Working Title- Warmwater Fish Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fisheries Enhancement Division
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
 
Embrace this role to contribute to improving recreational fishing opportunities for warmwater fish, while protecting sensitive fish stocks.
 
Be a central figure in implementing management actions that provide warmwater fishing opportunities, conducting fishery and biological surveys, gathering field data, and providing technical assistance to support research projects aimed at improving management of Washington’s warmwater species.
 
With your experience, you will conduct detailed biological and habitat surveys, and research on Washington lakes.
 
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
 
Conduct warmwater fishery, biological, habitat and angler creel surveys on Washington lakes, rivers, and reservoirs primarily across Washington’s Southwest and Coastal Regions (5 and 6), managed for warmwater and mixed species fisheries. At times the position supports statewide programmatic sampling objectives.

• Electrofishing and netting surveys for various warmwater and resident fish species; fish diet analysis through gastric lavage; tracking fish movement and habitat use; limnological studies.
• Implements angler creel surveys for selected warmwater and mixed species fisheries and prepares associated catch estimates.
• Assists with implementation and evaluation of habitat enhancement projects to enhance warmwater fisheries; may include herbicide application, fish attractor construction, and habitat monitoring. 
• Assists with statewide programmatic objectives on large reservoir surveys such as Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) and all hands surveys on an as need basis.

Communicating both orally and in writing with senior staff and the public regarding project purpose and results.

• Performing data entry and QA/QC.
• Assisting with database management and maintenance.
• Data analysis using accepted statistical methods and software.
• Drafting data summaries and technical reports.
• Developing management recommendations.
• Preparing presentation of results and communicating results to WDFW staff and colleagues.

Preparation, processing, and preservation of biological samples in a laboratory setting for fish aging; E-DNA studies; gonado somatic and hepato somatic ratios and stable isotope studies. Technical analysis of data, reporting results, and formulating management recommendations.

• Prepare aging structures such as scales and otoliths for reading.
• Uses appropriate methods to age fish using scale and otolith samples.
• Use diagnostic keys to identify prey items in gut stomach and gut content samples.
• Gathers and prepares biological samples for molecular analysis using accepted methods.

Leads technicians, volunteers and/or citizen scientists in the field to gather fish and fisheries data.

• Leads small survey and research teams in field work.
• Communicates project goals and methods.
• Manages data collection and ensures work quality and safety of technicians and volunteers.

Other duties as assigned.

• Scientific equipment, vessel, and vehicle maintenance.
• Maintains and repairs various field gear and fishing equipment.
• Supports lake rehabilitations, regulation assessment, population estimates, broodstock capture, and habitat manipulation.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is a mix of office and field work.  Field work will occur in a variety of outdoor settings primarily across Regions 5 and 6 and periodically statewide. Work may involve long hours in varying, sometimes remote, locations, in all types of weather. Fishery sampling will routinely require working on boats (often at night) and around/over water. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
 
Schedule: Core hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.  Work outside of these hours will be assigned as needed to complete work tasks and will include night and weekend hours.
 
Travel requirements: Frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout Regions 5 and 6. Periodic overnight travel for up to 1 week at a time may occur to perform field work, attend conferences, training, assist with other statewide Warmwater projects, etc.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, or Environmental Science.
 
And
 
One (1) year of experience in fisheries management or fisheries research.
 
A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in an applicable science will substitute for the required experience. 
Professional equivalent experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement – this experience must be in aquatic invasive species or fish, wildlife, or natural resource management.
 
License: Valid Driver’s License.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and renewal expected annually.
 
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience in/with:

• Equipment and techniques commonly used to capture all life stages of resident fish, such as boat electrofishing, gill netting, and fyke netting. 
• Leading field staff and volunteers.
• Operating 4x4 vehicles and trailering.
• Operating a boat.
• Fish sampling equipment such as boat electrofisher.
• Warmwater fish species and populations, as well as sampling equipment and techniques.
• Conducting study design, implementation, and technical report writing.
• Basic statistical analysis.

Knowledge of:

• The “scientific method,” scientific technical writing, and recording of information.
• Statistical methods.

Ability to:

• Independently develop, implement, and complete fisheries research including experimental design.
• Independently organize, analyze, and interpret data.
• Develop meaningful biological information and management recommendations from collected data.
• Collaborate with senior staff to identify data gaps and collect baseline data that contributes to the development of meaningful biological information and management recommendations.

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 (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.Weld@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.weld@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-10532.
 
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