Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - *12079-24

State of Washington • Full-time • Olympia, Washington, United States • $62.89k - $84.41k / year • 1w ago

Salary: $5,241.00 - $7,042.00 Monthly

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Job Number: 2024-12079

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date: 11/07/2024

Closing Date: 11/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Puget Sound Sampling Unit

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Fishing for Chinook Salmon - Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell

As a senior-level biologist, you will supervise and oversee the collection of dockside recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Salish Sea, Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Working closely with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager, play a key role in planning and developing of biological research, and coordinating data collection to support stock assessment and fisheries management.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist will,

Responsible for supervision of all creel and biological data collected dockside in the unit associated with recreational and commercial fisheries, in Marine Areas 5-13:

Directly supervise four (4) Scientific Technician 4 field supervisors and oversee all permanent and non-permanent staff under those positions.
Guide and assist the field supervisors with all technical biological sampling related problems and issues to follow predetermined sampling methods, techniques and plans.
Assist the field supervisors with coordinating seasonal (halibut and summer and winter salmon) and weekly fisheries sampling schedules. Coordinate fisheries sampling efforts both within and between different geographic areas of the sampling unit to ensure all dockside fisheries sampling activities are completed.
Design, set up, oversee and implement employee training and on-boarding processes for the unit, with the assistance of other staff in the unit.
Work with the unit's Sampler Support staff to ensure all field staff have access to relevant programs and systems needed for the collection of biological field data and administrative processes on iPhones and iPads, including but not limited to: iForms, WDFW's intranet (SharePoint) site, MS Teams, TotalTime, and MS Outlook email, TEMS or their replacements.
Coordinate and assist the field supervisors with the hiring, training and evaluation of all dockside sampling unit staff including those in South Sound (Olympia), the Peninsula (Port Angeles), North Sound (Bellingham) and Central Sound (Edmonds).

Serve as the sampling unit's primary implementer and coordinator for HR activities for dockside sampling positions:

Prepare, process and track in spreadsheets (currently Smartsheet) personnel and position actions in the unit in coordination with field supervisors and unit manager.
Ensure the completion and accuracy by staff of all HR documents including but not limited to the writing and editing of position descriptions, recruitments, and HR Actions. Coordinate and ensure all hiring and HR action timelines are met for adequate staffing levels for all fisheries conducted in the unit.

Ensure completion of dockside fisheries data and sampling unit documents:

Ensure the timely completion of the editing, reviewing and quality control of recreational dockside fisheries data by field supervisors and staff, in coordination with PSSU data manager in the unit's online portal.

Coordinate, oversee, and conduct fisheries sampling and training:

Coordinate with field supervisors to ensure on-site training for dockside sampling staff during recreational and commercial sampling occurs when needed to assure consistency and standardization in data collection.
Work with other unit Biologists and staff, as well as other WDFW Fish Program staff to develop comprehensive training objectives, strategies, and techniques to communicate proper methods of sampling and data recording.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Position works most of the time (90%) in an office environment.
Fieldwork (10%) may include adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon or halibut in a boat.
Carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives.
Transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

Schedule: 24/7 non-scheduled, 40 hours per week. Typically, 8 - 10 hours per day between 5:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M. Weekend and evening work required.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout thePuget Sound area, with regular overnight travel required.

Customer Interactions:

Interacts with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
Interact with the public during data collection and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, sport fishing regulations and agency programs and activities. May include interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

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

AND

Three (3) years professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

OR

Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note:

A Master's degree in the applicable science will substitute one (1) year of the required experience.
A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute two (2) years of the required experience.
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Experience:

Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

WDFW New Supervisor Training within six (6) months of hire.
HIS First Aid/CPR within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Master's Degree, or a higher-level degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science or a related field.
Twelve (12) months of experience creel and/or sampling sport and commercial fisheries.
The ability to identify salmon, marine fish, and shellfish fish species found in Puget Sound.
Familiarity with salmon life history, Puget Sound sport fishing regulations and commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
Advanced computer software skills using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams) and Smartsheet.
Knowledge of WDFW administrative, human resources, and payroll procedures and policies.
High level of organizational skills.
Experience working with Human Resource processes.

Your application should include the following:

A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental 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 - 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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses 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
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 Employer

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.

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 job #2024-12079.

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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 (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 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

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? Write "Yes" if you possess a valid driver's license, or write "No" if you do not possess a valid driver's license.

02

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.

03

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.

04

Please select the option below that best describes your experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 1 year of experience.
I have between 1 - 2 years of experience.
I have between 2 - 3 years of experience.
I have between 3 - 4 years of experience.
I have between 4 - 5 years of experience.
I have between 5 - 6 years of experience.
I have between 6 - 7 years of experience.
I have 7 years or more of experience.

05

Please briefly describe your experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

06

Do you have two (2) or more years of supervisor experience?

07

Please briefly describe your supervisory experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

08

Please briefly describe your experience in creel and/or sampling sport and commercial fisheries. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

09

Please select the option(s) below if you are familiar with the following. Select ALL that apply.

Salmon life history
Puget Sound sport fishing regulations
Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear
None of the above

10

Please briefly describe your experience working with Human Resource processes. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

11

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
Conservation Job Board
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)
Texas A&M
Twitter
University Job Board
UW College of the Environment
WDFW Employee
WDFW Recruiter
WDFW Website
Word of Mouth
WorkSource

12

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.

13

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

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