Creel Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – *08892-24

Working Title– Creel Biologist
Classification– Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station– Forks, Washington – Jefferson County
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

With your experience, you will provide leadership and guidance to Scientific Technicians while conducting creel surveys (angler and fishing guide interviews).  
 
Participate in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management in District 16 streams, including but not limited to the Quillayute and Hoh basins.
 
Summarize and report your findings to the lead biologist, who will use the data and your recommendations to update annual forecasting and harvest management models.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Creel Biologist will,
 
Implement creel survey study designs, conduct creel surveys, and provide data management and project reporting:

• Use department-developed tools to implement rigorous creel study designs and sampling plans for creel monitoring of salmon and steelhead recreational fisheries.
• Ensure the study data collected adheres to study design and the highest standards of scientific integrity.
• Participate in creel surveys by interviewing anglers, performing effort counts, conducting census counts, collecting biological samples, and providing daily summaries.
• Coordinate creel data management tasks, including data entry and data quality control procedures, and ensures they are accomplished on schedule.
• Perform routine audits of data to ensure data accuracy; corrects errors.
• Prepare and report accurate data summaries, assessments, and recommendations to the lead biologist.

Supervise, schedule, and lead Scientific Technicians (ST2 and ST3) in the collection and compilation of creel data:

• Schedule and direct career seasonal ST2 and ST3 field staff tasks on daily, weekly, and monthly basis depending on project deadlines and environmental factors.
• Train staff on field study design, sampling protocols, and safety procedures.

Working Conditions:
 
Work Setting, including hazards: Effort counts and angler interviews occur at a variety of popular sport fishing boat launch sites and access areas along the rivers. Locating anglers and performing counts may require hiking or boating long distances of streams, over slippery and uneven terrain, or driving to creel locations via state, federal, county, and private logging roads throughout the district using a state vehicle. Long periods of squatting, hiking, rowing, sampling at hatcheries, carrying, kneeling, occasionally lifting heavy equipment (40 lbs. or more), being around fish blood and slime, and the use of knives. Work is often conducted in inclement weather and during times of low light and darkness at the beginning and end of day. Census counts will be conducted by helicopter and potentially by raft or pontoon. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.
 
Schedule: 40 hours per week, to include weekends and two (2) weekdays. Extra hours may be needed to meet agency goals. Workdays and hours may change due to weather and river conditions. Flexible hourly and daily work schedule is necessary to perform tasks including early mornings and late nights. During the off-season, a more consistent schedule may be available. Holidays may be worked.
 
Travel Requirements: Considerable driving is required via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private logging roads.
 
Tools and Equipment: State vehicle, waders and wading boots, personal floatation devices (PFD), rain gear, sampling gear, and vests. Field surveys will be conducted by pontoon boat and helicopter flights. Survey data will be recorded on tablets and GPS units.
 
Customer Interactions: Coordination with agency, tribal, other government biologists, and members of the public for data collection and sharing and working with WDFW law enforcement to inform them of observed violations and aid in the enforcement of fishing rules. May include interactions with private landowners or members of the public experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.
 
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.
 
Certifications/Licenses:
 
Valid driver’s license.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification must be completed within 6 months of hire, renewal is expected annually.
• Requires completion of both “basic flight” and “water ditching and survival” training before working aboard small aircraft.

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

• Conducting angler interviews.
• As a crew lead or supervisor.
• Working with recreational anglers and guides.
• Creating, organizing, and querying Access and Excel databases, or knowledge of the R programming language.

Knowledge of:

• Salmonid species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, and fishery management methods.
• The North Coast area waters.
• The Quillayute and Hoh rivers’ fishing access areas.

Proficiency with and ability to:

• Use tablets for electronic data collection.
• Create and enter data into iFormBuilder forms.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Understand the broader context and connect work to the larger picture of ongoing conservation efforts

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-08892.
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