FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
EPIDEMIOLOGIST 1

FISH HEALTH SPECIALIST
WDFW Fish Program – Fish Health Unit
Ephrata, Washington

PLEASE NOTE: This job is posted open continuous. Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

Are you experienced in fish health and the symptoms associated with different diseases threatening the health of fish populations?

As our Fish Health Specialist, you will conduct surveillance for regulated and reportable pathogens to meet the requirements of the Salmonid Disease Control Policy of the Co-Managers of Washington State (Policy).

This is a unique opportunity to provide training to improve husbandry practices to reduce fish loss at our facilities and reduce the cost of medications used to provide relief from disease conditions.

Ich fish parasite under telescope – Photo Credit: WDFW Employee

With that in mind,

Picture yourself providing expertise and response to concerns from the public, WDFW staff, and other agencies on issues related to fish health or the potential for zoonotic diseases associated with aquaculture.

This is a dynamic role to determine appropriate preventive or corrective actions needed to mitigate fish morbidity or mortality, which may include consultation with the VOR (Veterinarian of Record), vaccination, or fish husbandry procedural changes.

With your experience, you will prepare study plans and budgets, and serve as the principal investigator on health surveillance working with state, federal and tribal co-managers.

The optimal applicant is experienced with microbiology and pathophysiology.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, working in partnership with veterinarians and other Fish Health Pathologists employed by WDFW, Washington Departments of Agriculture and Health, with tribal comanagers, federal government agencies, and universities.

We are seeking a candidate who respects and values the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.

Rainbow trout infested with salmincola parasite – Photo Credit: Brian Walker

Our Fish Health Specialist,

Clinical Health Monitoring: Provides clinical support to assigned facilities in an effort to protect humans and fish from zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease. With funding, conduct research designed to improve the fish disease diagnostic capacities especially for those with zoonotic potential. Occasional screening and diagnosis of wild fish. Tasks include:

• Conducts zoonotic and non-zoonotic fish disease investigations for hatchery or wild morbidity and mortality events at designated hatcheries and watersheds within regions 1, 2, & 3. Includes conducting surgical and other pathologist-related procedures.
• Conducts necropsies; collect, process, and submit appropriate specimens; and interpret findings from fish and wildlife morbidity and mortality investigations.
• May be required to euthanize animals using methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Recognizes and detects non-zoonotic and potentially zoonotic fish pathogens, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic pathogens.
• Recognizes environmental factors, including toxicants, or fish culture practices that may cause or contribute to fish disease.
• Collects the appropriate samples for detection, confirmation, and prevalence testing, ensuring that sampling is consistent with at least the Co-Managers Salmonid Disease Control Policy for regions 1, 2, & 3.
• Trains hatchery staff to correctly obtain samples when this position is unavailable. Directs hatchery staff to maintain compliance with the Policy when carrying out their fish culture duties.
• Ensures that for all stocks samples are taken properly, and they are packaged and labeled correctly for transport to the laboratory.
• When working with Veterinary Feed Directives (VFDs) and prescribed therapeutants, follows directions from VOR (Veterinarian of Record) and advises VOR as to effects of treatments.
• Communicates with hatchery staff and federal or tribal co-managers when regulated or reportable pathogens, as defined by the Policy, are detected and confirmed, and with appropriate state and federal public health agencies, including, but not limited to Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Washington Department of Health (WDOH), and United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), when known zoonotic pathogens are detected and confirmed.

Fish Health Support to the Fish Program: Serves as an expert in the specialized field of fish diseases, monitoring non-zoonotic and zoonotic fish pathogens and disease at assigned facilities, identifying disease by determining when the presence of fish pathogens is detrimental to a specific stock and determines if prescribed or non-prescribed treatment is warranted, and when the presence of zoonotic fish pathogens may affect human health; when necessary determines fish treatment or prevention plans. Tasks include:

• Implements agency policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the safe, humane, legal, and effective use of drugs/chemicals in WDFW aquaculture facilities, under the supervision of the VOR.
• Works with supervisory VOR to make certain that microbial resistance to the therapeutants is considered. This is particularly important if the class of therapeutant used is also used when treating human disease. When antimicrobial resistance is detected, ensure that appropriate federal, state, and tribal fish and public health agencies are notified.
• Under the direction of the VOR, ensures the guidelines regarding drug residue withdrawal periods (that specify the amount of drug legally permitted in the edible tissue of fish), are effectively communicated to hatchery staff who are responsible for compliance to protect against premature release of tainted fish into public fisheries.
• Monitors the use of Investigational New Animal Drug (INADs) for assigned facilities and work with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (AADAP) Program in conducting studies recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support approval of New Animal Drugs in fish.
• Conducts training events and online videos to support continuing education to the Fish Hatchery Specialists.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, may review and gather supporting documentation for private aquaculture transfer permits these documents may include pathogen reports, permit provisions, escape, or biosecurity plans.

