive prairie- and oak- associated species.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Conducts professional biological surveys.

• Under the supervision of a senior biologist, assists with reintroduction of Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly.
• Conducts biological surveys for butterfly taxa (i.e., abundance, distribution) using standardized procedures.
• Collects and downloads data and monitoring equipment.
• Capture, handle, and release of adult and/or larval butterflies, surveys for larval nests, and monitors life stage development.
• Records tabular data on datasheets in the field. Records field conditions and notes.
• Lays out sampling grids and release areas at field sites using GPS technology.
• Recommends and implements improvements to data collection and management protocols.

Data entry, database management, and summary reports.

• Transcribes data from voice recorders and field forms into standardized databases; reviews data for accuracy, identifies and corrects errors and inconsistencies, formats data and conducts statistical summary and analyses.
• Follows and/or develops prescribed procedures to organize and analyze data.
• Summarizes methods and findings in writing under the supervision of permanent agency biologists for incorporation into professional reports.
• Customizes electronic forms and geodatabases and collects, imports, and manages biological and restoration field data using GIS technology, MS office, and other tools.

Conducts vegetation and habitat assessments.

• Conducts vegetation surveys and habitat monitoring in prairie and oak woodlands under supervision of a senior biologist.
• Lays out of sampling grids and conducts habitat assessments.
• Enters data on iPads and uploads/downloads between GIS and GPS technologies.
• Recommends and implements improvements to data collection and management protocols under the supervision of an agency biologist.

Conducts habitat restoration activities.

• Assists with planning and implementation of oak woodland and grassland habitat restoration. This may include participation in planning meetings, seeding, planting, seed inventory and mixing.
• Assist with prescribed burn preparation and mop up, minor fence repairs, brush-cutting, shrub removal, and chemical spray application under the supervision of a licensed pesticide applicator.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is conducted in an office and in the field.  Field work may occur in wetland, forest, and prairie environments in the south Puget lowlands, and may require walking through water wearing chest-waders. Field work often involves walking up to 10 miles per day on uneven surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs in adverse weather conditions.  Some worksites on Joint Base Lewis-McChord may contain unexploded ordnance (live artillery); which requires special training and safety equipment (flak jacket and helmet). Wildland fire certification requires completion of the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level and work with fire practitioners to implement prescribed fire to maintain species habitats.  This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, 40-hour work week, Monday – Thursday.  Because this position is one member of a field team, flexibility is required dependent on the time of year and the task. Fieldwork is often weather dependent and unpredictable, and some weekend/on-call work may be required, as well as work in excess of 40 hrs. if needed to meet deadlines and/or business demands.

Travel requirements: May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.   Travel to field sites located within 200 miles of assigned duty station and may require occasional regional travel or attendance at evening meetings.

Customer Interactions: Effective information delivery to the public, project partners, local government officials, and special interest groups (e.g., conservation, recreation, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, entomology or biology.

Option 2:  Equivalent education/experience in insect or nongame wildlife monitoring and/or data collection and analysis.

Option 3:  Four (4) years of qualifying experience in insect or nongame wildlife monitoring and/or data collection and analysis. 

License:
A valid current and unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver’s license.

Experience/Proficiency in:

• Coordinating and/or leading technical or nontechnical volunteers and staff.
• Proficiency in using GPS, Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful candidates must obtain a Wildland Firefighter Type II certification at the Arduous level from a valid certifying agency. While fire-related duties are rare, they may be required and are estimated to total approximately two days per year.

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

• Two (2) years professional experience conducting field research.
• Familiarity with and experience in insect identification, taxonomy, monitoring, and conservation.
• Experience summarizing large data sets and tracking work completed for complex projects.

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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01436.

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