Shellfish Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *02813-24

Salary: $4,282.00 - $5,756.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-02813
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 03/01/2024
Closing Date: 3/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
SHELLFISH BIOLOGIST
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2
Fish Program - Fish Management Division
Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
This position may be eligible for telework. The default assigned work location of all WDFW positions - both on-site and telework-eligible positions - are within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.
This work will get you out of your shell!
Conduct a variety of shellfish population dive surveys and biological studies throughout Puget Sound.
Collect and analyze biological and fisheries-related data, support the management of subtidal shellfish species and perform research to inform the management and support the conservation of these species.
Dive survey - Photo credit: WDFW
With your experience, you will participate in dive surveys and research projects, and manage the operation and maintenance of the shellfish dive team's dive vessel, the 35' R/V Enumerator.
We are seeking a candidate to oversee the management of the recovery-based geoduck model which includes managing survey and harvest records and providing analysis and assessment of fishery management data.
Duties
Here are some things you will be doing in this role,
Geoduck and other shellfish dive surveys and studies:

• Conducts SCUBA stock assessment surveys and biological studies of geoduck clams throughout the marine waters of Puget Sound to determine abundance, distribution, and population trends.
• Evaluates and analyzes collected geoduck survey and research data.
• Conducts population and research surveys of other shellfish species such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, scallops, and abalone.
• Performs environmental surveys to assess fishery harvest impacts on related biota and habitat (e.g. subtidal eelgrass near commercial geoduck tracts).
• Implements and coordinates subtidal shellfish research projects with tribal co-managers and other external agencies and partners.

Database management and research studies:

• Performs database entry, quality control and records maintenance of shellfish stock assessment data such as from survey datasheets and fishery-dependent data, such as from harvester logbooks as needed.
• Performs database entry, quality control and records maintenance of dive program data such as in dive logs, training records, equipment maintenance records, and certifications, and prepares detailed summary reports.
• Conduct geoduck laboratory and field-based research projects, which may include aging studies to evaluate population dynamics, growth studies using microscope imaging analysis and investigations of geoduck show factor using underwater timelapse photography.

Management of geoduck dive vessel:

• Vessel operations include but are not limited to deploying and retrieving scuba divers and sampling equipment.
• Makes judgment on various weather and tidal conditions relative to vessel, diver, and crew safety during vessel operations.
• Maintains vessel operating logs and maintenance records.
• Manages and oversees the maintenance of the vessel and its equipment, including all safety equipment, ensures preventive and warranty maintenance is scheduled as needed, performs and/or oversees minor repairs and maintenance on vessel and equipment when needed, and coordinates outsourced repair work as needed.
• Trains alternate vessel operators in safe operation of the vessels and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work aboard and operate the department vessels in all waters of Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in sometimes challenging weather conditions. Diagnosis and repair of vessel engines or equipment may be in confined spaces and in rough seas.
  • Underwater fieldwork is subject to diverse conditions including cold temperature, low visibility, and high current.
  • Independently lift and move weighted scuba gear in a safe and effective manner.
  • Exposure to hazards during laboratory work includes the use of variable speed diamond blade saws, adhesives, and epoxy resin, as well as working in a setting where various chemicals and tools found in a standard laboratory are used.
  • Work is also done in a standard office environment, where there can be prolonged sitting or standing, repetitively entering data and long periods of looking into a computer monitor.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule:

• Fieldwork hours are variable, but usually on a Monday - Thursday schedule.
• Office work is usually within a 40-hour workweek on a Monday - Friday schedule.
• Occasional weekend work may be necessary when tidal/fishery conditions require it.

Travel Requirements:

• Overnight travel is required in remote locations during field work.
• Field work is typically Monday through Thursday, which may include 3 overnight stays.
• Average of 12 weeks of overnight travel for field work per year, plus occasional overnight travel for conferences or meetings.

Tools and Equipment:

• The employee must safely operate various WDFW vessels. Use of standard hand tools is required for vessel and equipment maintenance. Use of scuba equipment and standard survey tools are required for field studies and surveys. Must have a valid driver's license and safely operate various WDFW vehicles. Must be able to safely trailer vessels and gear, including launching and retrieving vessels. Use of microscopes and microscope cameras, and variable speed diamond blade saws are required for laboratory work.

Customer Interactions:

• Must communicate effectively and courteously with recreational and commercial boaters on an occasional basis.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And

• One (1) year of professional or volunteer experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.

Please note:

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid driver's license.
• Open-water SCUBA certification from a recognized and qualified dive organization (e.g., NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• At least 20 logged SCUBA dives in a scientific or professional capacity.
• Annual WDFW Diver Registration, dive physical and approval to dive by an accredited dive physician, and demonstration of open water dive proficiency and fitness are required prior to assuming dive duties and for continued employment.
• Completion of First Aid, CPR, Emergency Oxygen First Aid and Neurological Assessment courses are required prior to assuming dive duties.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability and/or MOTC/MOCC certification.

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

• Knowledge of basic research methods, marine biology, and fishery biology.
• Knowledge of and experience with electronic data storage systems and records maintenance.
• Experience with commercial fisheries.
• Data analysis and report writing experience.
• Identifying Washington marine species.
• Scientific diver with experience in underwater research and stock assessment projects.
• 15+ dives in cold water conditions.
• Nitrox certification.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certified.
• MOTC/MOCC certification.
• Experience operating and maintaining vessels and outboard engines.
• US Coast Guard vessel operator tonnage license.
• Experience operating vessels in the marine environment.
• Experience with MS Office (i.e., Access, Teams, Excel).

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/listed on your 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 completed online application that shows your experience as it relates to this position.
• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a 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 .
• 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 .
• 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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