Title- Fisheries Research and Monitoring Analyst
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Science Division
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about using science to drive conservation and recovery efforts for wild salmon and steelhead? Join WDFW as a Fisheries Research Scientist and play a critical role in monitoring and research efforts that support fisheries management and species recovery in the Lower Columbia River.

This is an opportunity to support the assessment of wild salmon and steelhead populations using a life cycle monitoring framework to identify threats and inform management and recovery efforts. 

As a key member of the Lower Columbia Science Unit, you will analyze the impact of hatchery-produced salmon and steelhead on wild populations in compliance with the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion (MA BiOp) and other Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit requirements. 

Additionally, this role develops and implements advanced statistical analyses and supervises a research team conducting long-term monitoring on the Kalama River.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Research and Monitoring Analyst will,

Lead Technical Analyses for Projects Related to the Mitchell Act Biological Opinion (MA BiOp) and other Endangered Species Act (ESA) Permits, Employing Advanced Statistical Methodologies and Research Designs to Guide Scientific Studies:

• Serve as the agency’s principal scientific advisor on MA BiOp-related projects, providing expertise in research design and statistical methodologies.
• Lead complex statistical analyses for hatchery evaluation projects, refining statistical methods and coding for various assessment models (e.g., Coastal Chinook Integrated Population Model, R5 Steelhead Genetic Introgression Studies).
• Develop and lead innovative research studies assessing weir operations' impact on wild salmon populations in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee long-term research and monitoring projects on the Kalama River, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Ensure research and monitoring align with Mitchell Act Biological Opinion requirements, coordinating with relevant policy analysts and scientists.
• Develop protocols for salmon management weirs in SW Washington (Region 5), ensuring compliance with regulatory objectives.
• Provide technical advice and statistical support to ensure compliance with Fishery Management and Evaluation Plans (FMEPs).
• Author peer-reviewed publications, prepare technical reports, and deliver presentations to disseminate research findings and meet contract obligations.
• Assist in snorkeling activities by providing staff and/or participating directly in snorkels to estimate and monitor steelhead abundance and pHOS as prescribed in federal permit terms and conditions.

Lead the Study Design and Analysis for Region 5 Chinook Salmon Viable Salmon Population (VSP) Monitoring Program:

• Establish and maintain a professional network focused on salmon abundance estimation approaches and methodologies.
• Lead technical analyses for Chinook salmon monitoring programs throughout Region 5, collaborating with unit leaders and research scientists.
• Define and review study designs, field methods, and protocols for Chinook VSP monitoring.

Supervise Professional & Technical Staff:

• Supervise and mentor biologists and scientific technicians to maintain an effective and motivated team.
• Set goals, develop performance metrics, and ensure program objectives are met.
• Monitor work progress to ensure timely completion and quality control.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work primarily in an office environment with telework available part time, and periodic fieldwork.
• Fieldwork may involve working outdoors in extreme temperatures, ranging from over 100 degrees during the day to low 30s with wind speeds exceeding 25 mph.
• Conditions may include wet, slippery surfaces and rough terrain.
• Rarely lift up to 30lbs of large, live fish (with or without assistance).
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Assistance with snorkeling in rivers may be needed on occasion but is a non-essential function of this position.

Schedule: 5-day, 40-hour workweek. May require work beyond 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to complete field and office duties.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout Washington and to other states for meetings and special projects.

Tools and Equipment: Vehicles, pontoon rafts, backpack electrofishers, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag applicators, temperature loggers and downloading equipment, coded wire tag (CWT) and PIT tag wands, Citizens Band (CB) radios, GPS units, and snorkeling gear.

Customer Interactions: Engage with the public through landowner contacts, presentations, and data requests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

• A Doctoral degree with major in mathematic or statistics with emphasis in animal population or management, natural resource science or management with an emphasis in mathematics or statistics relative to animal population biology or management.

OR

• A master’s degree in wildlife, habitat, or fisheries science, biology, zoology, or in mathematics with emphasis on animal population biology, or closely allied field.

OR 

• Five (5) years of professional experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 or equivalent.

OR

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

AND all of the following: 

• Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience designing statistical or mathematical research in one of the following:
  • Population biology.
  • Population management.
  • Designing and conducting wildlife, habitat, or fish-related research studies.
     
• Published Articles: Two (2) articles published or in press in refereed literature.
  • One (1) article must be as senior author, the second article must be as senior or secondary author.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Incumbent must acquire a valid first aid and CPR training card within six (6) months of hire and maintain certification.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal expected annually.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

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

Experience:

• Conducting statistical analyses and familiarity with associated computer programs/languages such as R, Python, TMB, Stan, and JAGS.
• Utilizing online regional fishery databases like PTAGIS and RMIS.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced mathematics and statistical analytical procedures.
• The Mitchell Act Biological Opinion (MA BiOp) as it relates to fish management requirements and hatchery operations.
• Salmon and steelhead ecology and adult and juvenile population assessment methods, study designs, and analyses.
• Lower Columbia River Chinook Salmon population structure, recovery plan viability objectives, and threats.
• Adult fish weirs, including their design and function.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to gather, summarize, and analyze data.
• Capability to draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Logical reasoning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse workforce.

Certification: 

• WDFW snorkel training and certification.

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 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05872.

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