This recruitment has been re-opened, is posted open continuously, and will remain open until a selection is made. Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

As a leader in your field, you will be the designated consultant in watershed processes related to salmon productivity in the region!

Focus on defining and characterizing watershed conditions (land cover extent, distribution, and condition) related to the creation and maintenance of instream habitat, and salmon productivity.

Improve outcomes for aquatic species while accommodating growth of human communities in the watershed via WDFW’s role in Growth Management, Shoreline Management, Priority Habitats and Species Program, and other mechanisms the agency employs to protect and restore fish, wildlife, and the ecosystems on which they depend.

Aerial View of Satsop River – Photo Credit: WDFW

With that in mind,

Picture yourself working closely with the Fish In Fish Out (FIFO) group in the Fish Program to determine the best opportunities to develop watershed models related to new and ongoing fish monitoring efforts.

In this dynamic role you will help determine instream and watershed conditions that will be useful for predicting salmon habitat-use and productivity as determined through fish in and fish out monitoring conducted by the Fish Program.

You are excited to perform work that will synthesize scientific literature and inform new assessment tools related to watershed conditions metrics and data important to salmon.

The optimal applicants, use their knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals.

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

Duckabush Estuary – Photo Credit: Gov Agency

Our Watershed Process Scientist,

Assess measures and metrics related to salmon productivity (FIFO) to assess change through time in targeted number of watersheds across the State.

• Determine the extent and nature of instream and watershed habitat data that can support the development of creating models for salmon productivity.
• Develop a range of conceptual sampling frameworks, consistent with other sampling methods for characterizing fish habitat at multiple spatial scales using remote sensing, field sampling, and the combinations of the two sampling procedures.

Work closely with High Resolution Change Detection (HRCD) in the Spatial Analytics Section of the Habitat Science program) and the Intensively Monitoring Watershed (IMW) in the Habitat Assessment Section to coordinate learning opportunities from remotely sensed- and field- collected data.

• Become familiar with HRCD conceptual framework/model, its strengths and weaknesses, and its highest and best use to inform salmon productivity as measured by FIFO
• Become an expert on the IMW conceptual framework/model, its strengths and weaknesses, and its highest and best use to inform salmon recovery as measured by FIFO.

Report out on results of developing models and their utility as planning tools for guiding land uses more conducive to maintaining or improving salmon productivity

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • 80% of the work is conducted in the office with 20% in the field.
  • Field work will include stream sampling that will involve wading in shallow waters, occasionally walking over rough, uneven, and sometimes slippery terrain, and rarely carrying sampling equipment weighing less than 20 lbs. to field sites - all of these activities will be done with another person.
• Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 8-hours per day.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Local day trips lasting 1 - 2 days mostly in the spring, summer, and fall months.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Standard sampling gear for assessing aquatic habitat, including surveying equipment (total station) and water monitoring equipment (e.g., thermograph, piezometers).
• Customer Interactions:
  • Will be working with other scientists and experts - will require compelling science communication skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

AND

AND

Knowledge of:

• Aquatic species and their habitat associations including landscape scale drivers of aquatic functions.
• Pacific Salmon ecology and freshwater life history.

Ability to:

• Write up results of field study and publish scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals.
• Define parameters of population dynamics and evaluate pertinence of available data.
• Initiate and plan independent experimental research and coordinate research with the needs of the Department.
• Develop methods of data collection and interpret data, recommend how to implement results of research findings, and speak and write effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD. Degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Sciences/Habitat, Watershed/Landscape Ecology, Salmon Ecology, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of successful completion of professional work, e.g., two (2) science publications as first author.
• Experience with computer modeling in R and GIS.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 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:

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.

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.

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