Freshwater Ecology Research Lead – Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 2 – Permanent – *00339-25

Working Title– Freshwater Ecology Research Lead 
Classification– Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 2 
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program– Habitat Program – Science Division 
Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County 
Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.   The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 4 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor. 

This recruitment is posted until February 10, 2025, with a first review of applications to take place on January 27, 2025.  Application review will be ongoing, and therefore, we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.  This recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to address the Program’s scientific questions, with the goal of helping the Program make scientifically informed decisions.

Be a central figure in ensuring that the research team produces high-quality scientific data and information that can be used to inform Habitat Program policies and decisions that impact freshwater fish and their habitat.

We are seeking a candidate to oversee and provide scientific leadership to the freshwater ecology research team to promote the protection and conservation of freshwater ecosystems now and into the future.

WHAT TO EXPECT 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Provide scientific direction and oversight to the research team.

• Elevate and facilitate resolution of research team staff needs and safety concerns.
• Ensure that all scientific products produced in the research team meet best available science standards and are relevant to Habitat Program work.
• Facilitate collaborative projects between research teams in the section and division.
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities to support the work of the research team.
• Manage all grants that are led within the research team.

Supervise the research team.

• Supervise and provide support to the staff in the Freshwater Ecology research team.
• Ensure that research team staff are coordinating and communicating with the Habitat Program Divisions about relevant work to ensure products are aligned with Habitat Program needs.

Provide scientific expertise and support for projects with the research team.

• Develop detailed research proposals for scientific projects within your area of expertise.
• Independently lead the implementation of research projects within your area of expertise. This could include conducting desk-based research (such as literature reviews), facilitating and leading field studies, ensuring data collected meets best available science standards, ensure QAQC is conducted on all scientific data collected, analyze data, create visualizations, and contribute to written products.
• Independently produce and complete high-quality scientific reports in a timely manner. Lead the production of at least one peer-reviewed publication or report a year.
• Participate in monthly division research meetings with the goal of providing input and suggestions for improvement of scientific projects in the division and assist and collaborate with other research.

Be the subject matter expert in your area of expertise for the Habitat Program and Agency.

• Be available to other members of the Division, Program, and Agency as a subject matter expert and source of scientific knowledge within your area of expertise.
• Participate on technical groups and committees as assigned.
• Remain up to date on the literature and new techniques in your area of expertise.
• Participate and engage in professional societies and groups relevant to your field.

Working Conditions:

Work setting:  Most work is performed in an office environment.  Occasionally perform field work in streams and rivers.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.

Travel requirements: Travel is required but infrequently. Travel will be mostly in state and associated with fieldwork at remote locations that will require occasional overnight stays. Travel overnight out of state may occur for training or for attending professional conferences.

Customer Interactions: Commonly interacts with other scientists in both the agency as well as external partners and with the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

A Master’s degree in stream ecology, riparian ecosystems, fisheries science, biology, zoology, fluvial geomorphology, or a related field with an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems. 

And

Four (4) years of professional experience designing, conducting, and leading multidisciplinary habitat or fish-related research studies.

And

Three (3) articles published or in press refereed literature (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author).

And

One (1) year of experience directly supervising professional staff conducting science.

 
Option 2:  

A Doctoral degree in stream ecology, riparian ecosystems, fisheries science, biology, zoology, geomorphology, or a related field with an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems. 

And

Two (2) years of professional experience designing, conducting, and leading multidisciplinary habitat or fish-related research studies.

And

Three (3) articles published or in press refereed literature (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author).

And

One (1) year of experience directly supervising professional staff conducting science.

 
Option 3:  

Three years (3) of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 1.

And

Three (3) articles published or in press refereed literature (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author).

And

One (1) year of experience directly supervising professional staff conducting science.

 
For ALL options above:

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and how ecological interactions and processes affect how these ecosystems support native fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical theories and approaches relevant to understanding freshwater ecosystems.
• Ability to initiate and plan independent experimental research; coordinate research with the needs of the Habitat Program; develop methods of data collection and interpret data; recommend how to implement results of research findings; speak and write effectively.
• Effectively conveys ideas and information using spoken language and written language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience/reader.
• Being tactful and sensitive when dealing with people with strongly held opposing viewpoints and when addressing “politically sensitive” matters are very important qualities for this position. Exemplary social and verbal communication skills are needed to ensure requests and actions are professional, objective, and not perceived by others as adversarial or unprofessional.
• Effectively organizes multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
• Successfully works with co-workers and within interdisciplinary teams by creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or collaborate on projects. Demonstrates interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Efficiently works with minimal supervision and is self-motivated; willing to train and mentor others if needed. Seek and act on opportunities to improve and streamline work processes.
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor professional staff and volunteers.

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

• Three (3) years of experience supervising professional staff conducting research.
• Experience producing scientific products to inform government policies and decisions.
• Expertise in freshwater ecosystems in Washington or the Pacific Northwest
• Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to water, fish, and endangered species; especially Hydraulic Project Approvals, The Growth Management Act, and the Shoreline Management Act.
• Expert knowledge of statistical methods including mixed models.
• Knowledge of database and GIS methods and the use of remotely sensed data.
• Experience conducting long-term ecological research and analyzing monitoring data.

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 (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 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 Cheri.Potter@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.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00339.

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