Description

Duties

Our Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will,

• Conduct assigned wildlife surveys, including aerial surveys.
• Assist in developing wildlife surveys for the district.
• Compile and analyze survey data and prepare summary reports.
• Collaborate with WDFW species specialists and data managers to access, manage, and analyze data.
• Analyze harvest and other available data, review literature, and apply professional experience to develop recommendations for wildlife management and recreation.
• Seek input on wildlife-related recreation from all types of wildlife users.
• Communicate harvest regulations, hunting opportunities, wildlife viewing, injured and nuisance wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and wildlife identification.
• Present information orally and in writing to variety of audiences.
• Respond to requests for information.
• Meet with members of the public to seal/pin/inspect select harvested species.
• Assist with capture, population augmentation, and translocation efforts.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Ability to perform aerial and water-based surveys. Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and over rough terrain. Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds. Ability to work with unpredictable and potentially dangerous wild animals.
  • This position requires critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data; the ability to follow oral and written directions; the ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features; willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work; a willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner; a willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner; a willingness to accept supervision; an ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner; and an ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • Work hours are generally 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
  • During field seasons incumbent should expect long irregular hours, travel, and occasional weekend work.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent travel to field sites within the district. Occasional out of state and overnight travel.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Motor vehicles, off road vehicles, and small boats are used in field situations.
  • Incumbent should be able to safely load and transport equipment and gear.
  • Field equipment is that associated with field biology (e.g., binoculars, GPS units, map and compass, wildlife capture equipment, chemical immobilization drugs, and firearms).
• Customer Interactions:
  • Considerable interaction with hunters, wildlife viewers, other wildlife enthusiasts, private landowners, and the public.
  • Regular interaction with other natural resources professionals.

Qualifications

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

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

And

• One (1) year of professional experience in wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

Or

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Please note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for the required experience.

License:

• Valid driver’s license.

Training:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for first aid/CPR, firearms, chemical immobilization of wildlife, ATVs, flight safety, and watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in wildlife biology/management or a closely related field.

Job knowledge:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife survey methods and appropriate statistical analysis.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Wildlife species identification.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
• Data management and statistical programs such as MS Access, MS Excel, and R.
• ArcGIS spatial data manipulation.
• Personal computer hardware and software (MS Office) proficiency.

Ability to:

• Conduct ground and aerial (fixed-wing and helicopter) surveys and radio telemetry monitoring.
• Make sound inferences based on available data.
• Speak effectively to both professional and general audiences.
• Write effectively for scientific and general public.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data on animal presence/absence, use, and movement

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

Supplemental Information

• 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.

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• 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.