Salish Prairie Oak Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 – Permanent – 2026-05259

Title- Salish Prairie Oak Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station– Rochester, Washington – Thurston County

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!

Are you passionate about working outdoors and contributing to the conservation of Washington State’s natural resources?

With your experience, you will create, enhance, and maintain habitat in the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area that will contribute to the recovery of Salish lowland prairies, oak woodlands, and the fish and wildlife species that rely on them.

This position will perform a variety of vegetation management activities including applying herbicide or mechanical treatments to control invasive or unwanted species, planting or sowing native plant material, and utilizing prescribed fire.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salish Prairie Oak Biologist will,

Coordinate and Implement Habitat Management Actions:

• Assist the Wildlife Area Manager in developing habitat management work plans.
• Identify and prepare resource needs for implementing habitat management work plans (including equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel).
• Proficiently and safely use brush cutters, chainsaws, tractors, and tractor-mounted implements to mechanically treat vegetation.
• Use various methods such as backpack, UTV, and tractor sprayers to apply herbicides in the treatment of vegetation.
• Use various seeding equipment to sow native plant material and hand-held augers to plant native plugs.
• Prepare units for and participate in controlled burn operations and post-burn patrol activities. Ignite and manage burning of slash piles as needed.

Collect, Summarize, and Interpret Habitat Management & Monitoring Data:

• Collect and maintain geospatial data tracking habitat management activities.
• Follow written scientific protocols to collect, manage, and maintain habitat monitoring and field trial data.
• Assist in the development of data collection methods and protocols.

Maintain Equipment and Facilities:

• Assist in conducting scheduled equipment maintenance.
• Diagnose and implement light equipment repairs.
• Assist with facility maintenance, repair, and construction as needed (including fencing, signage, wildfire mow breaks, and road maintenance).

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed outdoors in the field, including in inclement weather. Navigate difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, and water. Hazards include tripping, falling, and other things consistent with working with small and large equipment in an outdoor environment. Some work is performed in an office or shop setting and will require extended periods of time using a computer.

Walk, life, bend, and stoop—sometimes on uneven terrain and carrying up to 50 pounds of tools and/or equipment. Safely drive to and from work sites and on unpaved roads during all weather conditions. Use 4×4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, UTVs, and must be able to load and transport heavy equipment.

This position may involve working near or over water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Prescribed fire activities will occur near burning vegetation and involve smoke exposure. Must be able to safely mix, apply, and transport herbicides.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, working either a 5-8 (five 8-hour days) or 4-10 (four 10-hour days) schedule. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions

Travel Requirements: Travel daily to local work sites. Occasionally travel regionally, up to 200 miles.

Tools and Equipment: Power tools (such as brush cutters, augers, chain saws), vehicles, tractor with front end (grapple, bucket) and rear (brush mower, box scrapper) attachments, trailers, backpack and UTV/ATV/tractor-mounted sprayers, Type VI and Type VII wildland firefighting units, pumps, hoses, drip torches, bladder bags, and firefighting hand tools (flapper, council rake).

Customer Interactions: Communicate with members of the public during field work, via email and telephone, and at public meetings. Maintain positive and professional working relationships with inter-agency and organization partners.

Qualifications:

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

Required Qualifications:

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

AND all of the following:

Experience:

• Using agricultural practices and equipment in habitat management including mechanical or chemical treatments.

Knowledge of:

• Scientific principles, procedures, and standard field methods of biological survey methods.

Ability to:

• Identify wildlife and plant species and visually distinguish biological and physical features.
• Interpret data to help guide habitat management actions.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

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

Experience:

• Implementing work plans and coordinating resources.
• Collecting and interpreting data to assess the efficacy of habitat management actions.
• Identifying plant and wildlife species of the South Salish prairie and oak systems.
• Working with threatened and/or endangered species and their habitats.
• Implementing and participating in prescribed fire operations.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration practices.
• Computer software – Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Small, large, and heavy equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
• Basics of carpentry, mechanical, and facility repair.
• Basic statistical procedures and concepts of study design.

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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05259.

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