Mitchell Act Implementation and Weir Operations Research Biologist - F&W Bio 3 - Project - *04225-25
Title-Mitchell Act Implementation and Weir Operations Research Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 (Bio3)
Job Status- Full-Time/Project
Appointment Length- Two (2) years – Through June 2027
WDFW Program- Fish Program - ESA Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Note: The first review of applications will take place on June 30th. We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time when a selection has been made.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
We are seeking a senior-level, project-permanent Fish Biologist to join our Region 5 team, supporting our mission through fish management actions that enhance recreational fishing, monitor fish populations, and aid in fish conservation and recovery. This role leads strategic implementation of weir operations under the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion (MA BiOp), oversees seining activities on ten tributaries of the lower Columbia River, and estimates hatchery influence on wild salmon and steelhead. The biologist will also coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and assess conservation actions in the Lower Columbia River’s Coast Stratum. Additional responsibilities include participating in snorkeling surveys, directing field and lab research, and producing annual reports and presentations.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Mitchell Act Implementation and Weir Operations Research Biologist will,
Serves on interdisciplinary team responsible for implementation of monitoring actions and hatchery reform associated with the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion
- Assists with the development and innovative research studies to assess impacts of weir operations on wild salmon populations (i.e., “weir surrogates”) in collaboration with SW Washington LCR Fishery and Hatchery Policy Analyst, Lower Columbia Science Unit Leader, ESA/Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit lead/species leads, research scientists and external collaborators.
- Coordinates with R5 management and hatchery staff regarding future research studies to address information gaps associated with the implementation of the MA BiOp (new weir designs and locations, attraction factors for weir recruitment, etc.).
- Contributes to the development of the conservation hatchery fall Chinook programs on the Grays River and Abernathy Creek, including finalization of broodstock plan and protocols.
- Coordinates with SW Washington LCR Fishery and Hatchery Policy Analyst on MA BiOp weir operation/monitoring requirements to ensure research and monitoring aligns with permit requirements.
- Develops and reviews protocols for operating salmon management weirs in SW Washington (Region 5) in conjunction with LCR ESA Compliance/Tributary Fishery Manager, ESA/Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit lead/species and regional project leads, Lower Columbia Science Unit Leader, and research scientists, that ensure operations are occurring consistent with established MA BiOp requirements and objectives.
Oversees and leads seining and monitoring activities associated with weirs in tributaries of the lower Columbia River including permitting and land acquisition
- Oversees operation and data collection from seining activities below weirs in 10 tributaries of the lower Columbia River.
- Oversees operations and data collection from several lower Columbia River tributary weirs.
- Coordinates, leads and participates in adult seining and trapping activities to capture broodstock and assist with goals of the MA BiOp.
- Operates a 14 foot boat with jet pump for seining activities.
- Develops, reviews and edits applications for land acquisition for new locations and designs for weirs operated in the lower Columbia River.
Supervision and administrative duties
- Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads.
- Assesses training needs of staff and arranges for or provides instruction.
- Supervises and mentors technical and professional level staff to support an effective, motivated team.
- Assists with Region 5 fall hiring event where up to 50 non-permanent Scientific Technician 2’s are hired annually.
- Assists and/or leads with budget development and tracking as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Duties include office and fieldwork. When working outside could be exposed to hot daytime temperatures (>100 degrees at times) and cold (air temps in low 30’s combined with wind speeds >25 mph) conditions and often with wet slippery footing. Lift, carry, and load equipment up to 70 lbs (i.e., pontoon rafts, seine nets, buckets, electrofishing equipment, field gear, etc.). Employee will operate boats in rivers with fast flowing/whitewater conditions under all weather conditions. Sampling spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors. Ability to work alone in remote locations; under of the WDFW Working Alone in Remote Locations Policy (Policy#2001). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions for up to 6 miles per day.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days): This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. This position requires a flexible schedule and may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. Mainly 4-10’s Mon-Thursday, Depending on weather and stream conditions during field seasons may have some weekend and holiday day work.
Travel Requirements: Some local and regional travel may be necessary to attend trainings, meetings, or pickup/drop-off gear. Overnight travel is rare but possible. The employee will be required to operate an agency-owned vehicle regularly while on duty
Tools and Equipment: Full-sized trucks, pontoon rafts, power boats, basic hand tools, power tools, gradeall (forklift), knives, CWT wands, backpack electro-fisher, CB radios, GPS units, handheld data-loggers.
Customer Interactions: Frequent landowner interactions, public, and personnel from state and federal agencies. Landowners’ pets and wildlife encounters are other potential field encounters.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Plus:
- Experience with adult fish weirs (e.g., designs and functions)
- Experience using beach seining techniques
Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two years of the required experience
Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- CPR/First Aid certification (can be obtained after hire).
- Wilderness First Aid certification (can be obtained after hire).
- WDFWs snorkel training and certification, with completion within six months of hire and renewal expected every two years.
- WDFWs Swiftwater training certification, completion within six months of hire.
- WDFWs Oars training certification, completion within six months of hire.
- WDFWs Coldwater (Inland) training certification, completion within six months of hire
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Knowledge of:
- The Mitchell Act Biological Opinion as it relates to fish management requirements and hatchery operations.
- Salmon and steelhead ecology and adult and juvenile population assessment methods, study designs, and analyses.
- Lower Columbia River Chinook Salmon population structure and recovery plan viability objectives and threats.
Experience:
- Conducting statistical analysis and familiarity with associated computer programs/languages (e.g., R, JAGS, STAN, WinBUGS).
- Speaking and writing effectively.
- Gathering, summarizing, and analyzing data.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse workforce.
- Using online regional fishery databases (e.g., PTAGIS, RMIS and TWS).
- Towing and driving a 14 foot jet pump motorboat
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov