Waterfowl Survey & Sea Duck Specialist – Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 – Permanent – 2026-07259

Title- Waterfowl Survey & Sea Duck Specialist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 
Job Status– Full-Time – Permanent
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program 
Duty Station– This position may be based in either Olympia, Washington, or Stanwood, Washington, depending on the successful candidate.
Please note– This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties as noted in the duties listed below.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The WDFW Waterfowl Section advances natural resource conservation by monitoring waterfowl populations, conducting research, and translating findings into effective management and policy. 

In this position, you will shape conservation strategies, communicate research findings, and lead biologists and technical staff in efforts to sustain healthy waterfowl populations and the habitats they depend on.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Waterfowl Survey & Sea Duck Specialist will, 

Design and implement study and survey protocols to determine waterfowl status and harvest:

• Plan and coordinate statewide aerial surveys to collect data on waterfowl abundance, distribution, habitat use, and productivity.
• Evaluate aerial survey methods and recommend improvements to increase data quality and efficiency.
• Plan and conduct vessel-based surveys to monitor marine waterfowl populations, habitat use, and distribution.
• Operate or oversee operation of research vessels in support of biological surveys, ensuring safe and effective field operations.
• Direct, develop, and manage data collection, research, and report writing for statewide breeding waterfowl pairs, brood production, winter status surveys, sea duck and marine waterfowl ecology, population, biology and demography, population structure and delineation, habitat associations and foraging and trophic interactions.

Compile and analyze scientific literature and data to inform waterfowl management activities:

• Maintain and update historic statewide sea duck databases for inventory and harvest.
• Compile and coordinate submission of Western Washington banding schedules for the statewide banding permit.

Prepare professional reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders, managers and decision makers about waterfowl management, status, trends, and research:

• Prepare annual statewide sea duck project reports.

Suggest or recommend decisions and options to conserve waterfowl and wetland resources to Waterfowl Section Manager:

• Make policy and program recommendations as completed staff work to ensure waterfowl and wetland resources are adequately considered in multiple-resource management.

Develop plans and procedures to implement policies for conservation and improvement of waterfowl habitat:

• Provide technical expertise and analysis for evaluating migratory bird stamp/artwork proposals and in the development of expenditure plans.
• Develop proposals and write grants to support waterfowl/wetland habitat and research from external funding sources,

 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Field work (~65%)
  • Field work can vary depending on season and requires working outdoors during inclement weather, including travel to and from field sites.
  • Field surveys are conducted by helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, vehicle, marine vessels (Class A, I, and II) and on foot.
  • Aerial surveys are conducted at low-level, over water and land.
  • Vessel surveys and captures are conducted during all seasons and will include inclement weather.
  • Work on foot in the field includes walking over rough terrain while carrying light to moderate loads.
  • Captures on rivers include wading in moving riverine waters.
  • This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Office Work (~35%)
  • Office hazards may include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Periodic statewide or regional travel is required, dependent upon meeting time sensitive field work and project needs.

Tools and Equipment: Project equipment and tools, including aerial survey gear, boats (Class A, I, and II), and capture equipment. Rocket netting, at-sea captures, mist nets, and net guns for the safe capture of migratory birds

Customer Interactions: Frequent contact with other agency staff, cooperators and periodic interaction with the public. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: All the following (experience may be gained concurrently): 

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, wildlife ecology, natural resources science, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, with an emphasis on waterfowl species expertise.

• Two (2) years of demonstrated knowledge of and professional experience with:
  • Waterfowl survey, monitoring, and research techniques.
  • Waterfowl captures and handling techniques in at least one of the following – freshwater, estuary or marine environments.
  • Collecting, recording, and managing biological data during aerial or boat survey operations.

Option 2: Four (4) years of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (or higher) predominately working with waterfowl species.

Please Note: 

• A Master’s degree in an applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience provided the field of major study was in wildlife science, wildlife management, or similar natural resource-related field related to species expertise.
• A PhD.  in an applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience provided the field of major study was in wildlife science, wildlife management, or similar natural resource-related field related to species expertise.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
The following are agency facilitated/provided:

• Certification to participate in aerial flight surveys within 12 months of employment.
• Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification (scheduled to be obtained within 12 months of hire if the incumbent has not yet completed this training).
• Ability to obtain subpermittee status on station with US Geological Surveys (USGS) Federal Bird Banding Laboratory permit within six (6) months of hire.

 

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

Prior or current subpermittee status on a Federal Bird Banding Laboratory permit.

Certification/License:

• Successful completion of a Motorboat Operator Training Course (or equivalent).
• Successful completion of an Aviation Egress Course (or equivalent).

Experience:

• Safely operating motor vehicles.
• Operating boats in marine environments (Class A, I, and II).
• Navigating and independently conducting aerial bird surveys from helicopter and fixed-wing platforms, including more than 500 flight hours.
• Lead and coordinate efforts of scientific expert teams in research, monitoring, and planning projects.

Knowledge of:

• Ecology and biology, species distributions, and habitat associations of freshwater and marine waterfowl species of Washington, particularly sea duck species.
• Contract development and administration.
• Mathematical reasoning and understanding of statistical methods and study design.
• Negotiating management agreements with stakeholders and landowners.
• Advance knowledge of specific species and habitat behaviors, characteristics and needs.
• Researching and gathering information for scientific studies.
• Advanced computer skills for modeling and forecasting.

Ability to:

• Identify duck, goose, and swan species, including the classification of the species, sex, and age of individuals for monitoring and analysis purposes.
• Identify and prioritize key research and monitoring need for sea ducks identified as Species of Greatest jobshiringnearme.org Need (SGCN) conservation and recovery.
• Conduct effective oral presentations at scientific conferences, agency meetings, and public meetings.
• Write, edit, and publish professional documents and reports.
• Produce GIS products, including sharing databases and map products.
• Coach and mentor staff to maximize success on the job.
• Willingness to perform and lead aerial and boat surveys.
• Visually identify and distinguish biological and physical features.

 

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 #2026-07259.

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