Toxics Monitoring Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - 3 Openings - Permanent - *12901-23

THREE (3) OPENINGS

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
 TOXICS MONITORING BIOLOGIST
 FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

Fish Program – Fish Management

Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Assess and monitor the health of the Puget Sound by conducting  studies to assess the extent and magnitude of contaminant exposure and effects on salmonids and other aquatic species.

Join WDFW’s Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) and Design, plan, develop, and implement ecotoxicological studies for TBiOS indicator species (such as salmonids, English sole, and Pacific herring), analyze and interpret results of these studies, and communicate the findings in scientific reports and to stakeholders.

Chinook fry – Photo Credit: Rachel Blomker
 

With your experience, you will use your detailed knowledge of the life history of an indicator species to decide when and where to sample, and the appropriate statistical power and other models to calculate sample sizes necessary to address testable hypotheses.

With that in mind, you will ensure data quality by applying appropriate quality assurance/quality control methods.

We are seeking candidates to coordinate and communicate with a wide range of WDFW and external stakeholders to impact key decisions regarding protection of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species and other resources.

Duties

Sorting trawl catch – Photo Credit: WDFW staff

Here is some of what you will be doing:

Under general direction of a senior Research Scientist, independently plan, develop, design, and implement ecotoxicological studies to meet the work plan of a long-term monitoring program of toxic contaminants in Puget Sound biota: 

• Design long-term monitoring surveys to assess status of and trends in contaminant exposure and effects for indicator species, including juvenile and adult salmonids, Pacific herring and/or English sole.
• Manage all aspects of project implementation, including conducting field sampling, staffing projects, data management, and oversight of lab activities in coordination with lab staff.
• Acquire appropriate ESA collection permits; write Quality Assurance Project Plans; coordinate sampling design and fish collections with hatchery managers, various local, state federal and tribal stakeholders as necessary; ensure contaminant data meet QA/QC goals and are correctly entered into the TBiOS database.

Analyze and interpret all project data including analytical chemistry, genomics, and life history data for evaluating the status and trends of toxic contaminants and their effects on the health of indicator species: 

• Primary responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of contaminant data and associated biometric data from indicator species.
• Use appropriate statistical tools and models including ANOVA, General Linear Model, Multivariate Dimensional Scaling, Principal Component Analysis, and others to test hypotheses generated in study plans.

Prepare, assess, and interpret information on the impacts of contaminant exposure on the viability of indicator species monitored by TBiOS, and regularly involve a wide range of stakeholders, including natural resource managers and policy makers from local, state federal and tribal entities:

• Assess the potential damage caused by contaminant exposure to indicator species.
• Develop recommendations to inform and impact management actions.
• Write peer-reviewed journal articles and reports and make oral presentations interpreting complex toxicological data for local, state, federal and tribal stakeholders responsible for implementing actions aimed at reducing contamination to recover ecosystem health.
• Participate in committees and/or workgroups to determine the role of contaminants in TBiOS indicator species health and survival and Puget Sound recovery.

Conduct laboratory studies:

• Conduct complex and detailed specimen examinations and dissections for biological metrics, analyses of toxic chemicals, disease, and/or genomic endpoints using clean or sterile techniques defined in the TBiOS standard operating procedures.
• Use specialized toxicological knowledge and experience to determine appropriate lab procedures for generating high-quality samples for a wide range of chemical analyses.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Most of the work is performed in an office or lab.  Incumbent will also work on boats in Puget Sound, sometimes in inclement weather, or over long hours into the night.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • Boat work may include conditions that can cause motion sickness.
  • Lift objects up to 40 lbs. in weight including sampling equipment, coolers full of samples and ice, and baskets of fish on the deck of a moving boat.
  • While in an office or lab, will perform repetitive, sometimes tedious dissections of fish or invertebrate samples.
• Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet field sampling requirements.
  • A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Driving long distances throughout western Washington, sometimes at night.
  • During field surveys, may spend up to 5 days away from home on a boat or in motels.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.).
  • Lab equipment (e.g., scalpels, syringes, meat grinders).
  • Field equipment (e.g., small boats and outboard motors, beach seines, lampara seines, etc.).
• Customer Interactions:
  • Frequent contact with various representatives from local, state, federal agencies, tribes, and non-governmental organizations, as well as occasional interactions with public (e.g., recreational fishers).

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in one or more of the following areas:
  • Fisheries.
  • Ecology.
  • Environmental Chemistry.
  • Toxicology.
  • Natural Resource Science.
  • Or closely related field.

And
 

• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

 
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 may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

License:

• Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

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

 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.Sc. in Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, or a closely related field.
• Understanding of basic ecotoxicological principles relating to TBiOS work activities and goals.
• Knowledge of the chemical contaminants that commonly occur in Puget Sound biota.
• Detailed knowledge of salmon, herring, English sole, or other Puget Sound biota biology and how life history strategies and habitat selection influence exposure to toxic contaminants.
• Experience with field capture techniques (e.g., use of nets and other capture devices) and sampling protocols for the collection of clean tissues for contaminant analyses, and other bioassays.
• Experience designing field studies suitable to assess contaminant exposure and effects in aquatic organisms.
• Experience analyzing patterns in the relative abundance of chemicals in tissues and identify time trends of contaminants.
• Experience applying statistical tools and models such as ANOVA, General Linear Model, Multivariate Dimensional Scaling, Principal Component Analysis to test hypotheses.
• Ability to analyze and manage data using R.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office WORD and EXCEL
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Define research problems and determine extent and type of information needed.
  • Initiate, plan and design independent experimental research.
  • Write clearly and efficiently for both technical and non-technical readers.
  • Communicate complex scientific information orally and in writing to users ranging from scientist-colleagues and Agency staff to interested lay audiences.
  • Focus on project outcomes and goals while observing protocols defined in relevant QAPPs and maintain high work standards while completing tedious lab and data procedures.
  • Work unsupervised in the office, field, or lab.
  • Make prudent judgments regarding when supervisor is needed to make decisions; and maintain contact with supervisor as needed.
  • Direct technicians, volunteers, and other biologists in the office, lab, or field.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and observe established safety protocols under sometimes stressful field conditions and ensure the same in field staff and volunteers; and organize volunteers for field sampling.
  • Manage, track, and perform a number of complex tasks simultaneously; plan and allot time efficiently to manage expectations for several projects simultaneously.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

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 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

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.

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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must 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 Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line must 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.

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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email JaymeChase@dfw.wa.gov, 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.
 
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