Assistant District Wildlife Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – 2026-04843

Title- Assistant District Wildlife Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Southwest Region 5 – District 10 – Counties Served- Cowlitz, Lewis, and Wahkiakum
Duty Station– Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Please Note– This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing low level flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist for District 10, you’ll play a key role in monitoring wildlife populations, implementing conservation and management activities, and supporting science-based decisions that benefit both wildlife and the public.

You’ll contribute to a wide range of field and management activities, from conducting wildlife surveys and analyzing biological data to assisting with habitat and population management efforts. You’ll also collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, tribes, partner agencies, and the public to help advance the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mission of sustaining healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for Washingtonians.

This is an excellent opportunity for a wildlife professional who enjoys a balance of fieldwork, data analysis, public engagement, and applied wildlife management in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will,

Inventory and monitor wildlife populations:

• Assist the District Biologist in developing wildlife surveys for district.
• Conduct assigned wildlife surveys.
• Observe and assess the health of wildlife populations, including obtaining information and samples needed to identify the presence of disease within wildlife populations.
• Compile and analyze survey data (using statistical methods), format and store the data, and prepare summary reports (using GIS and other tools).

Implement wildlife management conservation and recreation activities:

• Protect sensitive wildlife from disturbance.
• Evaluate habitat quality and quantity and assess population responses to habitat changes.
• Implement population augmentation, capture, and translocation.
• Assist when needed to dispatch injured or diseased wildlife.

Participate in the development of recommendations for wildlife management and human use of wildlife resources:

• Analyze wildlife population and harvest data using statistical methods and population modeling techniques.
• Seek input on wildlife-related recreation from all types of user groups.
• Develop and communicate wildlife management recommendations.
• Provide expertise in wildlife technical issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work in the field up to 70% of the work schedule across terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic environments, often in inclement weather, while navigating difficult or uneven terrain and performing routine or repetitive tasks.
• Walk, bend, and stoop while occasionally carrying up to 40 pounds. Hike alone through rugged terrain, including stream crossings.
• Perform aerial and aquatic surveys on small ponds, lakes, and the Columbia River. Conduct aerial surveys from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
• Frequently capture and handle a wide range of wildlife species. Load and transport equipment and gear, safely operate firearms, use field necropsy cutting instruments, and handle biological materials that may pose exposure risks.
• 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 through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Available for non-scheduled workweek, travel, and irregular work hours. Occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel is required, including overnight stays (e.g., motel, camping).

Tools and Equipment: Laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, electronic software forms, personal flotation devices (PFDs), optics, vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, and field gear, including hip boots, raingear, leather boots, and flight suits for aerial surveys.

• GIS and mapping applications, backcountry and field-orientation tools, and a wide range of technical wildlife monitoring and study equipment.
• Firearm use may be required for certain biological surveys or animal euthanasia. Dart guns and traps may be used in animal capture.

Customer Interactions: Interact with all public interest groups in field and meeting environments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field.

AND

One (1) year of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research. 

Please Note:

• A master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology may substitute for the required professional experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

In addition to the above, the successful candidate must possess the following:

Six (6) months of experience:

• Handling and/or immobilizing wildlife.
• Working within established procedures and protocols to ensure compliance and completion of tasks or projects.
• Conducting field surveys to collect and accurately record data.
• Identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Trainings will be provided and/or facilitated by the WDFW.

• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm, including performing humane animal euthanasia as needed.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is beneficial to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
• Ability to legally possess an agency-issued firearm and willingness to utilize for euthanizing animals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required training and certification to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
• This position may involve the safe and ethical euthanasia of animals in accordance with established protocols using a firearm or other approved methods.

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

One (1) year of professional experience: 

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships and their Application to management decisions.
• Wildlife species identification across a broad range (e.g., birds, mammals, herpetofauna, invertebrates).
• Effective written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Conducting field surveys and collecting biological data under a range of conditions.
• Analyzing and interpreting data, including biometrics and population modeling for management recommendations.
• Applying wildlife management tools, equipment, and field techniques.

Six (6) months of professional experience: 

• Applying environmental rules, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Wildlife damage management and strategies to reduce wildlife–human conflicts.
• Following prescribed protocols and procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Urban wildlife management concepts and practices.
• Field necropsy, disease investigation, and mortality location investigations.
• Training and mentoring staff, including seasonal or permanent team members.
• Using handheld data collection devices (e.g., smartphones, iPads) in the field and entering data using platforms such as Field Maps or Survey 123.
• Working with GIS applications, including ArcGIS/ArcMap/ArcPro, to produce maps and spatial analyses.

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 (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2026-1234 – 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04843.

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