Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - Seabird and Marine Mammal Biologist - Permanent - *04401-22

Print


Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - Seabird and Marine Mammal Biologist - Permanent - *04401-22

Salary

$3,294.00 - $4,286.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2022-04401

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

03/25/2022

Closing Date

4/10/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

WDFW Recruitment Banner

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
 FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1

SEABIRD AND MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGIST
 WDFW Wildlife Program
 Olympia, Washington 

In this role, you will conduct professional biological studies and provides analysis and assessment of wildlife management data using established scientific principles and techniques. 

Our Seabird and Marine Mammal Biologist works closely with three other seabird and marine mammal biologists and together they form a team that conducts boat-based line transect surveys in Puget Sound, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the outer coast of Washington, and in the Columbia River up to Bonneville Dam. 

You will assist in collecting information on the distribution and abundance of marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals throughout the marine waters of Washington – both nearshore and pelagic.


Marbled Murrelet swimming on the water.

Marbled Murrelet – Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Pacific Region

With that in mind, 

With your experience, you will collect data on distribution and abundance of all seabirds (in both summer and winter plumages) and marine mammals encountered along transects as well as monitoring attendance at Washington seabird colonies.

The optimal applicant is able to identify Washington’s seabirds and marine mammals.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, working in a close-knit team and promoting a respectful and inclusive work environment.

We are seeking a candidate, who will support the WDFW mission of protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable fish and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities through habitat protection and enhancement activities.

Duties

Harbor Seals resting on the shore near the water's edge.

Harbor Seals – Photo Credit: Steve Koehler

Our Seabird and Marine Mammal Biologist, 

  • Collects nearshore and pelagic at-sea data using line transect distance sampling to collect detailed seabirds and marine mammal distribution and abundance data for use in determining habitat use, population distribution and abundance, and the relative importance (suitability) of different habitats.
  • Conducts surveys in accordance with the Marbled Murrelet Effectiveness Monitoring, Naval Base Monitoring, Columbia River, Scoter, and Port Susan survey protocols.
  • Enters, proofs, and summarizes biological data in specialized software and/or Excel including using summary statistics.
  • Co-authors year-end reports to federal funding agencies.
  • Communicates effectively with the public, federal, tribal, state, and county officials.
  • May assist with seabird and marine mammal research including observational data, capture operations, and sample preparation for diet analysis of seabirds and marine mammals.
  • May assist Research Scientists in the Wildlife Program with data collection, analysis, and report writing.
  • May supervise or lead assigned personnel or volunteers in the field. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
    1. Working primarily on a boat for long hours in adverse weather and sea conditions.
    2. Walking on slippery surfaces while maintaining balance.
    3. Exposure to chemicals possible.
    4. Long days at sea.
  • Schedule:
    1. 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday. Business needs may require work on weekends and Holidays.
  • Travel Requirements: 
    1. Frequent daily travel and overnight travel.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    1. Binoculars, range finder, laptop computer, GPS Units, VHF radio, camera, wireless headsets, voice recorders.
  • Customer Interactions:
    1. State, federal, tribal, and public entities.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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


OR

  • A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

License:

  • Valid driver’s license.

Training:

  • Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

In addition to the above:

  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience:

  • Identifying Washington’s seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, and Washington’s marine mammals.
  • Using line transect distance sampling from boats.
  • Spending long hours on a small boat at times in adverse weather and sea conditions.
  • Trailering, launching, retrieving, and operating vessels.
  • Preparing detailed written reports on technical studies.
  • Summarizing data in Excel or a similar software.
  • Applying standard statistical techniques to summarize research data.
  • Using standard field equipment.
  • Adapting to change.
  • Working in a close-knit team and promoting a respectful and inclusive work environment.
  • Communicating with public, federal, tribal, state, and county officials.
  • Applying principles and procedures of biological research and field methods.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: 

As a result of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) issued on August 9, 2021, all Washington State Agencies are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor prior to your first day of work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader)

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: 

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.

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

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 Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (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.

Yes Vets - Say yes to those who served.

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: 
 LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you possess a valid driver's license, or write "No" if you do not possess a valid driver's license.
02
Please select the option below that best describes your highest level of education.
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD.
  • None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
04
Please select the option below that best describes your experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
  • I do not have this experience.
  • I have less than 1 year of this experience.
  • I have between 1 year and 4 years of this experience.
  • I have 4 years or more of this experience.
05
Please BRIEFLY describe where you gained your experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
06
Do you have experience identifying Washington's marine mammals and seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have experience trailering, launching, retrieving, and operations vessels?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you have experience using line transect distance sampling from boats?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have experience applying standard statistical techniques to summarize research data?
  • Yes
  • No
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Facebook
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
  • FourWsFishingTeam - Linkedin
  • Other
11
If you selected "other" please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
12
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov
State of Washington Job Opportunities
Account
Terms Of Use
Your Privacy Choices
Accessibility Statement
Copyright © 2025