Title- Toxics Biological Observation System Lead Scientist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) unit
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- Position is approved to telework up to four (4) days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

By connecting science to policy, this role guides contaminant remediation efforts to improve the health of aquatic species in Puget Sound.

This position serves as a lead for WDFW’s Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS), a vital long-term monitoring program that tracks toxic contaminants and their effects on Puget Sound’s aquatic species. As an ecotoxicology expert, this position directs studies, leads a specialized team of scientists and technician, and translates scientific findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers. It serves as the primary technical liaison with remediation management practioners across multiple state and federal agencies - including Ecology, the EPA - to guide contaminant remediation efforts needed to protect aquatic ecosystems. This position also ensures TBiOS research advances ecosystem recovery goals outlined in the Puget Sound Partnership’s Action Agenda. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Toxics Biological Observation System Lead Scientist will,

Provide scientific leadership and direct TBiOS monitoring science and research activities 

• Prioritize, design, coordinate and oversee new and existing research and long-term monitoring ecotoxicological studies to evaluate the extent and magnitude of toxic contaminants in Puget Sound to inform remediation efforts and ecosystem recovery.
• Act as the Agency’s designated technical consultant regarding the impact of toxic contaminants on WDFW’s ability to preserve, protect, and perpetuate aquatic species.
• Oversee and direct development of TBiOS ecotoxicological methodologies, modeling efforts, and evaluation of the food web supporting Chinook salmon and southern resident killer whales.
• Establish a science-policy interface with the Toxic Contaminants Policy Lead and share TBiOS science information to inform WDFW decision-making regarding Puget Sound ecosystem recovery.

Manage TBiOS program effectiveness

• Develop a ecotoxicological monitoring and research work plan that identifies monitoring and research priorities and addresses information gaps and uncertainties resulting from on-going TBiOS monitoring and regional contaminant research study findings. Develop a clear unit structure outlining priorities and roles of employees at each level that account for team growth and retirements.
• Oversee a $4.5 million biennial budget and administer payable and receivable contracts in coordination with Management Analyst 3.
• Coordinate with TBiOS database manager (IT Data Management - Journey) and TBiOS Research Scientists and Biologists to develop data collection and data management protocols and applications to manage TBiOS data.
• Supervise and mentor other TBiOS Research Scientists, Biologists, and Technicians

Communicate TBiOS science to accelerate and achieve recovery goals for Puget Sound

• Publish ecotoxicological research findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, web-outlets, and oral presentations to communicate TBiOS science to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences and stakeholders ranging from scientists and technical experts to ecosystem remediation practitioners, legislative staff, policy specialists, and the general public.
• Consult with and advise state, federal, and local agencies, Tribes, and other entities regarding the impact of toxic contaminants on Puget Sound biota and recovering ecosystem health.
• Communicate TBiOS information with remediation practitioners and other managers who specialize in adaptive management strategies to prioritize remediation activities to reduce the impacts of contaminants in the ecosystem.
• Develop a communications plan in coordination with the Communications Consultant 3 assigned to work with TBiOS on toxic contaminants.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: The incumbent will generally work in an office environment, but includes periods of field work for data collection, lab work for sample processing, and travel to meetings with regional scientists and ecosystem recovery practitioners. The office environment is a home office or open cubicle situated in a group of cubicles occupied by other TBiOS Team members. Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitors for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time. Field studies may involve working on boats, or walking along Puget Sound shorelines, sometimes at night or during inclement weather. The incumbent may be asked to lift heavy objects up to 40 pounds (e.g., ice-filled coolers). Hazards of field operations may include motion sickness, slipping and falling on boat decks, shoreline rocks, and injury from handling fish and invertebrates possessing spines or claws. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. In the lab, the incumbent may stand or sit while performing repetitive, sometimes tedious dissections of fish or invertebrate samples. 

Schedule: Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the incumbent 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: Occasional driving long distances throughout western Washington, sometimes at night.  During field surveys, the incumbent may spend up to five (5) days away from home on a boat or in motels.

Tools and Equipment: Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, cell phone, copy machine, etc.), lab equipment (e.g., scalpels, syringes, meat grinders), and field equipment (e.g., small boats and outboard motors, beach seines, gill nets, etc.)

Customer interaction: Frequent contact (likely daily) with various representatives from local, state, federal agencies, tribes, and non-governmental organizations, as well as the occasional interactions with public (e.g., recreational fishers). Interactions typically comprise oral presentations and briefings, and participation in various committees and professional working groups.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: A Master's degree in biology, zoology, mathematics, ecotoxicology, ecology or closely allied field and four (4) years of professional experience designing, conducting, and supervising multidisciplinary wildlife, habitat or fish-related ecotoxicological research studies in addition to three articles published or in press in refereed literature, (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author).

Option 2: A Doctoral degree in biology, zoology, mathematics, ecotoxicology, ecology or closely allied field and two (2) years of professional experience designing and implementing wildlife, habitat, fish-related ecotoxicological research studies in addition to three articles published or in press in refereed literature, (two articles must be as a senior author, the third must be as senior or secondary author).

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

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

In addition to the requirement options above, the incumbent must have experience in/with the following:

• Knowledge of ecotoxicology principles as they relate to TBiOS (Toxic Contaminants in Biota Surveillance).
• Understanding of chemical contaminants commonly found in Puget Sound biota—including legacy pollutants and emerging contaminants—their ecological impacts and associated quality assurance considerations.
• Familiarity with the life history and ecology of species monitored by TBiOS, including how life history traits influence contaminant exposure and biological effects.
• Experience developing and implementing analytical approaches to investigate contaminant-related research questions and interpret contaminant data using evidence-based methods.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced employee performance management standards and practices (e.g., performance evaluation, recognition and reward, and corrective action and discipline).

Experience in: 

• Working with descriptive, comparative, and advanced statistical or modeling approaches.
• Using statistical programming languages and/or platforms such as R.
• Writing scientific reports and peer-reviewed research articles.
• Evaluating multiple sources of information, including data generated by the incumbent and the scientific literature to write clear and concise scientific narratives.
• Articulating scientific concepts and facts, both orally and in writing.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and to general audiences.
• Using background, language, and concepts appropriate for each target audience.

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 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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