Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Fish Passage Inventory & Assessment - Permanent - *13856-21

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Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Fish Passage Inventory & Assessment - Permanent - *13856-21

Salary

$3,987.00 - $5,229.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-13856

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

11/22/2021

Closing Date

12/12/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


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

FISH PASSAGE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BIOLOGIST

WDFW Habitat Program
Olympia, Washington

Do you enjoy conducting fish, wildlife, and habitat research studies? Do you want to make a positive impact on aquatic species and their natural ecosystems? If so, then apply to this Fish Passage Inventory and Assessment Biologist opening!

As a Fish Passage Inventory and Assessment Biologist you’ll provide day to day support and technical assistance, complete presurvey preparatory efforts for priority survey work and carry-out individual tasks to crews associated with fish passage inventories, barrier assessments, and the prioritization of human-made fish passage barriers and water diversions across Washington State.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (WDFW) mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. See the work WDFW is doing to plan for the future of fish and wildlife conservation in Washington.

Chinook Sampling

*Chinook Sampling – Photo Credit: Trenton De Boer


With that in mind, 

Picture yourself providing analysis and assessment of field data collected and the study the impacts of fish passage barriers on available habitat to inform agency goals and mission objections, and other factors that affect fish conservation and habitat.

This is an opportunity for you to gather and analyze data to determine the ability of salmon and steelhead to access spawning and rearing habitat that contributes to prioritization efforts.

This is a dynamic role for you to prepare, summarize and report on fish passage activities, develop initial findings, and provide recommendations to Crew Supervisor. 

With your experience you’ll complete mapping analysis to identify potential fish passage sites on the landscape within survey boundaries to assist with project planning and to better support field staff with conducting effective and efficient survey efforts.

The optimal applicants will use their knowledge of fish and wildlife habitats, together with superior communication skills and expertise in conflict resolution to work with others to develop solutions that balance the needs of people with the protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated values matching those of WDFW: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).




Duties

Field Data Collection

*Field Data Collection – Photo Credit: Jenny Baker

Our Fish Passage Inventory and Assessment Biologist, 

  • Provides support and technical assistance to internal and external entities for directed inventories, assessments, and prioritization of human-made fish passage barriers and water diversions.
  • Participates in the organization of data activities with emphasis on managing, interpreting, and conducting QA/QC of barrier and habitat data collected during inventory and assessment activities.
  • Uses the fish passage database and GIS software frequently for data analysis and to provide data support for Fish Passage field crew – responds to internal and external data requests. 
  • Assists with advanced hydraulic analyses using available software – analyzes data and creates products, e.g., maps, reports, and summaries.
  • Conducts GIS mapping analysis to identify potential fish passage sites within survey boundaries to assist with project planning and to better support field staff with conducting effective and efficient survey efforts.
  • Delegates portions of planning to crew (landowner outreach, obtaining known data site information, identifying potential species use, etc.). 
  • Creates pre-survey maps of locations for field crews to investigate. 
  • Provides initial field support for complicated surveys and for complicated manmade in-stream features. 
  • Conducts local government research, especially in urban areas, such as contacting storm/surface water Public Works personnel, determine authority for sites with overlapping ownership, etc.
  • Ensures that all crew level data entry is finalized for data deliverables, especially for transportation reassessments and habitat surveys. 
  • Conducts fish passage barrier inventory, assessments, stream survey prioritization work for manmade barriers and stream reaches. 
  • Assists with Fish Passage Barrier Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization training.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    1. Work is performed in both the office and in the field – office work includes many consecutive hours of computer work, typing and looking at a computer monitor, often sitting throughout most of the day – fieldwork includes inclement weather conditions along busy state highways and hiking off-trail up and down extremely steep slopes (road prisms and natural), through dense vegetation, climbing over and around log jams and wood debris on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying or moving up to 30lbs of field gear. 
    2. Constant activities carrying/moving up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of streams and water areas.
  • Schedule:   
    1. Typically, work schedule is 4 – 10 hour days, Monday - Thursday 7:00 am – 5:30 pm; some long workdays may be required to accomplish fieldwork in remote locations.
  • Travel Requirements: 
    1. Occasional travel for field work and training throughout Washington State – long field days and overnight stays may be required.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    1. State vehicle, computers, and software such as ArcGIS and Microsoft Access, Word, and Excel.
  • Customer Interactions:
    1. Frequent interaction with public and agency personnel, including habitat restoration project partners, state and local government officials, tribal representatives, agriculture and forestry industries, non-profits, special interest groups, and private landowners.

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 research, wildlife management or wildlife research or habitat management or habitat research..

 

Please note:

  • 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 will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
  • Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for education requirement if that experience is related to fish habitat assessments, fish passage evaluations, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning, and rearing habitat.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Job knowledge and experience:

  • Collecting and managing data
  • Using Microsoft Office package including Word, Excel, Access, and ArcGIS.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

 

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 NOTES: 

On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader)

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

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:

  • 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.

 

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.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.

*Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks. 

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Please select the option below that best describes your highest level of education.
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD.
  • None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
04
Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research or habitat management or habitat research.
  • Less than 1 year of experience.
  • 1 – 5 years of experience.
  • 5 or more years of experience.
  • No experience.
05
Please BRIEFLY LIST your professional experience in fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research or habitat management or habitat research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
06
What best describes your field experience working specifically with collecting aquatic habitat data? (This is the total amount of time spent participating in field study(ies) that specifically involved collecting aquatic habitat data).
  • I do not have this type of experience
  • I have less than 12 months of experience
  • I have 13 to 23 months of experience
  • I have 24 to 36 months of experience
  • I have 36 or more months of experience
07
What best describes your field experience working specifically with collecting fish passage data? (This is the total amount of time spent participating in field study(ies) that specifically involved collecting fish passage data for barrier assessments).
  • I do not have this type of experience
  • I have less than 12 months of experience
  • I have 13 to 23 months of experience
  • I have 24 to 36 months of experience
  • I have 36 or more months of experience
08
Please BRIEFLY LIST your knowledge and/or experience implementing the protocols in the WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual or similar document. Include how you gained this knowledge.
09
Please BRIEFLY LIST your experience working with non-profit organizations, local governments, and tribes. Either describe your experience or how you would go about obtaining information on local jurisdictions water management network.
10
Describe your experience leading a group of people to get work done. What is your leadership style? From your experience what are some lessons learned and/or things you would do differently than in the past?
11
When overseeing the work of others and assessing progress, what are key milestones to check in on and at what frequency to ensure high-quality data management?
12
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Facebook
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
  • Other
13
If you selected "other" please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
14
Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 state employees must be fully vaccinated at the time of employment. Are you willing to meet this mandate if offered this job?
  • Yes
  • No
15
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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