Hatchery Evaluation and Assessment Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-08584

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08584
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Hatchery Evaluation and Assessment Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Hatcheries Division Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least one (1) day per week onsite at the Olympia, WA duty station and up to four (4) days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.
Learn more about being a member of !
Hatchery summer Chinook salmon - Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell
Are you passionate about fisheries science and conserving salmon and steelhead populations? In this role, you'll use your scientific expertise to help shape hatchery programs that support fish recovery, sustainable fisheries, and long-term conservation goals.

You'll analyze hatchery performance, develop science-based management plans, and turn complex research and data into recommendations that guide hatchery operations across Washington. You'll also collaborate with tribal, federal, and state partners to address challenging fisheries management issues and help ensure hatchery programs align with conservation objectives and environmental requirements.

If you're ready to put your fisheries expertise to work on decisions that make a lasting difference for Washington's salmon and steelhead, this could be the opportunity for you!
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Evaluation and Assessment Biologist will,
Develop Technical Documents:

• Use internal and external data resources and the best available science, along with knowledge of salmon life histories, biological recruitment, and hatchery operations, to prepare Hatchery Genetic and Management Plans (HGMPs), resource management plans, hatchery performance tables, and other related documents to assess artificial propagation programs for compliance with federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements and agency policy C-3624.
• Apply analytical models to evaluate hatchery program sizes and potential stray rates.
• Review and provide comments on Biological Opinions, Biological Assessments, Resource Management Plans (RMPs), and Terms and Condition reports.

Data Collection and Management:

• Collect, interpret, analyze, and evaluate hatchery production data in cooperation with hatchery staff, hatchery operation managers, regional fish program managers, district biologists, hatchery data management team, and science division staff.
• Update hatchery performance tables for statewide salmon and steelhead programs using coded wire tag (CWT) data, hatchery release records, catch record cards, tribal harvest information, and hatchery escapement reports.
• Retrieve data from Fishbooks, the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), and other data sources for hatchery performance analysis.
• Develop and apply skills in R programming to assist with data analysis.

Communication, Cooperation, and Coordination:

• Participate in meetings with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), co-managers, and internal staff to support the management of artificial propagation programs.
• Collaborate with Fish Program staff to support hatchery reform, including sound science on reducing hatchery impacts on natural populations.
• Provide recommendations to managers and policymakers regarding salmon and hatchery management and research studies using sound science.
• Communicate findings orally and in writing to managers and other units, including presentations at professional conferences.
• Provide updates of hatchery performance to management.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is conducted primarily through telework (remote), with a minimum of one day per week in the office. Fieldwork (approximately 5%) may be required to collect scientific data, primarily at agency hatcheries. Fieldwork may involve adverse weather and challenging outdoor conditions, including deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. Travel to and from field sites may be required. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:

Work hours may vary but must be available during core hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, primarily Monday through Friday. The position may require working outside a standard work week or scheduled work hours to accommodate fieldwork, meetings, and site visits throughout the year. A flexible work schedule may be considered with supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements:

Local and regional travel may be required to meet with regional staff, attend committee meetings, evaluate properties, conduct general business, and attend or provide training.
Tools and Equipment:

Standard office furniture and equipment, including a desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copier, as well as a motor vehicle. Rain Gear, chest waders, a personal floatation device (PFD), biological sampling tools, and other appropriate safety equipment.
Customer Interactions:

Frequent interaction with clients, including individuals who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Frequent interaction with external partners, including state and federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Qualifications:

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

Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

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

Option 2:

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field, including 12 semester or 18 quarter hours of specific coursework in fisheries, ichthyology, limnology, biology, or closely related fields.

AND

• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

In addition to meeting one of the options listed above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

• Knowledge of fish hatchery operations.
• General knowledge of salmon culture and life history.
• Ability to use general computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams, as well as data management and analysis programs, such as Excel.

Please Note:

• A Master's Degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

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:

Experience:

• Experience using the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS) and working with coded wire tags (CWT).
• Experience using models to assess hatchery-wild interactions, such as the All "H" Analyzer (AHA), Demographic Geneflow Model (DGM), Chinook Assessment Model (CAM), or other relevant models.
• Experience using statistical programs, including R.
• Demonstrated experience in technical writing and oral presentations.

Knowledge of:

• Washington State fish hatchery systems.
• Hatchery reform.
• The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) process.
• Fisheries research on salmonids.
• Fisheries co-management under United States v. Washington.
• Pacific Northwest salmonids, including species life history, population dynamics, habitats, and fish identification.
• The theory of domestication selection and its impacts to both natural and artificial salmonid production.
• The scientific method and experience with experimental design.

Certifications:

• American Fisheries Society (AFS) Certified Fisheries Professional.

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 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
• 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 #2026-08584.
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AL
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. This includes both vocational and college education. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.)
05

Please select the option below that best describes your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 OR your professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 - 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 or more years of this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 OR your professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A. ("See Resume" is not a valid response.)
07

Which of the following areas of knowledge or skills do you possess? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Fish hatchery operations.
• Salmon culture and life history.
• Using general computer applications, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams.
• Using data management and analysis tools, such as Microsoft Excel.
• None of the above.

08

Please describe your knowledge and/or experience with fish hatchery operations. Include the types of hatchery operations with which you are familiar, your specific responsibilities, and your level of involvement. If you do not have this knowledge or experience, please enter N/A. ("See Resume" is not a valid response.)
09

Please describe your knowledge of salmon culture and life history. Include your understanding of salmon life stages, rearing practices, spawning, broodstock management, or other relevant aspects of salmon biology and culture. Provide examples of how you have applied this knowledge in a professional, academic, or field setting. If you do not have this knowledge, please enter N/A. ("See Resume" is not a valid response.)
10

Please select the areas in which you have professional experience. (Select ALL that apply.)

• Using the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS) or working with coded wire tags (CWT).
• Using models to evaluate hatchery-wild interactions or assess hatchery impacts on wild salmonid populations.
• Using statistical software, such as R, to analyze fisheries or biological data.
• Preparing technical reports, scientific documents, or other technical written materials.
• Delivering oral presentations on scientific, technical, or fisheries-related topics.
• None of the above.

11

Please briefly describe your experience using fisheries databases, coded wire tags, statistical software, or models to evaluate hatchery-wild interactions. Include the tools or systems you used, your specific responsibilities, and how you applied them to fisheries research, monitoring, analysis, or management. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A. ("See Resume" is not a valid response.)
12

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
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• 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)

13

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