Killer Whale And Salmon Biometrician/Fish Biologist - Research Scientist 2 - Permanent - *08860-24

Title- Killer Whale and Salmon Biometrician/Fish Biologist

Classification- Research Scientist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program- Fish Management Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington- Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Orca pod- Photo Credit: Damte Aubert

Embrace this unique role and collaborate with staff from other management agencies and workgroups around the West Coast to develop new analyses and review assessments conducted by other agencies.

With your experience, you will develop methods to assess how fisheries impact prey species abundance and apply those methods to understand how prey abundance changes caused by fisheries affect Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) demographics.

We are seeking a candidate to assist the WDFW modeling unit or policy staff with grant proposals to fund pertinent research, application and code development for SRKW or salmonid modeling tools, evaluations of the effect of management actions on salmonid or SRKW populations, and reviewing technical documents.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will,

Senior Biometrician/Statistical Consultant.

• Serve as a senior statistical consultant for SRKW and salmonid interactions for the WDFW modeling unit, policy leads, and statewide biologists: 
• Develop and apply innovative research methods for a) estimation of key demographic parameters for SRKW populations, b) stock assessment methodology for fish populations, c) assessment of SRKW population viability using advanced statistical and modeling techniques.
• Serve as an agency expert on the development of techniques to examine the spatio-temporal distribution of salmon and SRKW inside Washington State and along their wider migratory range. Assess the capability of current data to address the information needs using statistical theory and if needed design new data collection protocols to fill gaps.
• Review and analyze available information on SRKW dietary compositions (prey and stocks consumed) to inform analyses conducted.   Identify data gaps and make recommendations to management agencies on the West Coast to advance dietary research.
• Ensure that study methodology and analytical techniques are scientifically defensible.
• Collaborate with biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC), the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), and Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) to advance analytical techniques.
• Produce reports that summarize analyses and explore SRKW-salmon policy issues. 

WDFW Representative for Workgroups Related to SRKW and Salmon Population Assessments (PSC, PFMC, co-manager-NOAA).

• Serve as a WDFW representative on the PSC Chinook Technical Committee Research and Development (R&D) workgroup.   Participate in discussions to review and contribute to the development of improved Chinook abundance estimates and modeling techniques.
• Serve as the WDFW lead representative on the co-manager-NOAA SRKW workgroup.  Work collaboratively with the federal and tribal management agencies to develop analyses to support domestic management strategies.  Lead workgroup meetings and identify analytical needs to address SRKW issues.
• Collaborate with management agencies around the West Coast on workgroups as needed to ensure the best available science for SRKW analysis and to reduce analytical redundancies.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is primarily completed in an office setting or at workgroup meetings.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday.

Travel requirements: Frequent travel for workgroups, typically between 5 and 10 meetings per year that are 4-5-days in duration.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in statistics, biostatistics, quantitative ecology, or quantitative fisheries.

And

Two (2) years of experience as a biometrician in the natural resources field.

And

Ability to conduct research at the Ph.D. level.

Please note: A Ph.D. in statistics, biostatistics, quantitative ecology, or quantitative fisheries may substitute for the required experience.

Job Knowledge:

• Expert in understanding of statistical theory and its application to analytical techniques, experimental design and field sampling methodology.
• Expert in understanding the use and application of the scientific method to natural resource science and management.
• Expert in understanding quantitative methodology.

Other skills and abilities:

• Ability to operate effectively for extended periods of time with little or no supervision in all aspects of job.
• Ability to lead technical work groups to achieve objectives on schedule.
• Proficiency in writing and reviewing scientific reports.
• Proficiency in effectively communicating (in writing and verbally) technical information and analytical results to fisheries managers policy makers, fisheries scientists, and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other agencies.

License: Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Proficiency using computer programming languages to develop statistical models and applications (R experience preferred).
• Experience in fisheries stock recruit relationships and SRKW/salmon population dynamics.
• Familiarity with spatial distribution estimation techniques. 
• Familiarity with dietary analysis
• Experience using Microsoft computer programs such as Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Comfortability using database systems to retrieve data used in analyses (e.g., using SQL queries and/or R).

Your application should include the following:

• 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 (3) 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 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 cheri.weld@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-08860.

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