Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 – Permanent – 2026-06851

Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status– Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Puget Sound Management
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework-  This position may include telework options at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a senior-level biologist, you will supervise and oversee the collection of dockside recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Marine Areas 5 through 13. 

Working closely with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager, play a key role in the planning and developing of biological research and coordinating data collection to support stock assessment and fisheries management.

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist will,

Supervise Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Dockside Fisheries Sampling Operations:

• Directly supervise creel and biological data collection conducted dockside for recreational and commercial fisheries in Marine Areas 5 through 13.
• Provide technical guidance to field supervisors on biological sampling problems and issues to ensure compliance with established sampling methods, techniques, and plans.
• Coordinate seasonal and weekly fisheries sampling schedules, including halibut and summer and winter salmon fisheries.
• Coordinate sampling efforts within and across geographic areas in the unit to ensure consistent and complete fisheries sampling activities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee employee training and onboarding processes for dockside sampling positions.
• Coordinate with Sampler Support staff to ensure field staff have access to programs and systems needed for biological data collection and administrative processes, including iForms, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, TotalTime, Outlook, and TEMS.
• Review and approve administrative paperwork submitted by field supervisors and their staff, including timesheets, travel vouchers, p-card logs, Order Payment Forms, personal reimbursements, and other purchasing documents.
• Provide field supervisors with resources, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Coordinate and assist field supervisors with hiring, training, and evaluation of dockside sampling staff across South Sound (Olympia), the Peninsula (Port Angeles), North Sound (Bellingham) and Central Sound (Edmonds).
• Provide timely, confidential, and professional guidance on personnel issues and seek assistance from supervisor, chain of command, or Human Resources as appropriate.

Coordinate Human Resources (HR) Activities for Dockside Sampling Positions:

• Serve as the primary coordinator for HR activities affecting dockside sampling positions, including position descriptions, recruitments, HR actions, appointments, separations, promotions, reallocations, and organizational changes.
• Track staffing needs, personnel actions, appointment timelines, and recruitment activities to ensure adequate staffing for fisheries sampling operations.
• Review and coordinate HR documents and processes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements and timelines.
• Maintain current personnel records, staffing spreadsheets, organizational charts, and other workforce information.
• Provide guidance to field supervisors and staff on HR and payroll policies, processes, systems, forms, and timelines, including online HR processes through the HR Service Portal.
• Coordinate regularly with HR Recruitment, HR Operations, and HR Data Team and advise the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager on staffing and HR-related issues.

Ensure Quality and Completion of Fisheries Data and Documentation:

• Oversee the timely review, editing, and quality control of recreational dockside fisheries data in coordination with PSSU data manager in the unit’s online portal.
• Develop, review, and implement fisheries sampling protocols, procedures, and sampling goals in coordination with unit staff and tribal biologists.
• Evaluate fisheries data and assist with developing procedures and approaches to meet program sampling needs.
• Support fisheries studies and special data collection projects, including planning, study design, and coordination with data managers.
• Oversee tracking and maintenance of electronic data collection equipment and related systems.
• Create, review, and edit fisheries-related manuals, protocols, reports, spreadsheets, and other technical documentation.

Coordinate Fisheries Sampling, Training, and Technical Support:

• Coordinate fisheries sampling activities with staff and external partners to support comprehensive recreational and commercial fisheries data collection (tribal and non-tribal) for Puget Sound.
• Coordinate field-based training with field supervisors and provide technical support to ensure consistent sampling methods, data collection procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Fish Program staff to develop training objectives, materials, and techniques for biological sampling activities.
• Evaluate sampling procedures, equipment use, data collection methods, and electronic data forms to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate data quality concerns and recommend improvements to sampling procedures, training, and logistics.
• Conduct dockside sampling for salmon, halibut, marine fish, shrimp, crab, and other fisheries as needed.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is primarily in an office setting (90%). Fieldwork is conducted in varying weather and sea conditions. Fieldwork involves exposure to noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, rarely heavy lifting (up to 40 pounds unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

24/7 non-scheduled with weekends and evenings required. Workdays are typically 8 to 10 hours and may occur between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Travel Requirements:

Travel throughout the Puget Sound area, with regular overnight travel required.

Tools and Equipment:

iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, personal flotation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear, and current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with WDFW and Tribal staff, commercial harvester and fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, shellfishers, and the public. Provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs and activities, and sport fishing regulations. Interactions may include contact with individuals who are upset or frustrated. Serve as a liaison with the regional supervisor and enforcement staff regarding fishery violations observed in the field. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: 

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

Option 2 – All of the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 3 – All of the following:

• A Master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 4 – All of the following:

• A Doctorate’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 5:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

For the options above, the following experience is also required and may be gained concurrently: 

• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

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:

• Master’s Degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Twelve (12) months of experience conducting creel surveys and/or sampling sport and/or commercial fisheries.
• Ability to identify salmon, marine fish, and shellfish fish species found in Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of salmon life history, Puget Sound sport fishing regulations, and commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Familiarity with WDFW administrative, human resources, and payroll procedures and policies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

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 #2026-06851.

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