Working Title – Fish Science Division Manager - Chief Scientist
Classification – WMS Band 3
Job Status - Permanent
WDFW Program – Fish Program
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Remote Employment – Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 4 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeline - This recruitment will be posted until October 10, 2024 - the first review of applications will take place on September 12, 2024.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible. This recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Step into a pivotal leadership and scientific role as our Fish Science Division Manager, where your efforts will directly support conservation, fishery management, hatchery operations, and salmon recovery initiatives across the state.

As a key member of the Fish Program Leadership Team (FPLT), you will be the Director's designee on salmon recovery science, policy, and governmental affairs.

Your scientific expertise will guide the strategic direction and shape the policies for statewide science, research, and monitoring activities within the Fish Program.
 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Program Science Division Manager will, 

• Direct all activities within the Fish Program’s Science Division and have statewide salmon and steelhead responsibilities.
• Provide leadership and supervision for approximately 200 employees statewide within five (5) program areas: 
  • Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation 
  • Laboratory Research and Operations
  • Fish Health Operations
  • Statistical and Biometric Support
  • Columbia River Science and Policy Coordination
• Is the Director Designee and Agency Representative for the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission.
• Lead strategic planning and policy development and directs salmon and steelhead science for the agency. 
• Ensure that the science and research the agency is engaged in is tied to the agency mission and legislative mandate, consistent with and supported by the agency's strategic plan, is well coordinated, and communicated internally and externally with partners and agency constituents and is rigorous and scientifically and legally defensible.
• Manage a biennial budget of approximately $28 million in General Fund State, Wildlife State, Federal and Local Contracts, and Local Grants.
• Utilize the resources available (or secures additional resources if necessary) to ensure effective management of personnel, supervision, and office administrative functions necessary to carry out the business of the science division and the mission and strategic objectives of the agency.
• Serves on the agency’s cross-programmatic Science-Policy Interface (SPI) work group to develop and implement the statewide science-policy interface strategy for the Fish Program and the agency. 

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in an office environment - telework options may be available. 

Schedule: Typically, a 5-day, 40 hour/week schedule.  Alternative schedule options may be arranged if approved through the supervisory chain.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be needed, primarily within Washington State.

Customer Relations: Internally within WDFW and externally the position will primarily work with Tribal co-managers, Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office personnel, salmon recovery organizations, as well as federal, state, and local government representatives.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree with major study in a natural science such as Fish Science, Fish Management, Biology, etc. 

AND 

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively higher responsible management experience in the area of natural resources.

Please Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Management competencies:

• Strong project management skills and abilities that include creating a plan, identifying resources, and meeting deadlines.
• Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to make recommendations to senior managers on all aspects of divisional operations and agency policies.

Knowledge of:

• Strategic and tactical planning.
• Budgeting development, allotments, and accountability.
• Professional coaching.
• Fish ecology, research scientific methods, statistical principles, and data analysis.
• Principles of management including staff supervision, leadership, conflict resolution, personnel, and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and regulations, policy development and implementation.

Skills:

• Communicate clearly and concisely across managerial, professional, and legislative levels in both oral and written form.
• Prioritize and make decisions on diverse issues.
• Organize, motivate, and provide leadership and vision for Science staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Master's of Science or Ph.D. in biological science or related field.
• Experience with Washington State government systems and processes.
• Understanding of the government-to-government relationship in Washington with Treaty Tribes. 
• Working knowledge of fish and shellfish biology and natural resource management.
• Knowledge of program and agency chain of command for effective communication and management.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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

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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-09782. 

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