Quantitative Fish Ecologist - Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1 - Non-Permanent - *05048-25
Title- Quantitative Fish Ecologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-permanent
Appointment Length- *Five (5) months
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- This position may be eligible for telework up to four (4) days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
*This appointment has the possibility of extension past the established end date.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This position leads the development of scientific methods and the coordination of research assessing the impacts of piscivorous fish predators on outmigrating salmon and steelhead. The role involves complex simulation modeling, strategic planning for future assessments, and improving data analysis techniques using existing research. It oversees data management within the Coast Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit and supports statewide initiatives related to piscivorous fish.
The position is also responsible for preparing reports and peer-reviewed publications and effectively communicating findings to scientific and conservation communities. The research informs salmon conservation and restoration strategies across agency and partner organizations.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Quantitative Fish Ecologist will,
Design non-native fish suppression and evaluation program in Chehalis River:
- With supervisor, co-lead the development, writing, and implementation of a scientifically informed non-native fish suppression and evaluation program in the Chehalis River.
- Apply complex statistical modeling approaches that integrate previously collected data to simulate fish suppression scenarios and predict outcomes.
- Critically examine current and past research to assure optimum use of sampling data presented and to recommend improved techniques for data collection to meet project goals.
- Collate and stay up to date on relevant scientific literature.
Develop research and communicate results:
- Pursue original research addressing key questions relevant to the impacts of non-native fish on salmon conservation and recovery.
- Develop and cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations with WDFW and external scientists.
- Communicate the value and results of their work with other scientists and conservation/restoration practitioners from multiple organizations.
- Identify funding opportunities and apply for grants to support continued research.
- Preparing contractual reports and peer-reviewed publications addressing salmonid ecology, habitat relationships, abundance, conservation, management, and recovery generated by models.
- Present study results at local, regional, and national professional meetings.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Generally, work is performed in an office setting. Work includes periods of field work for data collection and meetings with local biologists and managers. As part of the field work, the incumbent may work in moving water for extended durations. Walking, floating in rafts, and snorkeling in rivers may occur during surveys. During these surveys, surveyors may walk or swim over slippery and/or unstable rocks, logjams, through and around deep pools, and through thick vegetation. Exposure to insects, thorny/spiny vegetation, pollen, inclement weather, and cold or hot conditions may be common. Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting will be required. Working in a rural setting, surveyors may encounter hostility or threats from landowners and their pets and possible wildlife encounters. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days): The incumbent will generally work on a 5-day, 40 hour/week schedule.
Travel Requirements: Sporadic travel, primarily in the western Washington region
Tools and Equipment: Office equipment, drysuit, snorkeling equipment, waders and wading boots, laboratory equipment.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: A Doctoral degree with a major in fisheries science, population biology, or wildlife ecology OR mathematics or statistics with emphasis in animal population or management.
Option 2: A master’s degree in wildlife, habitat, or fisheries science, biology, zoology, or in mathematics with emphasis on animal population biology, or closely allied field and two (2) years of professional experience designing and conducting wildlife, habitat, or fish-related research studies; or statistical or mathematical research in population biology or population management
Option 3: Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Incumbent should acquire and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications upon appointment.
- Safety training identified by WDFW Safety Office will be required prior to engaging in any fieldwork.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience in/with:
Computer coding: Expertise coding and modifying existing code of statistical programming languages and/or platforms including R. Experience with GIS tools, including manipulating and analyzing spatial data.
Data analysis: Ability to develop and execute analytical approaches to address scientific questions, and ultimately draw conclusions from biological data based on facts and evidence. Expertise with descriptive, comparative, and advanced statistical approaches. Expertise of statistical programming languages and/or platforms such as R. Working understanding of mark-recapture analysis, bioenergetics modeling, and Bayesian modeling.
Communication: Ability to clearly articulate scientific concepts and facts, both orally and in writing. Experience presenting research findings at scientific conferences and to general audiences. Aptitude for using background,
language, and concepts appropriate for each target audience. Ability to clearly describe research plans to project collaborators, coordinate activities among multiple collaborators, and provide project status updates.
Organization: Ability to set clear project objectives, develop a work plan and meet deadlines. Proficiency in setting and achieving interim project milestones consistent with long-term research priorities. Ability to plan research expenditures and track budgets.
Writing: Demonstrated success in writing scientific reports and peer-reviewed research articles. Ability to evaluate multiple sources of information, including data generated by the incumbent and scientific literature, to synthesize a narrative that builds biological knowledge. Aptitude for critical thinking, intellectual autonomy, and crafting precise language.
Field experience: Some experience with fisheries sampling techniques in rivers and streams, including electrofishing, redd surveys, PIT tags, angling, snorkeling, rafting, and/or wading.
Pacific northwest freshwater ecology: Knowledge of freshwater ecology, including fish species life history, habitat, ecology, and population dynamics.
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 pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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 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 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 support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov