Working Title- Zebra & Quagga Mussel Monitoring Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 4.5 Months – February 16, 2025 – June 30, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 3 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about protecting nature from aquatic invasive species (AIS)?

Embrace this role  to  assist the early detection zebra and quagga mussel monitoring operations in the Prevention Unit of the AIS Division. 

In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for leading eight surveyors throughout the state conducting early detection zebra and quagga mussel monitoring.

This is an opportunity to develop and implement a monitoring plan for the state of Washington based on the best available science, implementation of complex monitoring methodologies, and managing a complex monitoring data system.

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

Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring (EDZQMM) Operations Leadership, Supervision, and External Coordination.

• Serves as the unit expert on EDZQMM field operations.
• Development and implementation of a yearly statewide methods plan.
• Development and implementation of a schedule for 4 (2-person) teams statewide.
• The lead trainer for staff and partners to properly conduct EDZQMM for complex methods.
• Principal responsibility for collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, the development of conclusions and recommendations for management, research or mitigation needs, and the preparation of reports.
• Conducts quality control and quality assurance on all data collected ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Coordinates and advises external partner’s EDZQMM plans.
• Supervises up to 8 Scientific Technicians at four duty stations and ensures all safety protocols are followed.
• The lead watercraft operator.
• Operates and tows trailered hot water pressure washers, cargo trailers, and other trailered equipment for training and field operations.
• Obtains permission to work on private and public property.
• Conducts EDZQMM when required.
• Procures and inventory a vast variety and quantity of equipment.
• Maintains all equipment in a safe and proper condition.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Approximately 40% field and 60% office.  Outdoors work will be conducted on water and on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, occasionally during inclement weather, day and night, walking up to 5 miles on uneven ground, and frequently must be able to lift 75 pounds of equipment.  Must safely operate and transport 15-feet to 20-feet watercraft, large equipment up to a 25-foot cargo trailer, flatbed trailers, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, 8 hours per day, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.  Will exceed these hours when needed to work outside of normal business hours during holidays and weekends.  May be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.

Travel requirements: Frequent statewide travel and overnight stays up to five (5) days at times.

Customer Interactions: This position will interact with the public on a regular basis to conduct outreach and educational events, presentations, and monitoring.   Occasionally may be confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Option 2:  A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and three (3) years of professional experience in the management or research of fish, wildlife, or habitat.

• Please note:  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.  A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.  A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

License:  Valid driver’s license. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
WA State Boater Education Card (within 1 months of hire).
First Aid Certification (within 1 months of hire).

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

• Experience with stakeholders and public education/outreach events.
• Extensive work experience conducting public presentations.
• Excellent safety record operating 4x4 vehicles, watercrafts, hot water pressure washers, and towing trailers in all weather conditions.
• Familiar with and able to develop, implement, and manage statewide biological studies and management actions.
• Experience preparing comprehensive written reports.
• Experience with database construction, management, and routine analysis functions.
• Experience managing a heavy workload.

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 #2025-00677.

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