Wildlife Research Scientist – RS1 or RS2 – Permanent – Two positions – *13341-24

Positions – Two (2)
Title– Wildlife Research Scientist
Classification– *Research Scientist 1 and Research Scientist 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Science Division 
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County (other duty stations may be considered at the discretion of the hiring supervisor)
*We are hiring for one (1) Research Scientist 1 and one (1) Research Scientist 2. Selected candidates will be hired into the class which best aligns with their qualifications – this recruitment does not offer an in-training option. 

Depending on which classification you are hired at, your monthly salary will be as follows:
Research Scientist 1 – $6,227.00 – $8,170.00 
Research Scientist 2 – $6,876.00 – $9,245.00

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Lead wildlife research to help inform conservation priorities! In this role, you’ll generate valuable new insights and conduct scientific analyses that address both ongoing and emerging conservation challenges, aligning with our agency’s commitment to embracing new knowledge and applying the best science to address changing conditions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing research studies, surveys, and long-term monitoring efforts to deepen our understanding of the ecological needs, population trends, and habitat relationships of priority species.
• Collaborating with managers and policymakers to identify knowledge gaps, develop research objectives, and deliver scientific findings that inform conservation decisions.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Research Scientists may,

• Design, coordinate, facilitate, and implement research studies to answer questions of relevance to wildlife management and conservation.
• Provide expertise on issues related to species-habitat relationships, listed species, and species of greatest conservation need.
• Provide statistical consultation for Wildlife Divisions, Regions, Policy, or other partners as appropriate.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work at remote field sites in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying or moving up to 40 pounds. Load and transport equipment and gear. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. May include non-scheduled work weeks and irregular hours.

Travel Requirements: Travel over night for field research and attend meetings and conferences.

Tools and Equipment: Motor vehicles and small boats.

Customer Interactions: Minimum customer interactions and interactions with distraught customers.

Qualifications:

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

To qualify for the Research Scientist 1 position: 

Option 1: A master’s degree in wildlife sciences, wildlife biology, or zoology 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 plus two (2) articles published or in press in refereed literature, (one article must be as senior author, the second article must be as senior or secondary author.).

Option 2: Five (5) years of professional experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 or equivalent and two (2) years of professional experience designing statistical or mathematical research in population biology or population management or designing and conducting wildlife, habitat, or fish-related research studies.

To qualify for the Research Scientist 2 position: 

Option 1: A Doctoral degree in wildlife sciences, wildlife biology, or zoology with emphasis on animal population biology or closely allied field and two (2) years of professional experience designing, conducting, and supervising multidisciplinary wildlife research studies plus three (3) articles published or in peer-refereed literature, (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author.) 

Option 2: A Doctoral degree in wildlife sciences, wildlife biology, or zoology with emphasis on animal population biology or closely allied field and three (3) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 1 designing, conducting, and supervising multidisciplinary wildlife research studies. 

Licenses: Valid driver’s license 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• First aid and ethics certification within 6 months of employment
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification the following activities dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability:
  • Aircraft safety training must be taken before first flight.
  • Watercraft operation
  • Wildlife chemical immobilization and handling

Preferred Qualifications:

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

A Ph.D. in wildlife sciences, wildlife biology, or zoology with emphasis on animal population biology or closely allied field

Advanced Knowledge of:

• Advanced statistics and data analysis.
• Scientific methods and protocols. 
• Research study design.
• Software packages for advanced statistical analysis of data; database and spreadsheet software.
• Animal behavior.
• Species identification.
• Advanced knowledge in a recognized area of wildlife ecology.

Demonstrated Experience: 

• Analyze and interpret research data using statistical programs.
• Design study protocols.
• Design/identify research strategies to address key management issues.
• Write and publish scientific reports to communicate statistical and other findings.
• Create models or projections based on computer analysis.
• Research, gather, organize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Communicate research finds to management and policy makers based on results of scientific studies.
• Organize, coordinate, or lead research studies.
• Develop and manage budgets for research project activities.
• Identify and pursue outside funding sources for research project activities.
• Observe or assess condition or quality of wildlife populations or their habitat.
• Collect/record information on the prevalence and/or distribution of wildlife or its habitat.

Your application should include the following:

• Copies of required published articles (depending on qualification pathway)
• 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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 the job number in the subject line:

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