Watershed Scientist Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1 Permanent

Title- Watershed Scientist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1 (RS1)

Job Status-Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia Washington is the current duty station however depending on the successful candidate other statewide duty stations may be considered.

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!

Bank erosion along the upper Chehalis River Photo Credit: WDFW

Lead research that connects watershed processes to healthier ecosystems and thriving aquatic species.

Apply your expertise in fluvial geomorphology watershed ecology and ecohydrology to investigate how physical and ecological systems interact across Washingtons river basins.

Youll design and carry out scientific investigations from fieldwork to data analysis that improve understanding of watershed processes and to inform program decisions on how to best protect and restore aquatic ecosystems.

This role is hands-on and collaborative turning complex data into clear practical insights that make a real difference for managing and protecting our aquatic habitat.

Bring your skills to work with a great team for healthier rivers and habitats. Wed love to hear from you.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Watershed Scientistwill

Provide Scientific Expertise Leadership and Support for Scientific Research Projects and Initiatives:

• Develop detailed research proposals for scientific projects focused on stream ecology and habitat questions.

• Independently lead the implementation and management of scientific investigations and research initiatives. Key responsibilities include conducting literature syntheses facilitating and leading field studies conducting modeling investigations managing and processing datasets while ensuring quality and adherence to best practices analyzing data and creating compelling visualizations.

• Independently and collaboratively produce and complete high-quality scientific reports/manuscripts in a timely manner; target of leading one peer-reviewed research product per year.

• Collaborate with others on scientific projects in a professional tactful and respectful manner.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise in Physical Watershed Processes and Functions:

• Serve as a subject matter expert and source of scientific knowledge to the Division Program and Agency.

• Present research findings to technical groups professional societies and committees.

• Stay current with the latest research and evaluate the utility of new field-based and analytical methodologies for conducting scientific investigations.

Supervise and Support Staff:

• Coordinate with and support direct reports with implementing research projects.

• Participate in annual field season debriefs to manage and improve the efficiency and safety of field research.

• Coordinate and ensure that research projects have all necessary permits and permissions prior to implementation.

• Elevate safety incidents up the chain of command and ensure incident reports are completed as needed.

• Engage in performance management and mentorship as needed for direct reports.

• Facilitate attendance of direct reports for Agency required trainings.

• Complete administrative tasks and participate in Division or Habitat Program activities as assigned.

• Lead the hiring and onboarding of staff as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting including hazards:

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment.

• Fieldwork may vary from 10% to 60% of work time depending on the season.

• Fieldwork may involve extreme weather conditions and walking over rough terrain while occasionally carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment.

• Fieldwork is typically conducted on foot in wadeable streams where slippery rocks mud and steep banks are common.

• Occasional work on small motorized and non-motorized boats may be required.

• Tasks may involve working inside and on top of hydraulic structures such as culverts and marine bulkheads.

• This position involves working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

• This position is full-time working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

• Schedules may vary based on business needs time of year and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel will mostly occur within the state often associated with fieldwork at remote locations that may require occasional overnight stays.

• Overnight travel out of state may occur for training or professional conferences.

• Multi-day overnight travel may be required during the field season (typically June through mid-November) to efficiently conduct data collection tasks and work with field crews.

Tools and Equipment:

• Computer monitors keyboard cellphone tablet personal floatation devices (PFDs) waders rubber boots or sturdy footwear raingear global positioning system (GPS) units satellite communication devices stream surveying equipment agency vehicles and first aid kits.

Customer Interactions:

• Regularly interact with agency scientists and external partners representing the Department in complex technical discussions and navigating scientific disagreements with professionalism.

• Communicate clearly and concisely both verbal and in writing using plain talk principles.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Closely related qualifying experience and/or education may be substituted for the required advanced degree on a year-for-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 All of the following:

• A Masters degree in watershed science (eco)hydrology fluvial geomorphology (hydro)geology environmental engineering hydraulic engineering or closely allied field.

• Two (2) years of professional experience designing conducting and leading scientific investigations.

• One (1) article published or in press in refereed literature.

  • Article must be as first author.

Option 2 All of the following:

• A Doctoral degree in watershed science (eco)hydrology fluvial geomorphology (hydro)geology environmental engineering hydraulic engineering or closely allied field.

• Authorship of two (2) articles published or in press in refereed literature.

  • One (1) article must be as first author.

In addition to the required two (2) options above the successful candidate must also have the following (may be gained concurrently):

Experience:

• Experience independently leading and coordinating collaborative research projects including designing conducting and publishing studies relevant to instream flows.

• Planning field data collection managing and analyzing large datasets visualizing and interpreting complex data to develop actionable recommendations.

• Developing evaluating and implementing novel research methodologies.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of fluvial processes and their ecological implications for watersheds particularly related to fish and aquatic habitat.

• Proficiency in applying advanced statistical methods and geospatial analysis to environmental datasets.

Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex research findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Professionalism tact and sound judgment when working with individuals holding differing viewpoints or when navigating politically sensitive topics.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams fostering a cooperative and productive work environment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while delivering accurate and timely results.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision including proactively seeking opportunities to improve and streamline work processes.

• Ability to lead coach and mentor professional staff.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience:

• Authorship or co-authorship of three (3) or more articles published or in press in refereed literature (with at least two articles as first author).

• Three (3) years or more of professional experience designing conducting and leading watershed studies in the domains of ecohydrology fluvial geomorphology hydrogeology or a closely allied field.

• Experience in hydraulic groundwater hydrologic and/or ecohydrological modeling.

• Experience with programming languages such as R or Python.

Job Knowledge/Familiarity with:

• Fluvial geomorphology and/or hydrogeology.

• Ecology of Pacific Northwest aquatic ecosystems.

• 2-D hydrodynamic bioenergetic and/or morphodynamic modeling.

• Instream flow studies and the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology.

• Instream wood hydraulic structures (particularly culverts) and/or dam operations and their potential effects on the hydrology fluvial geomorphology and ecology at site reach and network scales.

• Federal hydroelectric dam relicensing Washington water rights and policy and/or tribal law.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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.

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: 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 .
• 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 .

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs 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 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 .

Other questions:If you have other questions regarding this position please reach out to and reference job#.

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