Skagit River Juvenile Salmon Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *12923-24

State of Washington • Full-time • Remote (Washington, United States) • $52.93k - $71.15k / year • 5d ago

Salary: $4,410.00 - $5,929.00 Monthly

Location : Skagit County - Other, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2024-12923

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date: 11/13/2024

Closing Date: 12/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Working Title- Skagit River Juvenile Salmon Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Science Division

*Duty Station- **La Conner, Washington - Skagit County
*The current duty station of this position is in La Conner, Washington (Skagit County). This position is anticipated to move to a duty station in Stanwood, Washington (Snohomish County) on April 1, 2025.

**Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Stanwood, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely at the discretion of the supervisor, but the number of days per week will vary seasonally.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption - Skagit River - Photo Credit: Alan Bauer

Be a central figure in the capture, marking and population monitoring of juvenile salmonids at fish traps in the Skagit River basin, providing data to inform salmon conservation and management in Puget Sound.

In this dynamic role, you will work with monitoring scientists, habitat restoration practitioners, fishery managers, and hatchery evaluation biologists to interpret information generated by project activities.

We are seeking a candidate to achieve healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations by analyzing results from monitoring efforts and communicating project outcomes to project partners.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Manages and conducts natural resource assessments with a focus on determining the abundance, migration timing, and life-history diversity of juvenile salmonids.

Oversees all aspects of project management and supervision for juvenile salmonid monitoring activities in the Skagit River basin, including the installation, removal, and daily operation of traps on the mainstem river and tributaries.
Leads the implementation of established project sampling and safety protocols.
Communicates with unit and other Department staff to provide trapping updates and recommend changes to sampling and safety protocols.
Operates screw and scoop traps alongside technical staff as part of the crew rotation and assists with the operation of auxiliary trapping and tagging projects (Mannser Creek fence weir and Baker Lake coho salmon CWT program) when in operation.
Identifies and enumerates juvenile migrants; records biological data, age, origin, and mark/tag presence; collects biological samples (otoliths, DNA, scales); and conducts efficiency trials while performing daily trap checks.

Prepares annual, contractual, and technical reports.

Organizes, compiles, and manages field data and associated juvenile trapping database, ensuring data quality and integrity both during and post-season.
Summarizes and analyzes juvenile trapping data using established statistical procedures to produce estimates of juvenile abundance and characterize migration timing.
Formulates report conclusions based on results, and drafts written reports for review by supervisory staff.

Directs and supervises technical staff to achieve project objectives.

Hires, trains, and supervises scientific technicians to ensure safe and efficient operation of Skagit River basin juvenile fish traps.
Counsels and settles employee conflicts, enlisting help of supervisor when necessary.
Ensures staff complete required trainings and follow all applicable policies, regulations, and safety protocols and procedures of the Unit, Division, and Department.
Manages project budgets, tracks expenditures and vehicle mileage, completes payments to vendors, and performs other administrative tasks.

Supports other salmon population monitoring and research activities in the Skagit River basin and North Puget Sound as assigned by supervisor.

Assists with adult salmon stock assessment (spawning ground) surveys and biological sampling of anadromous fishes, hatchery monitoring and evaluation programs, sport, and commercial fishery sampling.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is conducted both in the field and an office setting. Field work primarily consists of operating a rotary screw and an inclined plane (scoop) trap on the Skagit River from January through July, with periodic work at the Mannser Creek fence weir and Baker Lake Dam. Traps have minimal cover, are exposed to inclement weather, and are subject to highly variable river and debris flows. Screw and scoop traps have various moving parts (large winches, trap cone, large grated inclined plane, etc.) that can present pinching and crushing hazards during operation. Trap work requires long hours of work often at night and sometimes on the weekends, and the ability to carry heavy (50+ lbs) objects on slippery and uneven terrain. Screw and scoop traps are accessed using a skiff with outboard motor. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Schedule varies greatly between field and off-season. 40 hours per week, 8-10 hours per day, primarily Monday - Friday. During off-season, employee works Monday - Friday in an office setting. During trapping season (January-July), employee works in a rotating schedule of 2-4 days and nights weekly while residing at mainstem trap site. Weekend and holiday work may be required during trapping season.

Travel requirements: Some overnight travel-usually in the Puget Sound region-is required to attend trainings or assist with other field work.

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/wildlife/habitat management or research.

Or

Equivalent education/experience.

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.

License: Valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of various agency trainings as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to: First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Motorboat Operator Training Course, Swiftwater Rescue, Chainsaw, and Basic Rigging.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Demonstrated success in writing or participating in scientific reports or articles.
Experience training personnel, assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing feedback.
Ability to set clear project objectives, develop a work plan, and meet deadlines.
Ability to plan research expenditures and track budgets.
Experience with fisheries sampling and capture techniques in rivers and streams, such as electrofishing, rotary screw traps, scoop traps, fence weirs, raft or shore-based redd surveys, angling.
Experience handling, identifying juvenile salmonids.
Familiarity with equipment used to implant and scan for coded wire tags.
Ability to execute analytical approaches to address scientific questions, and ultimately draw conclusions from biological data based on facts and evidence.
Experience with descriptive, comparative, and advanced statistical approaches.
Knowledge of statistical programming languages and/or platforms such as R.
Experience entering, organizing, and querying data sets using database software such as Microsoft Access.
Knowledge of salmonid behavior, life history, ecology, and population dynamics.
Experience coordinating activities with multiple entities and collaborators.

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.
At least three (3) 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:

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 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 , 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 #2024-12338.

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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

This position will work at our La Conner duty station with an anticipated relocation to Stanwood on April 1. Please confirm your understanding of this anticipated change of duty station and ability to report to both locations.

Yes, I understand and am able to report to both locations as required/assigned.
No, I am only interested in reporting to one of the duty stations.

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

03

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.

04

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.

05

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.

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

06

Please briefly list where you gained your experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.

07

Do you have experience writing or participating in scientific reports or articles?

08

Please briefly describe your work experience training personnel, assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing feedback. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.

09

Do you have experience planning research expenditures and tracking budgets?

10

Do you have work experience using equipment used to implant and scan for coded wire tags?

11

Select the computer programs you have used for work purposes. Select all that apply.

Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Excel.
Microsoft Word.
R.

12

Do you have experience coordinating activities of multiple entities and collaborators?

13

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

14

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

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).

Required Question