Forage Fish Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *14749-23

Salary: $4,282.00 - $5,756.00 Monthly
Location : Snohomish County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2023-14749
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 11/15/2023
Closing Date: 11/28/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
FORAGE FISH BIOLOGIST
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2
Fish Program - Marine Fish Science Division
Mill Creek, Washington - Snohomish County
Become a critical part of the effective assessment and management of Forage Fish resources in Washington state, protecting a valuable natural resource, while also supporting important recreational and commercial fisheries in the State.
Herring Survey - Photo credit: Dayv Lowery
Duties
Here is what you will do,
Conduct Forage Fish and food web field surveys:

• Works from and operates vessels to collect data and samples for a broad suite of field activities including egg deposition surveys, plankton sampling, and fish sampling using a variety of methods.
• Ensures field data quality and tracks sample collection.
• Maintains field equipment in safe, working order. Monitors and replenishes inventory of field equipment and supplies.

Monitors the commercial bait fishery in Puget Sound:

• Tracks commercial bait landings via fish tickets database, updates the WDFW website with fishery landings and changes to the rules, initiates closure of the fishery when the quota is reached.
• Acts as an agency specialist on Puget Sound commercial herring and anchovy fisheries and liaison to these Forage Fish fisheries.
• Coordinates and conducts fishery-dependent sampling and analysis.
• Develops fishery monitoring reports and figures.

Performs Forage Fish and food web data entry and management:

• Uses digital and traditional data forms to record data.
• Completes data entry and QA/QC as required.
• Organizes, maintains, and administers databases.
• Assists with data analysis and visualization for reports.

Conducts Forage Fish and food web lab processing and analysis:

• Process and analyze biological samples including Forage Fish biometrics, fecundity, and egg identification and development analysis.
• Tracks and ensures proper handling, preservation, and storage of samples, and receives and/or distributes samples to/from collaborators as necessary.
• Ensure lab safety, maintains lab equipment, and monitors and replenishes inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Ensures lab data quality.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work involves work in the office, laboratory, and outdoors on beaches and marine waters using small boats during all times of the year.
  • While in the office, the following may be expected: long periods in a cubicle sitting and/or standing while working at a computer, repetitive motion, florescent lighting, and noises associated with an office environment.
  • While in the laboratory, the following may be expected: long periods looking through a microscope, repetitive motion, florescent lighting, handling potentially dangerous chemicals, use of sharp tools, exposure to frozen or chemically preserved samples and specimens, and exposure to foul odors.
  • While in the field, the following may be encountered: exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, chemicals, fish blood and slime, and possible punctures from fish spines or teeth.
  • Work on slippery often unstable surfaces with various nets, lines, cables, winches, and pot pullers which may pose a risk of entanglement, pinch points, and recoil.
  • Other potential hazards include danger from vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, lifting, or moving 40 lbs., working and standing in a confined space, wearing bulky gear, and use of knives.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule:

• Typical schedule will be 40 hours/week, Monday - Thursday (7:30am - 6pm).
• During some times of the year, work may exceed 40 hours per week and be outside core working hours.
• Evening and weekend work may be expected.

Travel Requirements:

• Overnight travel required. Occasional long term (~2 weeks) travel assignments may occur.

Tools and Equipment:

• Boats, vehicles, trailers, personal computers, GPS, transducers, tablet, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers, tag injectors, PFD/float coat, and waders.

Customer Interactions:

• Interaction with commercial and recreational fishers, tribal and other government employees, and staff from NGOs and academic partners.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
  1. Note: A master's degree or Ph.D. degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver's license
• Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License (must be completed within 30 days of hire)
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course or Motorboat Training Course (must be completed within one year of hire)

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
Experience:

• One (1) year of experience safely trailering and operating small vessels in large bodies of water including during times of inclement weather.
• One (1) year of experience with a variety of fish collection methods.
• Two (2) years of experience collecting and analyzing biological data from fish and fish eggs including: species ID, assessing age, development, fecundity, and biometrics.
• Two (2) years of experience providing support in the form of logistics, training, communication, and organization, for a diverse group working on a common project. Familiarity with fisheries management principles, and with Washington State Forage Fish fisheries, rules, and regulations.
• One (1) year of experience processing biological samples in a Lab. including the safe usage and handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Two (2) years of experience using spreadsheets, databases, statistical, and word-processing software to enter, compile, review, and analyze data and produce reports. Using the internet and e-mail to effectively gather information and communicate with inter- and extra-agency staff, consultants, vendors, and partners.
• Experience with geodata and GIS software.
• Experience developing and using digital data forms such as iForms.
• Experience working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience developing reports to disseminate the results of surveys and other studies.
• Understanding of agency and program procedures and policies and willingness to comply with established processes, policies, and WACs.

Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Three professional references.

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
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agencyand the perksof working for WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency's mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 - MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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.
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 JaymeChase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
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.
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