Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Coded Wire Tagging & Mass Marking - Permanent - *11315-21
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (BIO2)
CODED WIRE TAGGING & MASS MARKING
WDFW Fish Program
Olympia, Washington
Enjoy conducting biological studies and wishing to apply your scientific expertise towards monitoring, restoring, and managing fish and their natural habitats? Love the thrill of the outdoors and looking for a challenge? If so, apply to become a Fish & Wildlife Biologist!
As our Fish & Wildlife Biologist, you will be responsible for operating an automated manual mass marking and coded wire tagging wet lab at hatcheries and rearing ponds statewide.
With that in mind,
This is an opportunity for you to will plan, organize, direct, and conduct coded wire tag experiments.
The optimal candidate will apply their knowledge and analyze coded wire tag data to determine contribution rates, allocation, brood-stock identification, and effect of mark selective fisheries.
We are seeking a candidate who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.
Duties
*Tagging Mobile Wet Lab– Photo Credit: Jason Norton
Our Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2,
- Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts coded wire tag experiments statewide.
- Performs fish handling and netting fish from raceways into mobile wet lab.
- Ensures scientific random sampling to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
- Diagnoses and repairs problems with state-of-the-art automated marking/tagging mobile wet labs including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
- Conducts quality control checks for tag retention and clip quality after tagging.
- Analyzes coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using Regional Mark Information System (RMIS) coded wire tag database.
- Carries out and maintains research/experiment parameters – communicates research/experiment to hatchery employees.
- Oversees contract employees to perform coded wire tagging and mass marking; trains new employees and provides hazard communication training and monitors work product – assists in teaching WDFW staff in proper tagging and marking techniques.
- Compiles, Quality Checks (QC’s) and analyses data – provides marking and tagging data and summary reports/analysis for review and distribution to the requesting unit.
- Removes and repairs tagging mobile wet labs and all mechanical devices to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed in an automated coded wire tag mobile wet lab, a hatchery environment in variable inclement weather and in an office setting.
- Schedule:
- Typical work schedule is 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday with considerable overtime and possible shift work mainly in the Spring.
- Travel Requirements:
- Extensive travel and driving required – up to six months per year, 5 days a week.
- Tools and Equipment:
- Electric and basic hand tools.
- Customer Interactions:
- Frequent interactions with Biologists, Hatchery personnel, Tribal Staff and the general public.
- Other:
- Frequent standing, lifting and moving 40 pounds; routine work around hatchery ponds, and catwalks over hatchery ponds.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanics, electrical or plumbing, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
OR
- Associate degree or accredited certification in mechanics, electrical or plumbing, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
AND
- One (1) year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.
OR
- One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
OR
- Equivalent education/experience.
OR
Job knowledge & experience in:
- Mechanics, Electrical, Plumbing, Fishery Technologies, and/or Operating Tagging Mobile Wet Labs.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid Driver’s License.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
- Coded wire tag system.
- All types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.
Skills and Abilities:
- Operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
- Operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
- Working in a salmon hatchery environment.
- Supervising or directing employees.
- Work independently and be self-motivated.
- Working with hand tools for general repairs to mechanical devices.
- Performing data analysis leading to publication of research findings.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
- 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14 which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
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
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect. (ASPIRE)
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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.
MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
- 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.
Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
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.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
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.
*Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks.
Follow us on social media: