Area Fisheries Biologist – Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 – Permanent – 2026-08060

Title- Area Fisheries Biologist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Serve as the agency’s fishery management lead for the Puyallup Basin and East Kitsap area, guiding research and management efforts for fish populations. 

Lead work that turns field data and scientific analysis into practical management strategies that protect native fish and wildlife and support sustainable fisheries.

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Area Fisheries Biologist will, 

Develop preseason management plans for salmon and steelhead that meet conservation objectives while providing recreational fishing opportunity within Pierce and Kitsap County:

• Independently design, and conduct field studies to monitor annual abundance of salmon and steelhead spawning populations.
• Analyze and communicate results through final written products including peer reviewed and/or agency publications, as well as oral presentations to agency staff, co-managers, and others.
• Design and develop preseason and in-season fishing models that estimate impacts from recreational fisheries .
• Stay current with peer reviewed publications regarding new methodologies for salmon and steelhead management.

Manage the Inland Fish Program (lowland and high lakes, resident and anadromous cutthroat, rainbow trout and bull trout in streams and rivers, as well as warm water species in lowland lakes) within Pierce and East Kitsap Counties:

• Develop and conduct studies to evaluate the relative success of various stocking strategies.
• Conduct spawning ground surveys for steelhead, bull trout, coastal cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout by foot, pontoon boat, or aerial surveys in helicopters.
• Assist with warm water surveys to sample warmwater fish assemblages in inland lakes.

Represent WDFW as a technical expert during the annual North of Falcon (NOF) salmon fisheries planning process with tribal co-managers and NOAA:

• Develop preseason forecast models for Pacific salmon species that are used in the annual NOF salmon fisheries planning process.
• Provide annual stock abundance estimates and design and manage hatchery programs to achieve fishery and conservation objectives.
• Implement creel surveys and use catch data to model impacts from recreational fisheries on salmon and steelhead populations.
• Provide technical support for the District Biologist and Regional Program Manager in policy discussions.

Monitor and assist in Fish Passage Programs in the Puyallup Watershed:

• Collaborate with Tribal Co-managers and Federal Agencies in both the Electron Hydro Project on the Puyallup River and the Mud Mountain Dam Fish Passage Facility on the White River to collect biological samples, assess fish passage, assist with fish rescue events, and provide technical assistance.
• Serve as a member of the South Sound Spring Chinook Technical Committee (SSSCTC) and provide technical expertise.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Much of the field work is conducted in remote locations, on unstable terrain or in and around moving water.
• Field work may involve risks such as trips and falls, water-related hazards operating a vehicle, motorboat, raft, and pontoon boat as well as conducting aerial surveys in helicopters. Other hazards may include extreme temperatures, stinging insects and plants, and wildlife encounters.
• Survey long distances independently and often for long hours.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 40 hours per week. Flexible work schedule is needed and may include weekends depending on the time of year and longer than 8 hours per day. A 50:50 position split between an office working environment in-person at the Natural Resources Building and scheduled field work.

Travel Requirements: Travel and overnight stays are infrequent but required occasionally.

Tools and Equipment: Computers, waders, backpack electrofishing units, hand nets, seines, pontoon boats, measuring boards, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers.

Customer Interactions: Interact regularly with the public in person, via phone or email.

Qualifications: 

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And
Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research. 

Option 2: Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical methods and modeling options for fisheries, population estimates, and the development of escapement goals and recovery plans.
• Experience applying knowledge of warm water, resident, and anadromous fish life histories to effectively manage and meet conservation objective for fish populations.
• Experience conducting stock assessment, monitoring, forecasting, and management of salmon and steelhead populations.
• Experience working in or applying knowledge of the geography and fishery resources of Pierce and Kitsap counties.

Your Application must 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.

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:  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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-08060.

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