Research Fish Biologist – Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 – Permanent – *13737-24

Title– Research Fish Biologist
Classification– Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status– Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit 
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Telework– While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must reside within Washington State and be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters as needed. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a senior-level biologist, you will lead a dedicated team in assessing the interactive effects of stream temperature, climate change, and non-native fish on native fish populations, including salmon and steelhead.

In this critical role, you’ll plan, develop, and design biological studies, analyze and interpret results, and effectively communicate findings through written reports, oral presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Your work will directly contribute to the management of fish resources in the Chehalis River watershed, including the Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan and Washington State more broadly as part of the “Climate Readiness Package.”

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Research Fish Biologist will,

Provide Data Collection, Analysis, Interpretation, Communication of Data Related to Non-Native Predatory Fish on the Washington Coast:

• Critique, develop, and finalize protocols annually.
• Apply fisheries sampling techniques, including electrofishing, environmental DNA (eDNA), seining, and snorkeling.
• With supervisor or unit leader, apply statistical principles to estimate impacts of non-native fish predators (e.g., distribution, abundance, per capita impacts) and communicate research results in agency reports, peer reviewed literature, and oral presentations.
• Maintain and repair equipment.
• Ensure timely data entry, backup, and quality assurance/control (QA/QC).
• Coordinate stream access with landowners, timber companies, Tribes, and agencies, fostering positive relationships.
• Gain access to stream survey sections by coordinating with private landowners, timber companies, Tribes, and agencies for permissions and gate keys, while fostering positive relationships to facilitate future access.

Provide Data Collection, Analysis, Interpretation, Communication of Data Related to Stream Temperature on the Washington Coast:

• Critique, develop, and finalize protocols annually.
• With supervisor or unit leader, apply statistical principles to quantify spatiotemporal patterns of stream temperature.
• Communicate research results in agency reports and oral presentations.

Supervising and Administrative Duties:

• Hire, train, and supervise permanent and non-permanent Scientific Technician positions.
• Counsel and settle employee conflicts, enlisting help of supervisor when necessary.
• Ensure staff compliance with agency training.
• Purchase, organize, and maintain project equipment per agency policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Most field surveys are conducted as flows are descending in spring and in the summer low flow conditions. Additional surveying for radio tracking fish, stream temperature, or other activities may be conducted year-round and often independently.
• Hike up and down steep slopes while carrying field gear to access field locations.
• Extended exposure to warm and cool temperatures, often working long hours in dry suits or waders.
• Snorkel in rivers with variable flow conditions for up to four (4) miles per day.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, and moving heavy objects between 50-100 pounds, including large buckets of water to transport fish, sampling gear, and other equipment.
• Navigate rivers on pontoon boats.
• Dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples.
• Safe use of electrofishing equipment and various chemicals, including Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222).
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Office work is in an office setting.

Schedule: 

Typically, Monday-Thursday, 10-hour workdays, during the field season that may vary when in the office. Although, work schedules may vary due to adverse weather conditions, such as rain and fluctuating river flow. Length of workdays may vary and may include overnight camping. 

Travel Requirements: 

Daily travel occurs from the office to sampling sites using WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is rare.

Tools and Equipment: 

Hand tools, power tools, global positioning units, computer tablets, eDNA sampling backpacks, radiotelemetry equipment, hydroacoustic gear, fish sampling gear (e-shocking devices, seine nets), and other equipment.

Customer Interactions: 

Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season due to the river flows through private property and site access on private property will need to be secured.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

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 fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

OR

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

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Incumbent must be capable of accomplishing the above duties and tasks while maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and adhering to WDFW workplace safety policies.
• Obtain WDFW snorkel training and certification, and renewal expected annually.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR certification and be a registered snorkeler according to WDFW policies (training provided by WDFW).

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

One (1) year of experience organizing and supervising the work of others.

Experience with:

• Training and supervising personnel.
• Acquiring permits for land access and scientific collections.
• Identifying and handling native and non-native freshwater fish species and freshwater fish ecology.
• Electrofishing, snorkeling, seining, and environmental DNA collection.
• Small boats, outboard motors, and hauling trailers.

Ability to:

• Apply methods of biological data collection and experimental design.
• Define research problems and determine extent and type of information needed.
• Apply statistical analysis techniques to fisheries research questions and data, and critically interpret results.
• Summarize and communicate research findings into technical scientific reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and public forums.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Use software packages, such as R, GIS, and Microsoft Office.
• Manage workloads and schedules for field crews, volunteer staff, organize and prioritize tasks, remain focused and work efficiently.
• Communicate with private landowners to secure site access.

Knowledge of:

• Salmonid life cycle and non-native fish ecology.

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 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: 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13737.

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