Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-06851

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06851
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent WDFW Program- Fish Program - Puget Sound Management Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- This position may include telework options at the discretion of the supervisor.
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WDFW catch sampling unit - Photo Credit: WDFW
As a senior-level biologist, you will supervise and oversee the collection of dockside recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Marine Areas 5 through 13.
Working closely with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager, play a key role in the planning and developing of biological research and coordinating data collection to support stock assessment and fisheries management.
What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist will,
Supervise Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Dockside Fisheries Sampling Operations:

• Directly supervise creel and biological data collection conducted dockside for recreational and commercial fisheries in Marine Areas 5 through 13.
• Provide technical guidance to field supervisors on biological sampling problems and issues to ensure compliance with established sampling methods, techniques, and plans.
• Coordinate seasonal and weekly fisheries sampling schedules, including halibut and summer and winter salmon fisheries.
• Coordinate sampling efforts within and across geographic areas in the unit to ensure consistent and complete fisheries sampling activities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee employee training and onboarding processes for dockside sampling positions.
• Coordinate with Sampler Support staff to ensure field staff have access to programs and systems needed for biological data collection and administrative processes, including iForms, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, TotalTime, Outlook, and TEMS.
• Review and approve administrative paperwork submitted by field supervisors and their staff, including timesheets, travel vouchers, p-card logs, Order Payment Forms, personal reimbursements, and other purchasing documents.
• Provide field supervisors with resources, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Coordinate and assist field supervisors with hiring, training, and evaluation of dockside sampling staff across South Sound (Olympia), the Peninsula (Port Angeles), North Sound (Bellingham) and Central Sound (Edmonds).
• Provide timely, confidential, and professional guidance on personnel issues and seek assistance from supervisor, chain of command, or Human Resources as appropriate.

Coordinate Human Resources (HR) Activities for Dockside Sampling Positions:

• Serve as the primary coordinator for HR activities affecting dockside sampling positions, including position descriptions, recruitments, HR actions, appointments, separations, promotions, reallocations, and organizational changes.
• Track staffing needs, personnel actions, appointment timelines, and recruitment activities to ensure adequate staffing for fisheries sampling operations.
• Review and coordinate HR documents and processes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements and timelines.
• Maintain current personnel records, staffing spreadsheets, organizational charts, and other workforce information.
• Provide guidance to field supervisors and staff on HR and payroll policies, processes, systems, forms, and timelines, including online HR processes through the HR Service Portal.
• Coordinate regularly with HR Recruitment, HR Operations, and HR Data Team and advise the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager on staffing and HR-related issues.

Ensure Quality and Completion of Fisheries Data and Documentation:

• Oversee the timely review, editing, and quality control of recreational dockside fisheries data in coordination with PSSU data manager in the unit's online portal.
• Develop, review, and implement fisheries sampling protocols, procedures, and sampling goals in coordination with unit staff and tribal biologists.
• Evaluate fisheries data and assist with developing procedures and approaches to meet program sampling needs.
• Support fisheries studies and special data collection projects, including planning, study design, and coordination with data managers.
• Oversee tracking and maintenance of electronic data collection equipment and related systems.
• Create, review, and edit fisheries-related manuals, protocols, reports, spreadsheets, and other technical documentation.

Coordinate Fisheries Sampling, Training, and Technical Support:

• Coordinate fisheries sampling activities with staff and external partners to support comprehensive recreational and commercial fisheries data collection (tribal and non-tribal) for Puget Sound.
• Coordinate field-based training with field supervisors and provide technical support to ensure consistent sampling methods, data collection procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Fish Program staff to develop training objectives, materials, and techniques for biological sampling activities.
• Evaluate sampling procedures, equipment use, data collection methods, and electronic data forms to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate data quality concerns and recommend improvements to sampling procedures, training, and logistics.
• Conduct dockside sampling for salmon, halibut, marine fish, shrimp, crab, and other fisheries as needed.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is primarily in an office setting (90%). Fieldwork is conducted in varying weather and sea conditions. Fieldwork involves exposure to noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, rarely heavy lifting (up to 40 pounds unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:

24/7 non-scheduled with weekends and evenings required. Workdays are typically 8 to 10 hours and may occur between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Travel Requirements:

Travel throughout the Puget Sound area, with regular overnight travel required.
Tools and Equipment:

iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives,

forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper

forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, personal flotation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear, and current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
Customer Interactions:

Interact with WDFW and Tribal staff, commercial harvester and fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, shellfishers, and the public. Provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs and activities, and sport fishing regulations. Interactions may include contact with individuals who are upset or frustrated. Serve as a liaison with the regional supervisor and enforcement staff regarding fishery violations observed in the field.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

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

Option 2 - All of the following:

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

Option 3 - All of the following:

• A Master's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 4 - All of the following:

• A Doctorate's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 5:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

For the options above, the following experience is also required and may be gained concurrently:

• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

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:

• Master's Degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Twelve (12) months of experience conducting creel surveys and/or sampling sport and/or commercial fisheries.
• Ability to identify salmon, marine fish, and shellfish fish species found in Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of salmon life history, Puget Sound sport fishing regulations, and commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Familiarity with WDFW administrative, human resources, and payroll procedures and policies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

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 #2026-06851.
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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

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

• Yes
• No

06

Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat 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 - 7 years of this experience
• I have 7 or more years of this experience

07

Please briefly describe your professional 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

Do you have at least two (2) years of supervisory experience?

• Yes, I have this experience
• No, I do not have this experience

09

Please briefly describe your supervisory experience. Include the number and types of employees supervised, as well as your responsibilities for training, coaching, performance management, and employee development. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10

Which of the following computer software tools have you used at an advanced proficiency in a professional or academic setting? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access or other database management systems
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• I do not have advanced proficiency computer software experience using these tools

11

Please select the areas where you have knowledge or experience related to Puget Sound fisheries. (Select ALL that apply.)

• Salmon life history
• Puget Sound sport fishing regulations
• Commercial fishing methods and gear
• Sport fishing methods and gear
• I do not have knowledge or experience in these areas

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