Our Forage Fish Biologist will,

• Supervise estimation of annual herring spawning escapement.
• Process and analyze data, including acoustic data, using advance software and statistical methods.
• Manage forage fish data sets, ensure data QA/QC, and perform database maintenance.
• Author stock status reports, annual project reports, peer-reviewed papers, oral presentations, and other updates.
• Conduct assessments of forage fish including annual assessment of herring spawning stock biomass.
• Effectively plan projects and coordinate lead staff to ensure staff are trained and available when and where they are needed to implement projects.
• Provide technical expertise for survey design and use of specialized techniques, such as hydro acoustics.
• Ensure required equipment and supplies are available and operational.
• Ensure quality and integrity of data and survey results.
• Provide updates to research and management community.
• Follow the relevant scientific literature to remain an expert on forage fish for WA state.
• Work with senior Marine Fish Unit staff to generate ideas for and draft grant applications.
• Submit progress and final grant reports.
• Monitor of commercial fishery landings and fishing patterns.
• Work with rules staff and senior managers to close fisheries as quotas or harvest guidelines are approached.
• Maintain expert knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to forage fish fisheries.
• Act as point of contact for commercial fishers.
• Set clear expectations and help to manage workloads.
• Ensure staff compliance with WDFW policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work involves work in the office, laboratory, and outdoors on beaches and marine waters using small boats during all times of the year.
  • While in the office, the following may be expected: long periods in a cubicle while working at a computer, repetitive motion, florescent lighting, and noises associated with an office environment.
  • While in the laboratory, the following may be expected: long periods looking through a microscope, repetitive motion, florescent lighting, handling potentially dangerous chemicals, use of sharp tools, and exposure to frozen or chemically preserved samples and specimens, and exposure to foul odors.
  • While in the field, the following may be encountered: Exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood and slime, and possible punctures from fish spines or teeth. Work on slippery often unstable surfaces with various nets, lines, cables, winches, and pot pullers which may pose a risk of entanglement, pinch points, and recoil.
  • Other potential hazards include danger from vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, kneeling, carrying, lifting (40 lb. max), working and standing in a confined space, wearing bulky gear, and use of knives. Exposure to extreme weather.
  • Interacting with public.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Typical schedule will be 40 hours/week.
  • During some times of the year, work may exceed 40 hours per week and be outside core working hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
  • Evening, night, and weekend work to be expected.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Seasonal overnight travel required.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Boats, vehicles, trailers, personal computers, GPS, transducers, tablet, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers, tag injectors, PFD, and waders.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interaction with commercial/recreational fishers, Tribal, other government employees, and staff from NGOs and academic partners.

• Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License, or obtain within 3 months of hire.

Training:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expert knowledge of forage fish identification, life histories, and ecology.
• Expert knowledge of spawn deposition, acoustic data acquisition and analysis, and other survey and stock assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of fishery monitoring techniques and analysis of fishery data.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet, database management, and other analytical tools.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, mandates, and management principles that govern fishery resource management in Washington State.
• Experience managing workloads and leading a diverse team to achieve complex tasks.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff, maintaining positive attitudes, and promoting and fostering teamwork within the workgroup and with partners.
• Knowledge of WDFW policies and procedures, and experience communicating and supporting the vision, mission, and goals of the agency.
• Strong verbal and written communications.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.