FULL-TIME/ PERMANENT
SCOPING BIOLOGIST
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (BIO2)

Fish Program
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Are you excited to…

Conduct professional scientific studies and provide analysis and assessment of data collected to determine priorities or impacts relating to fish passage projects? Respond to inquiries or requests for technical assistance regarding the scientific background and technical implementation of agency programs? Work with the Scoping Biologists regarding fish passage requirements throughout Washington?

If yes, keep reading!

Fish passage restoration – Photo credit: Melissa Erkel

Picture yourself, summarizing and assessing data using standard statistical procedures and scientific analysis.

In this dynamic role, you will develop initial reports of findings and provide recommendations to Scoping Biologists.

The optimal applicants have excellent attention to detail when performing data quality analyses to minimize data entry errors.

We are seeking a candidate who is self-motivated and can be accessible, timely, and responsive in their work.

Fish passage training – Photo credit: Kate McLaughlin

Our Scoping Biologist

Works with the Scoping Biologists on project coordination, evaluation, and technical assistance associated with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) projects:

• Conducts the inspection of, recommends maintenance for, and submits reports on WSDOT owned fishways.
• Provides general technical assistance to stakeholders related to fish, fish life impacts, and fish habitat.
• Reviews upstream and downstream habitat survey notes, identifies stream and site locations that need scoping prior to the design process, and may conduct associated investigations to make determinations.
• Supports defishing activities prior to construction or during emergency situations as requested by regional WSDOT and/or WDFW staff.

Works with the Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) and the FBRB Technical Review Team (TRT) on proposed project evaluation and outreach to current and potential FBRB applicants:

• Conduct fish passage barrier inventory, assessments, stream survey prioritization work for man-made barriers and stream reaches in coordination with WDFW inventory and assessment staff relating to potential or proposed fish barrier correction projects for the Fish Barrier Removal Board.
• Use the fish passage database, GIS software, and other data and information from other state agencies, federal agencies, local jurisdictions, and Tribes to determine fish passage barriers that impact anadromous stocks that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, or that contribute to protection and recovery of southern resident orca whales, or that limit or prevent harvest of anadromous fish, or are upstream and downstream of WSDOT fish passage projects, and provide outreach to those barrier owners about the FBRB.
• Respond to internal and external data requests.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Duties require periodic fieldwork, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather.
  • Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites.
  • Work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks; these activities can consist of 8 to 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
  • Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of maneuvering over rough terrain for short distances (1-3 miles) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Carry up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of streams and water areas is required.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Eight (8) hour days, 40 hours per week.
  • Some long workdays may be required to accomplish fieldwork in remote locations.
  • Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.
• Travel Requirements:
  • This position requires some travel for field work and training throughout Washington State. Long field days and overnight stays may be required. May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • State vehicle, computer hardware and software.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Position will frequently communicate with landowners and other stakeholders, must possess effective communication skills with clients, local government officials, agriculture, forest, and special interest groups.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement if that experience is related to fish habitat assessments, fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat.

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

AND

• one year of professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research

OR

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fish passage requirements of salmonids.
• Habitat enhancement/restoration techniques for salmonids.
• Habitat requirements of salmonids.
• Fish passage and screening assessment protocols.
• Physical and biological data collection techniques in freshwater systems.
• Microsoft Office programs.
• ArcGIS spatial data analysis methods.
• Fish passage and habitat data collection methods.

• Proficient in GIS data analysis.
• Ability to interpret substandard data and format for use in fish passage database.
• Excellent writing ability.
• Data collection.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

• 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 agency and the perks of 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should 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.

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 may call (360) 902-2276 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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