Senior Research Scientist

Title- Senior Research Scientist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program

Duty Station- Wenatchee, Washington - Chelan County

Wenatchee, Washington is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate, other duty stations may be considered.

This recruitment will be posted until August 20, 2024 with a first review taking place on August 6, 2024. Application review is ongoing, please submit your application materials as soon as possible. This recruitment may be closed at anytime following the first review.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW

Wild Steelhead before release - Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell

Join WDFW as the leader of the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit, overseeing five (5) dynamic research teams across Eastern Washington focused on anadromous salmonid hatchery programs.

This pivotal role supports agency objectives by delivering essential data to address key fish and wildlife questions.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Research Scientist will,

Serve as leader of the Hatchery/Wild Interactions (HWI) Unit:

• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the Hatchery/Wild Interactions (HWI) Unit.
• Ensure the unit is focused on priority research or monitoring programs.
• Review proposals, reports, and publications for scientific rigor and weaknesses.
• Reinforce a safe work culture within the unit to include all staff are properly trained and equipped to successfully perform their duties.

Employ an "All-H" approach to identifying population limiting factors:

• Assist in the development of life cycle models to aid in evaluating life-stage survival bottlenecks to include the effectiveness of integrated hatchery programs in supporting recovery.

Conduct analysis/research focused on known or newly identified data gaps related to hatchery or natural salmonid populations:

• Run annual passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag-based escapement models for Upper Columbia River (UCR) steelhead populations (R scripts).
• Run annual redd observer error models for UCR steelhead and spring Chinook populations (R scripts).

Publish significant research findings in peer reviewed literature

• Ensure the Hatchery/Wild Interactions (HWI) Unit publishes an average of one (1) peer-reviewed manuscript annually.

Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards: Majority of the work will be in the office with some field work required depending on the project. May be exposed to extreme cold or hot environments in the field. Possible injuries from smolt trapping, spawning grounds surveys or other typical field data collection activities. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel is required within and outside the State.

Qualifications Required Qualifications

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.

AND

Four years of professional experience designing, conducting, and supervising multidisciplinary wildlife, habitat or fish-related research studies in addition to three (3) articles published or in press in refereed literature. Two (2) articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author).

OR

A Doctoral degree in wildlife, habitat, or fisheries science, biology, zoology or in mathematics with emphasis on animal population biology or closely allied field

AND

Three (3) years of professional experience designing and implementing natural resource research in addition to three (3) 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).

OR

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

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Knowledge in the artificial propagation of anadromous salmonids, life cycle modeling, advanced statistical software packages (such as "R"), Bayesian, and parametric statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of the Columbia River Basin (CRB) to include fisheries management principles, policy, co-management agreements and current scientific issues with the CRB.
• Experience using the PTAGIS database (uploading files, constructing complex queries, and routine analysis).

Your application should include the following

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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:

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 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 (see below)
• 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: Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in

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 or email (see below), or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at or (see below)

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to (see below) and reference job

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