Ocean Fishery Monitoring Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – *09784-24

Working Title– Ocean Fishery Monitoring Biologist
Classification– Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Ocean Management
Duty Station– Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
 
With your experience, you will provide leadership and guidance to Scientific Technicians conducting ocean fishery sampling activities.
 
Design, plan, and coordinate ocean fishery sampling and collection of data for short-term quota management and long-term monitoring and management of ocean recreational and commercial fisheries.
 
Analyze and assess the collected data to inform sampling design change recommendations to support fish conservation efforts and provide sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities.
 
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ocean Fishery Monitoring Biologist will,
 
Organize, coordinate, and conduct ocean fisheries monitoring and data collection:

• Organize and conduct monitoring of ocean recreational and commercial fisheries in Ilwaco, Westport, and adjacent ocean access locations.
• Develop fishery sampling plans to ensure fishery monitoring and management needs will be met.
• Review existing sampling protocols and evaluate sample designs situationally; make recommendations to unit staff to ensure sampling data remain representative and to maintain the accuracy of catch estimates.
• Hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate Scientific Technician level field staff to ensure proper execution of sampling designs and reliable collection of catch and biological data.
• With input from unit data managers and lead, determine extent of sampling coverage necessary. Develop sample day schedules to maximize temporal and spatial sampling coverage with efficient use of unit and agency resources.
• Coordinate with WDFW units and outside agencies on staffing logistics and ocean and coastal fishery sampling needs.
• Monitor for, evaluate, and address field safety concerns. Utilize agency resources and oversee compliance with applicable WDFW safety policies to foster a safe and supportive field operating environment.

Assist with in-season and post-season fishery data analysis:

• Provide summary analyses and assessments of quantitative and qualitative data to unit lead during the ocean salmon fishing season, which may be used by fishery managers to inform changes to season structure.

Write reports:

• Draft and collaborate on annual reports analyzing methods, results, and performance of the sampling program.

Working Conditions:
 
Work Setting, including hazards: 80% office work, 20% field work. The work requires long and odd hours during the ocean fisheries. Field work hours are spent standing, bending, negotiating steep ramps, slippery surfaces, and unstable docks, boarding vessels, and occasionally lifting, handling, and manipulating fish up to 60 pounds. Field work is often conducted on docks or in moored boats above water, can take place in busy fish houses or in cannery rooms around various types of equipment and machinery, and involves the use of or being near sharp sampling tools and fishing gear. Coastal temperature and weather extremes may be encountered. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
 
Schedule: Typically, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Frequent long hours and weekend work during the field sampling season (typically May-September). Occasional overtime and holiday work. Potential for non-consecutive days off.
 
Travel Requirements: Travel is required to ports within Washington, including up to 8 hours driving in a day. Occasional overnight stays are required. Extensive in-state travel March through October.
 
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public to answer questions, explain sampling policy, and distribute catch and quota information. Address constituent concerns and develop solutions to encourage compliance and participation.
 
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: 
A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
 
Certifications/Licenses:
 
Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience with sample design and creel sampling.
• Knowledge of ocean commercial and recreational fisheries.
• Experience with Microsoft Access and Excel.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• 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 [email protected]. 
• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected].
 
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2024-09784.

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