Epidemiological Research and Monitoring: Gross anatomical and molecular-based health research on fish in Washington to evaluate health, disease, prevalence of zoonotic and non-zoonotic fish pathogens, genetic effects (immunological gene expression) associated with survival, and changes in environmental and fish microbiomes as they relate to population health.

• Compiles, maintains, and analyzes fish health data and reports and identifies causative agents or conditions resulting in adverse fish health conditions.
• Proposes, plans, coordinates, and implements epidemiological studies of morbidity and mortality in fish.
• Analyzes, interprets, and applies findings from disease surveillance programs; formulates and justify conclusions and recommendations based on current scientific principles.

Provides communication. Tasks include:

• Acts as the secretary for the Finfish Regulated Pathogen Advisory Committee
• Works with WDFW Veterinarians and the Washington Department of Health (Zoonotic Disease Epidemiologist and Public Health Veterinarian) to develop and maintain a list of fish pathogens or antimicrobial resistance that when discovered would be reported to the Washington Department of Health.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with governmental and private organizations and groups concerned with wildlife health issues.
• Effectively communicates in writing and orally on both technical and non-technical levels.
• Gives presentations to scientific community and to the public.
• Represents WDFW by attending at least one fish health or aquaculture conference per year.
• Writes scientific reports and submit for peer review and publication if appropriate.
• Works in conjunction with Hatchery Management in training events.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • This is primarily (60-80%) field work (weather, trips, falls, etc.) requiring site visits, travel to meetings, and workshops, and forums throughout the State, driving (accidents) and secondarily (20-40%) office work (ergonomics).
  • Must be willing to work during inclement weather, in difficult terrain, and with potentially diseased or dangerous animals.
  • Must be willing to safely handle potentially dangerous animal drugs. Will be required to safely handle contaminated sharps (needles, darts, scalpel, blades) and other medical waste.
  • Laboratory work may also be required, working with hazardous chemicals and pathogens (Biosafety Level 2).
• Schedule:
  • Generally, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday with some evening and weekend work possible.
  • Work hours may extend beyond the core hours of 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, including evenings and weekends.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel on a frequent basis to hatcheries or field areas approximately 3-4 days per week, and will require travel to meetings, site visits, and workshops and forums throughout the State.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Use a PC up to 75-100% of the office workday.
  • Computers, cell phones, highway vehicles, hand tools, centrifuges, autoclaves, microscope, laboratory testing mediums, surgical tools.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Provide technical direction to internal and external program and Agency professional staff involving complex or controversial studies or projects.
  • May have policy level negotiation, interaction, and discussion with other Agencies at both the State and Federal level.
  • Responsible for legislative, contentious issue resolution, and leaders of major stakeholder interaction.
  • Excellent personal interaction and diplomatic skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

License:

Expertise in:

Experience working with:

• Anadromous fish both in natural and aquaculture environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of pathogens including current issues in fish health, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of fish diseases and parasites, including those important to public and wildlife health.

Knowledge of:

• Modern epidemiologic principles and practices including the symptoms, causes (common diseases faced by fish in Washington, including the identification, transmission, prevention, clinical signs, and control of such disease caused by pathogens and environmental conditions), means of transmission, and methods of control of communicable, non-communicable, and chronic diseases.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Fish pathogens that occur in the Pacific Northwest, including those known to cause zoonotic disease.

Ability to:

• Apply laws and departmental rules and regulations to problems of disease control.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with governmental, voluntary, and private organizations, and groups concerned with public health services.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing on both technical and non-technical levels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters or Doctorate in fish health/pathology or related fields.
• Experience preparing grant proposals and budgets.
• Experience prioritizing and making independent decisions on diverse issues.
• Experience with microbiology and pathophysiology.
• Experience with modern research procedures including bio-statistical methodology; computers and programming in database management and statistical software.

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Three professional references.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

UNION – WAFHP:

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery 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 Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

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.

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 (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

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.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram