Nearshore Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-07067

Salary: $5,928.00 - $7,973.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-07067
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Nearshore Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent WDFW Program- Habitat Program - Ecosystem Services Division Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Washington Coast Shoreline - Photo Credit: WDFW
Join the WDFW team and apply your expertise in habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement to help protect and restore Washington's nearshore marine habitats.
In this role, you will serve as a technical lead to develop resources, maintain high-quality spatial data, and communicate complex scientific concepts in accessible ways that help land use practitioners, planners, and staff identify, protect, and enhance critical nearshore habitats.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Nearshore Biologist will,
Incorporate spatial data and identify priority nearshore habitat locations in Washington state into the Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) framework:

• Translate new or existing or nearshore data into a format appropriate to PHS applications.
• Develop technical documentation of methods used to create spatial data and develop user guides for application of nearshore data.
• Develop management recommendations for protecting nearshore habitat priorities in the land use and transportation planning context.
• Coordinate and support GIS staff in the development and integration of nearshore spatial data into the PHS schema and data delivery system.
• Create methodologies and approaches for prioritizing locations for nearshore habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement.

Identify spatial data and prioritize nearshore habitat locations in Washington State:

• Identify appropriate existing spatial data as well as nearshore habitat location and condition.
• Engage and collaborate with scientists and modelers developing, reviewing, or revising nearshore models or technical prioritization efforts relevant to nearshore habitats in Washington.

Provide technical assistance for the development and application of nearshore habitat data in the context of land use planning and land management:

• Provide technical assistance on the applications of PHS nearshore data to internal and external users in the context of local land use planning, transportation planning, growth management, shoreline management.
• Develop and provide training and outreach materials to facilitate understanding and implementation of management recommendations.
• Assimilate expertise on nearshore habitat protection and restoration and communicate best practices.

Represent the agency in a technical capacity on efforts to create new nearshore data products and strategies:

• Participate in research activities including data collection, evaluation, and analysis to identify priority locations for nearshore habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement.
• Participate in working groups developing nearshore data products, priorities, and implementation strategies.
• Produce or co-produce materials and written deliverables (e.g., reports, maps, toolkits, white papers, and academic articles) with a focus on nearshore science.

Maintain spatial data identifying priority nearshore locations in Washington State:

• Review on-going, current nearshore science and modeling to ensure that PHS data meets the best available science standard defined in Washington state code (WAC [click to reveal phone number]365-195-915).

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards: Typical office setting - on-site at the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, WA and travel to other regional offices. Office hazards may include prolonged exposure to fluorescent lighting, repetitive computer data entry, extended periods of computer monitor use, and prolonged sitting or standing.
Schedule: Typically, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. working 40 hours per week.Partial telework options may be available.While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters as needed.
Travel Requirements: Expected travel for meetings and field trips to review project proposals and implementation 5-10% of time.
Customer Interactions: Interact with various WDFW personnel across programs and throughout the region, city and county planning staff/directors, consultants, other state agency staff and natural resource and conservation non-governmental organization (NGO) 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 or higher in biology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or management, environmental science, or related field.
And
Five (5) years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
Or
Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
In addition to the above, the incumbent must have the following competencies:

• Demonstrated success in fostering a collegial, collaborative, and productive work environment with colleagues who are not co-located.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strategic thinker who also demonstrates close attention to detail.
• Successful demonstration of strong critical thinking skills applied to solving complex natural resources problems.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs or ability to be flexible as needs of the position change.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to take interest in and understand others' perspectives, easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives, or ideas, demonstrate appropriate assertiveness and be committed to the service of the public, mission, and team.

Please Note:

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

• Demonstrated relevant experience working in nearshore habitats.
  • Relevant experience may include field research, spatial modeling or analysis, remote sensing, and/or natural resources management within a university, local government, environmental or conservation organization, consulting firm, or state or federal natural resources agency.
• Proficiency with GIS and execute basic spatial analytical tasks in a GIS framework including knowledge of ArcGIS desktop and ArcGIS Online software.

Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of landscape ecology, conservation biology, conservation planning, or similar discipline.
• Expert knowledge of nearshore science and modeling approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and explain spatial data characteristics and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct spatial analysis and manage large databases.
• Ability to synthesize complex spatial information and develop analyses in written and visual form.
• Ability to perform complex geoprocessing and manipulate large datasets using scripts.
• Knowledge of scripting (such as Python or SQL) to automate spatial analysis tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to policy makers, planners, or other non-scientists.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and objectives of urban and natural resources planning.

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 #2026-07067.
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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 or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• Between 3 - 5 years of experience
• Between 5 - 9 years of experience
• 9 years or more of experience

06

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

Please briefly describe your demonstrated experience working in nearshore habitats Relevant nearshore habitat experience may include field research, spatial modeling or analysis, remote sensing, and/or natural resources management. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08

Please briefly describe your proficiency using GIS and performing basic spatial analysis, including your knowledge and use of ArcGIS desktop and ArcGIS Online software. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

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

10

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