State of Washington Classified Job Specification
FISH & WILDLIFE RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2
Definition
Is the designated representative for scientific policy on multiple national and international committees, councils, and commissions and conducts special assignments at the direction of the Director or an Assistant Director; or is the designated consultant in a specialized area of expertise and
- Provides scientific leadership to and directs a multidisciplinary, multi-jurisdictional research program, or
- Independently conducts research or directs a departmental research team performing research at the forefront of scientific inquiry requiring the development and application of new theoretical, methodological, or analytical concepts, or
Supervises at least one Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 1 and conducts research studies in a specialized field.
Typical Work
Develops and initiates new techniques for management and enhancement of our fisheries resources, such as: sophisticated biological procedures to assess the management of the fisheries habitat; new methods of identifying salmon over their life span; more effective approaches to definition and solution of pollution problems;
Designs methodologically sound research studies; initiates, designs, and implements a series of independent laboratory experiments or analytical program evaluations;
Develops complex computer simulation models using sophisticated statistical, analytical, and economic procedures which result in improved techniques for management of the fisheries resources;
Acts as key consultant to Director on impacts to State resources by competing users on an international, national, or State level;
Consults with all divisions on complex and sophisticated statistical analysis, population dynamics, and computer techniques;
Interacts with other research personnel serving on management teams;
Develops progress reports; authors and publishes research findings; keeps abreast of relevant research developments;
Consults with agency administrative and service staff concerning planning logistics, budget, personnel, purchasing, and other related activities necessary to implement present and proposed research studies;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: fishery resources; population dynamics; statistical theory; computer techniques, including simulation modeling; experimental design appropriate to the field; aquatic ecology and fishery habitat requirements.
Ability to: initiate and plan independent experimental research; coordinate research with the needs of the Department; develop methods of data collection and interpret data; recommend how to implement results of research findings; speak and write effectively.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable 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 articles published or in press refereed literature, (two articles must be as senior author, the third article must be as senior or secondary author.)
A Doctoral degree in one of the above fields of study will substitute for one year of the required experience.
OR
Three years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist 1.
Class Specification History
Revised definition and minimum qualifications, title change (formerly Fisheries Research Scientist): 5/15/81
Revised definition and minimum qualification, deleted distinguishing characteristics, title change (formerly Fisheries Research Scientist – Senior): 9/14/90
Revised definition and minimum qualification, title change (formerly Fisheries Research Scientist 2): 6/9/00
Revised new class code: (formerly 92880) effective July 1, 2007