Hatchery Data Steward - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-06870

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06870
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Hatchery Data Steward

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- Fish Program - Hatchery Data Unit Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to four (4) days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Hatchery Steelhead Egg - Photo Credit: WDFW
In this senior-level biologist position, you will plan and develop resource management assessments and provide results that have direct impact on key program decisions.
As part of the Hatchery Data Section team, your work will contribute to the mission of enumerating and replicating the most accurate and complete set of information, and to disseminate and share inclusively and easily.
Collaborate with colleagues within the agency and coordinate with external entities and organizations while preparing, assessing, and interpreting hatchery fish resource information.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Data Steward will,
Administer the Future Brood Document for multi-agency hatchery production planning purposes:

• Function as the agency's technical coordinator for the Equilibrium Brood/Future Brood program under the US v. Washington and US v. Oregon federal court agreements for state-wide hatchery production.
• Coordinate for co-managers, including 24 tribes and multiple federal agencies, in the development of the Future Brood Document/Equilibrium Brood Document (FBD) under the Puget Sound Management Agreement.
• Prepare, assess, and interpret the resource management planning document that guides production across all state, tribal, and federal facilities.
• Manage, compile, and distribute this document to fulfill agency compliance with co-managers under the Puget Sound Management Plan (PSMP), which has a direct impact on key hatchery program decisions and operations.
• Facilitate discussions as needed to ensure compliance with Hatchery Genetic Management Plans, Fish Disease Control Policy, and legal mandates and requirements under the PSMP.
• Conduct annual Regional Review Meetings with internal and external staff.

Support Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEG) with hatchery carcass duties and serve as the Hatchery Data Steward:

• Perform accounting and hatchery operational activities such as carcass data entry, carcass reports, invoice billing, and other reports in support of RFEG.
• Collect, review, and compile hatchery data to ensure accurate, thorough, efficient, and meaningful capture of hatchery information for managers and outside entities to make decisions regarding fisheries.
• Oversee Hatchery Ticket (Form 3) data entry including reviewing for accuracy, comparing to FishBooks, and ensuring safe and secure storage of information.
• Conduct advanced evaluation and analysis of hatchery adult data; analyze information for completeness and accuracy and formulate conclusions.
• Reconcile hatchery coded wire tag (CWT) data with the tag lab.
• Participate and provide expertise in RFEG process and meetings as needed; provide analytical expertise, information, and assistance in developing contracts for surplus carcass and eggs.

Serve as the statewide staff expert on the FishBooks hatchery management database:

• Coordinate and lead state-wide training sessions to staff including managers, biologists, and hatchery workers.
• Provide technical support for database users including corrections, missing options, and system errors.

Hatchery reporting:

• Assess and interpret hatchery data to produce professional reports that are an accurate reflection of hatchery information and meet the requirements of the agency.
• Provide information summaries to managers, scientists, government officials, and fishery entities for use in making fisheries management, production, and fiscal decisions.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Occasional fieldwork may be performed in all weather conditions and may require performing strenuous physical activities, such as repetitively handling fish and lifting fish feed (weighing at least 50 pounds). 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 - Friday, averaging 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs
Travel Requirements: Occasionally travel to agency locations for meetings and other business needs.
Tools and Equipment: Hatchery tools may include spawning knives, Zephyr gun, measuring boards, dip nets, seine nets, and buckets.
Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with hatchery personnel throughout the state to provide technical assistance, answer questions, and assist with various tasks.
Qualifications:

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

Required Qualifications:

Option 1, all of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, environmental science, natural resources science, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
• Valid Driver's License.

Option 2, all of the following:

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
• Valid Driver's License.

For either option listed above, experience with all of the following is required:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• Fisheries, hatchery operations, aquatic biology, or related biological program support.
• Fish biology, hatchery production systems, and fisheries management principles.
• Applying biological sampling methods, data interpretation, and basic statistical concepts in applied fisheries or aquaculture settings.
• Managing, entering, validating, and maintaining a high volume of biological or fisheries datasets in structured databases such as FishBooks, Access, or SQL-based systems.
• Performing accurate high-volume data entry and maintaining data integrity.
• Providing customer service, technical assistance, or support to internal or external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and work collaboratively with a variety of staff and stakeholders.

Please note:

• A Master's degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
• A PhD in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• More than three (3) years of hatchery experience, including experience with multiple species, life stages, hatchery programs, production planning, or hatchery management functions.
• Microsoft Access including database design, query development, report generation, data relationships, and troubleshooting database issues.
• Analyzing large fisheries or hatchery datasets to identify trends, improve data quality, and support management decisions.
• SQL and database querying.
• Providing technical support, training, or customer service to database users, including developing guidance documents, training materials, or standard operating procedures.
• FishBooks, Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), coded wire tag (CWT) databases, or other fisheries and hatchery information systems.
• Participating in database development, user acceptance testing, business process improvement, or implementation of new software applications.

Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, PivotTables, charts, dashboards, data validation, and automated reporting tools.
• Knowledge of hatchery production reporting requirements, broodstock management, fish health tracking, fish marking/tagging programs, or release processes.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify operational issues, develop solutions, and collaborate with hatchery staff, biologists, and information technology personnel to improve data systems and business processes.

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 and other , there are other 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:
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 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 [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work
• 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 [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or email [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on us.fitly.work.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06870.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 - 5 years of this experience.
• I have between 5 - 7 years of this experience.
• I have 7 years or more of this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07

Select the option(s) below that you have experience with. Select all that apply.

• Fish biology.
• Fisheries management principles.
• Hatchery production systems.
• Supporting fisheries, hatchery operations, aquatic biology, or a related program.
• None of the above.

08

Do you have experience applying biological sampling methods, data interpretation, and basic statistical concepts in applied fisheries or aquaculture settings?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience managing, entering, validating, and maintaining a high-volume of biological or fisheries datasets in structured databases such as FishBooks, Access, or SQL-based systems?

• Yes
• No

10

Please briefly describe your experience working with spreadsheets, databases, or reporting systems. Include examples of software or tools you have used (such as Excel, Access, or web-based data systems). ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11

This position works closely with hatchery staff, biologists, managers, and external agencies. Please briefly describe your experience providing customer service or technical support to a variety of users. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
12

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience related to hatcheries.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 3 years of this experience.
• I have 3 years or more of this experience.

13

Explain your experience using pivot tables, formulas, filters, or other data analysis tools to summarize or validate information. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
14

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

15

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question