Salary: $7,400.00 - $9,958.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-08403
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/01/2024
Closing Date: 12/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionTitle: Aquatic Health Veterinarian
Position: Epidemiologist 3 (non-medical)
Openings: Two (2)
Job Status: Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program: FishProgram - Fish Health Unit
Position Duty Station: Multiple
One position located in Spokane Valley, WA
One position located in Wenatchee, WA
This recruitment has been extended to expand the candidate pool. Review will be ongoing, and the supervisor reserves the right to close the announcement at any time once a selection has been made.
This position, reporting to the Supervisor of the Fish Health Unit in the Fish Program, is responsible for maintaining fish and public health as a licensed veterinarian. The role involves compiling, maintaining, planning, conducting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting on issues related to fish health, including zoonotic and non-zoonotic pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and conducting epidemiological investigations at fish hatcheries and natural fish populations. It addresses risks associated with fish diseases, pathogen prevalence, immunological changes, environmental variables, and zoonotic impacts on human health.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW! Photo Caption: Coho with Necrotic Stomatitis - Photo Credit: WDFW
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Health Veterinarians will:
Provide clinical support to assigned facilities to protect humans and fish from zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease: - Conduct zoonotic and non-zoonotic fish disease investigations for hatchery or wild morbidity and mortality events at designated hatcheries and watersheds within designated region.
- Conduct necropsies; collect, process, and submit appropriate specimens; and interpret findings from fish and wildlife morbidity and mortality investigations.
- Recognize and detect non-zoonotic and potentially zoonotic fish pathogens.
- Recognize environmental factors or fish culture practices that may cause or contribute to fish disease.
- Collect the appropriate samples for detection, confirmation, and prevalence testing, ensuring that sampling is consistent with at least the Co-Managers Salmonid Disease Control Policy.
- Determine appropriate preventive or corrective actions needed to mitigate fish morbidity or mortality, which may include vaccination and/or fish care procedural changes.
- Communicate with hatchery staff and federal or tribal co-managers when regulated or reportable pathogens, as defined by the Policy, are detected and confirmed, and with appropriate state and federal public health agencies, including, but not limited to WSDA, WDOH, and USDA-APHIS, when known zoonotic pathogens are detected and confirmed.
Serve as an expert in the specialized field of fish diseases: - Develops and implements agency policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the safe, humane, legal, and effective use of drugs/chemicals in WDFW aquaculture facilities.
- Provides prescriptions and Veterinary Feed Directives (VFDs) for assigned facilities as needed and in accordance with their professional discretion and legal allowances.
Working Conditions:Work Setting, including hazards: This job is comprised of approximately 60-80% field work (site visits, travel to meetings, and workshops, and forums throughout the State) and 20-40% office work. Field work may be performed during inclement weather, in difficult terrain, and with potentially diseased or dangerous animals. Employee will handle potentially dangerous animal drugs and be required to safely handle contaminated sharps (needles, darts, scalpel, blades) and other medical waste. Laboratory work may also be required, including working with hazardous chemicals and pathogens (Biosafety Level 2).
Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with some extended hours to evenings and weekends possible.
Travel Requirements: Travel on a frequent basis to hatcheries, field areas, and/or meetings/trainings approximately 3-4 days per week.
Customer Interactions: Will provide technical direction to internal and external program and Agency professional staff involving complex or controversial studies or projects; May have policy level negotiation, interaction, and discussion with other Agencies at both the State and Federal level.
Qualifications:Required Qualifications:Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) with license in good standing in Washington State (or obtain license within the first month of WDFW employment)
And experience working with:
- anadromous fish both in natural and aquaculture environments.
- comprehensive understanding of pathogens including current issues in fish health, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of fish diseases and parasites, including those important to public and wildlife health.
- the approval process for new government policies relating to veterinary drug use and fish health (specifically for anadromous fish).
- and expertise in surgical and other veterinary procedures.
Plus:
- Expertise in conducting necropsies and collecting diagnostic samples in fish.
- Knowledge of fish pathogens that are known to cause zoonotic disease and that are known to occur in Washington State waters.
- Knowledge of Modern epidemiologic principles and practices including the symptoms, causes (common diseases faced by fish in Washington, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of such disease caused by pathogens and environmental conditions), means of transmission and methods of control of communicable, non-communicable, and chronic diseases, basic medical terminology.
- Experience with or knowledge of:
- Anadromous fish both in natural and aquaculture environments.
- Pathogens including current issues in fish health, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of fish diseases and parasites, including those important to public and wildlife health.
- The approval process for new government policies relating to veterinary drug use and fish health (specifically for anadromous fish).
- Surgical and other veterinary procedures.
Licenses: Valid driver's license
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Obtain First Aid Certification within three (3) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
- One year experience in practice of aquatic veterinary medicine.
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Accreditation
- Experience preparing grant proposals and budgets.
- Experience prioritizing and making independent decisions on diverse issues.
- Experience with microbiology and pathophysiology.
- Experience with modern research procedures including bio-statistical methodology; computers and programming in database management and statistical software.
Your application should include the following:- A completed online application.
- An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate. Note: This cover letter will also be used to evaluate your written communication skills.
- At least three professional references with current contact information.
Supplemental InformationSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:In addition to and other , there are other 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 - WAFHP:These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery 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 Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 EmployerAs 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 .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference the job number in the subject line.
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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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 (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 (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 , 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave Sharing
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
Please select the location(s) below you would like to be considered for:
- Wenatchee, WA
- Spokane Valley, WA
- Both Locations
02
In the text box below, please confirm the location(s) you would like to be considered for.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you possess a valid driver's license, or write "No" if you do not possess a valid driver's license.
04
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
05
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
06
Do you have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) with license in good standing in Washington State, OR a willingness to obtain the license within the first month of WDFW employment?
07
How many years of experience do you have in conducting necropsies and collecting diagnostic samples in fish?
- 0-1 years
- 1-3 years
- 3-5 years
- 5+ years
08
Please briefly describe your knowledge of fish pathogens that are known to cause zoonotic disease and that are known to occur in Washington State waters. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09
Please select all of the following with which you have professional experience or working knowledge (select all that apply)
- Anadromous fish both in natural and aquaculture environments.
- Pathogens including current issues in fish health, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of fish diseases and parasites, including those important to public and wildlife health.
- The approval process for new government policies relating to veterinary drug use and fish health (specifically for anadromous fish).
- Surgical and other veterinary procedures.
- None of the above
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- El Informador
- Facebook
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
11
If you selected "Other," please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
12
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).
Required Question
