Working Title- Coho Salmon Fisheries Modeler
Classification- IT Data Management—Journey 
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Intergovernmental Salmon Unit
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.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity provide stock and fishery resource assessments while advising the WDFW management team on critical technical issues.

With your experience, you will design technical research studies, develop and review model inputs, and design databases and code to store and seamlessly integrate model inputs with Fishery Regulation Assessment Model (FRAM) processes.

You are excited to advise and work collaboratively with biologists from Fish Management Division, Science Division, Director’s office, other state agencies, Federal agencies, and tribal governments.

We are seeking a candidate to be our senior-level professional responsible for conducting salmon stock and fishery resource assessments and analysis with high risk and impact to state-wide, coast-wide, and international salmon management.
 

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

Data Management.

• Develop, update, and maintain databases (Salmon Forecasts, Fishery Regulations, etc.) that are integral to running fishery models and preserving the salmon resources of the State.
• Integrate new and existing databases into modeling processes to standardize queries and data sources, reduce transmission error, streamline work tasks, and seamlessly populate FRAM and run reconstruction databases.
• Develop and maintain FRAM model output using a variety of technical skills and programs such as SQL queries, EXCEL, and R to provide graphical and tabular summaries of fishery and stock data.
• Write and maintain database and model documentation.
• Maintain the code of and compile the annual coho run reconstruction.

Stock and Fishery Resource Assessments.

• Provide stock and fishery resource assessments for coho and Chinook by major watershed or management unit.
• Conduct resource studies critical to investigating outdated modeling assumptions such as natural and release mortality rates.
• Analyze coded-wire tag recoveries and develop methods to estimate exploitation rates with the goal of updating the existing Coho base period used by state, federal, tribal, and international agencies coast-wide from Alaska, Canada, to Washington, Oregon and California.
• Develop and assess viable population goals for federally listed populations of salmon and steelhead.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: The working environment is almost exclusively office or meeting rooms, using a laptop computer.   Requires travel and participation in meetings with variable or uncertain schedules during the North of Falcon process, often requiring significantly more than 40 hours of work per week.   Policy level negotiations over conservation and allocation of harvest in Pacific Northwest salmon fisheries depend critically upon results of computer simulation modeling supported by this position, sometimes creating an intense work environment.

Schedule: Typically, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with significant overtime necessary during salmon season setting process.

Travel requirements: Some travel during salmon season setting and for committee work.

Customer Interactions: Position interacts with sport and commercial stakeholders and highly skilled professionals from Tribal, State, Federal, and international institutions (NWIFC, PSC, PFMC, DFO, ODFW, ADFG, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in mathematics, statistics, natural science, or related field.

And

Four (4) years of experience in data modeling, relational database design, SQL, and/or quantitative analysis or statistics.

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

Proficient in:  R, SQL, EXCEL, and ACCESS.

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

• Knowledge of methods to assess the status and viability of populations.
• Demonstrated capability working with the coast wide coded-wire tag database, the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS).
• Familiarity with salmon and steelhead life histories.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing regulations, methods, and gear.
• Proven capability for effective communication and leadership in cooperative, team or committee environment.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision to proactively solve problems.

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 - WFSE:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).   This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

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 #2025-05090.

Follow us on social media: 
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram