Area Fisheries Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-08060

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-08060
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Area Fisheries Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Fishing for Chinook Salmon - Photo Credit: WDFW
Serve as the agency's fishery management lead for the Puyallup Basin and East Kitsap area, guiding research and management efforts for fish populations.

Lead work that turns field data and scientific analysis into practical management strategies that protect native fish and wildlife and support sustainable fisheries.
What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Area Fisheries Biologist will,
Develop preseason management plans for salmon and steelhead that meet conservation objectives while providing recreational fishing opportunity within Pierce and Kitsap County:

• Independently design, and conduct field studies to monitor annual abundance of salmon and steelhead spawning populations.
• Analyze and communicate results through final written products including peer reviewed and/or agency publications, as well as oral presentations to agency staff, co-managers, and others.
• Design and develop preseason and in-season fishing models that estimate impacts from recreational fisheries .
• Stay current with peer reviewed publications regarding new methodologies for salmon and steelhead management.

Manage the Inland Fish Program (lowland and high lakes, resident and anadromous cutthroat, rainbow trout and bull trout in streams and rivers, as well as warm water species in lowland lakes) within Pierce and East Kitsap Counties:

• Develop and conduct studies to evaluate the relative success of various stocking strategies.
• Conduct spawning ground surveys for steelhead, bull trout, coastal cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout by foot, pontoon boat, or aerial surveys in helicopters.
• Assist with warm water surveys to sample warmwater fish assemblages in inland lakes.

Represent WDFW as a technical expert during the annual North of Falcon (NOF) salmon fisheries planning process with tribal co-managers and NOAA:

• Develop preseason forecast models for Pacific salmon species that are used in the annual NOF salmon fisheries planning process.
• Provide annual stock abundance estimates and design and manage hatchery programs to achieve fishery and conservation objectives.
• Implement creel surveys and use catch data to model impacts from recreational fisheries on salmon and steelhead populations.
• Provide technical support for the District Biologist and Regional Program Manager in policy discussions.

Monitor and assist in Fish Passage Programs in the Puyallup Watershed:

• Collaborate with Tribal Co-managers and Federal Agencies in both the Electron Hydro Project on the Puyallup River and the Mud Mountain Dam Fish Passage Facility on the White River to collect biological samples, assess fish passage, assist with fish rescue events, and provide technical assistance.
• Serve as a member of the South Sound Spring Chinook Technical Committee (SSSCTC) and provide technical expertise.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Much of the field work is conducted in remote locations, on unstable terrain or in and around moving water.
• Field work may involve risks such as trips and falls, water-related hazards operating a vehicle, motorboat, raft, and pontoon boat as well as conducting aerial surveys in helicopters. Other hazards may include extreme temperatures, stinging insects and plants, and wildlife encounters.
• Survey long distances independently and often for long hours.
• 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, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 40 hours per week. Flexible work schedule is needed and may include weekends depending on the time of year and longer than 8 hours per day. A 50:50 position split between an office working environment in-person at the Natural Resources Building and scheduled field work.

Travel Requirements: Travel and overnight stays are infrequent but required occasionally.

Tools and Equipment: Computers, waders, backpack electrofishing units, hand nets, seines, pontoon boats, measuring boards, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers.

Customer Interactions: Interact regularly with the public in person, via phone or email.

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

Option 1: 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 research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
Option 2: Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
Please Note:

• A Master's degree in the applicable science will substitute one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted 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:

• Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical methods and modeling options for fisheries, population estimates, and the development of escapement goals and recovery plans.

• Experience applying knowledge of warm water, resident, and anadromous fish life histories to effectively manage and meet conservation objective for fish populations.

• Experience conducting stock assessment, monitoring, forecasting, and management of salmon and steelhead populations.

• Experience working in or applying knowledge of the geography and fishery resources of Pierce and Kitsap counties.

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 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
• 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 [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 #2026-08060.
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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

Do you have two (2) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2?

• Yes
• No

06

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

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Between 1 - 2 years of experience
• Between 2 - 3 years of experience
• Between 3 - 4 years of experience
• Between 4 - 7 years of experience
• 7 years or more of experience

07

Please briefly describe your experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08

Please briefly describe your experience conducting stock assessment, forecasting, and management of salmon and steelhead populations. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Do you have experience working in or applying knowledge of the geography and fishery resources of Pierce and Kitsap counties?

• Yes
• No

10

Please briefly describe your experience using statistical methods and models to analyze fisheries data, create escapement estimates, and the development of escapement goals and recovery plans. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11

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
• 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
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

12

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