What are the responsibilities and job description for the Snowy Plover Monitoring Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 - Non-Permanent - *00905-25 position at State of Washington?
Title- Snowy Plover Monitoring Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 5.5 Months – April 1, 2025 – September 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Diversity Division
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Western Snowy Plover Chick – Photo Credit: Jerry Kirkhart
Are you passionate about conservation? Join WDFW and make a difference in the preservation and protection of Washington State shorebirds!
This position will assist with on-the-ground conservation actions related to the recovery and monitoring of Western Snowy Plovers, a State Endangered and Federally Threatened species.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Snowy Plover Monitoring Biologist will,
Monitor breeding snowy plovers and presence of threats to evaluate population size and nest and fledgling success through on-the-ground actions:
- Complete comprehensive surveys to determine presence and nesting status of individual snowy plovers across established and suitable nesting habitats.
- Assist with population assessment surveys in coordination with WDFW staff and external partners, including state, federal, and tribal entities.
- Monitor nests to determine hatching success or failure.
- Monitor chicks to determine fledgling survival.
- Place federally-issued color bands on chicks using appropriate capture and placement methods.
- Use binoculars and spotting scopes to read color leg bands.
- Monitor and record the presence of threats to plover nests and broods, such as the presence of avian and mammalian predators.
Administrative duties and data management:
- Record data in the field and after fieldwork activities.
- Enter field data into electronic databases and perform quality assurance checks.
Minimize human disturbance to nesting plovers to increase breeding success:
- Place and maintain public symbolic signage as needed.
- Educate beach users and local landowners through targeted and informal outreach.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed outdoors (approximately 90% of the time), in a coastal marine climate in all weather conditions. Hike over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces over long distances daily, up to 12 miles. Occasionally lift or move heavy objects (such as signage and traps) weighing up to 40 pounds.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday. Daily start times vary depending on daylight. May work weekends.
Travel Requirements: Daily travel within Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. Limited overnight travel.
Tools and Equipment: Binoculars, spotting scopes, and hand-held GPS units.
Customer Interactions: Frequent interaction with beach users.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field.
AND
Experience:
- Researching and/or monitoring birds.
- Using spotting scopes and/or binoculars.
Competencies: Must demonstrate an understanding of the principles, practices and methods of environmental or resource management, methods and techniques of field sampling, data gathering, and field investigations.
Additionally, must have experience or education that demonstrates a working understanding of:
- Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
- Wildlife habitat relationships.
- Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
- Personal computer hardware and software, smartphone or tablet applications.
- How to navigate using handheld GPS units.
Ability to:
- Collect, manage, organize, and evaluate data.
- Enter and summarize data and produce written summaries of work using standard applications.
Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience:
- Monitoring snowy plovers or other shorebirds.
- Banding birds, particularly shorebirds.
- Working alone and independent of direct supervision in somewhat remote locations.
Familiarity with:
- Mark-resight field collection methodologies.
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.
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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00905.
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Salary : $3,643 - $4,865
