Entry-level Ecologist in Washington State

Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2
$3117.00 – $4088.00    Range: 48

Recruitment 1446e-11   Opens: July 7, 2011       Closes: July 21,  2011
This recruitment is to fill a fulltime, permanent Private Lands Biologist position located in
the Walla Walla Field Office.

Job Summary
The Private Lands Biologist assists private landowners to improve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife habitat on their property through technical expertise and incentives provided by Federal and State conservation programs.  This biologist is the key local agency liaison with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Services Agency (FSA), and Conservation Districts.  The incumbent also works to obtain public access to private property for fish and wildlife related recreational activity.  Principal activities include:

• Making and maintaining contacts with landowners, farmers and other conservation partners. 
• Evaluating field sites to discern wildlife habitat issues, and to develop wildlife habitat plans to address those issues. 
• Advising landowners and farmers, verbally and in writing, how to improve value to wildlife on their land, and how to integrate such improvements with agricultural goals. 
• Seeking out and utilizing appropriate plant materials for ecological restoration of sites for wildlife.
• Implementing field practice trials focused on focused on restoration of wildlife habitat in agricultural settings. 

Work is typically performed within a 40 hour week, with occasional early morning, evening, and weekend duties.  This position involves frequent travel and includes about 50% field activities.  The work may include exposure to agricultural chemicals and agricultural equipment.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in biology or closely related natural science and at least one year of relevant experience.  Preferred qualifications include:  formal coursework in agronomy, plant sciences, or plant taxonomy with an emphasis on field identification; experience with ecological field studies, especially those associated with topics relevant to agricultural production; work with USDA Farm Bill programs.

Competencies -- the best qualified applicants will demonstrate abilities in the following areas:

1. Working knowledge of ecological restoration principles and techniques, especially as they apply to meeting habitat requirements for fish and wildlife.
2. Basic knowledge of federal, state, local and agency private lands conservation programs, especially those of the USDA Farm Bill; private landowner issues; agricultural and silvicultural practices; pesticide laws and application; local and state laws governing land use; and hunting and fishing regulations.
3. Proficient writing to include grant writing, and writing NRCS whole-farm plans for conservation
4. Basic understanding of contract development and administration
5. Proficiency with relevant software applications
• a. Microsoft Office, Terrain Navigator PRO
• b. ArcGIS, NRCS Customer Service Toolkit
6. Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively

How to Apply
As part of the application process, submit on separate WORD document a description of how you meet each one of the key competencies (1-6) above.  Provide a response for each competency separately.  Specify your work experience, completed training, and other accomplishments that demonstrate that you have the competency.  Be specific in describing with whom you worked, issues involved, and your role in the process. Include job titles, employers, and schools attended, as appropriate.  If you have no experience or training relative to a particular competency, just write “NA.”

In addition you must also submit a completed state application.  Fill out the state application thoroughly, listing all relevant employment and explaining the duties performed.  The information you provide on this state application will be used to determine whether you meet the qualifications for the position.   Send these materials to wdfwjobs@dfw.wa.gov.   If you have questions about this recruitment, you may also contact Margaret Gordon, Recruitment Specialist at 360 902-2209.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (360) 902-2207.