Forage Fish Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 - Permanent - 2025-07555
Title- Forage Fish Biologist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries while working with a team of dedicated biologists focused on the assessment and management of forage fish in the Puget Sound.
Envision yourself in the field collecting samples and interacting with local anglers to contribute to important research that supports sustainable fish populations.
In addition to fieldwork, this role includes laboratory duties that include processing biological samples and preparing reports that inform management decisions.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Forage Fish Biologist will,
Conduct field surveys of marine fish species:
- Operate and trailer small vessels and conduct egg deposition surveys.
- Deploy and retrieve a variety of nets including seines and plankton nets in a marine environment.
- Interview and collect samples from commercial and recreational fishmen and collect data.
Data entry and management:
- Enter new and historic data into database and spreadsheets.
- Organize and retrieve data for analysis and summary reports.
- Ensure data quality assurance and control (QA/QC).
Process biological samples and perform other lab tasks under supervision of a senior biologist
- Assess biological condition of forage fish and other marine fish by dissection.
- Assist with determining the age of specimens using scales and/or otoliths.
- Evaluate fecundity and sex of specimens through examination of reproductive organs.
- Ensure sample processing and lab safety procedures are followed.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Work in office, laboratory, and field environments, including beaches and marine waters, operating small boats year-round.
- Laboratory work may include long periods looking through a microscope, repetitive motion, florescent lighting, handling chemicals (e.g., formalin, ethyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid), use of sharp tools, and exposure to frozen or chemically preserved samples, specimens or foul odors.
- Fieldwork may include exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood and slime, punctures from fish spines or teeth.
- Work on slippery and unstable surfaces while handling nets, lines, cables, winches, and pot pullers which may pose a risk of entanglement, pinch points, and recoil.
- Operate vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, perform tasks in rough waters and around strong odors. Engage in repetitive movements, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, lifting (40 lb. max), working and standing in a confined space, wearing bulky gear, and use of knives.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, working 10 hours per day, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedule may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: Overnight travel is required. Occasional long term travel assignments may occur (approximately 2 weeks).
Tools and Equipment: Boats, vehicles, trailers, personal computers, GPS, transducers, tablet, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers and injectors, personal flotation device (PFD), and waders.
Customer Interactions: Interact with commercial/recreational fishers, Tribal, other government employees, and staff from non-governmental organizations (NGO) and academic partners.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Or
Equivalent experience or a combination of both may substitute for the degree.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
- Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License must be completed within one (1) month of hire
- WDFW motorboat operator training must be successfully completed within one (1) year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Six (6) months or more of experience in:
- Fisheries management principles, including Washington State forage fish fisheries, regulations, and agency protocols.
- Communicating with staff, stakeholders, or the public in a professional setting.
- Developing written reports to present survey or study results.
- Collecting and sampling shellfish.
- Making timely decisions in changing field conditions.
- Managing multiple tasks or workloads and meeting deadlines.
One (1) year or more of experience in:
- Safely trailering, launching, and operating small vessels on large bodies of water, including in inclement weather.
- Using fish collection methods such as seines, trawls or tangle nets.
- Collecting and analyzing biological data from fish and/or fish eggs, including species identification, aging, development assessment, fecundity, and biometric measurements.
- Laboratory experience processing biological samples, including safe handling of equipment and chemicals.
- Coordinating field schedules, logistics, or team operations to support assessment surveys or biological studies.
- Managing complex field operations and demonstrating safe work practices.
Two (2) years or more of experience in:
- Using computers and software (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, statistical tools, word processing) to enter, compile, analyze data, and produce reports.
- Developing or using digital data collection tools (e.g., iForms).
- Microsoft Office Suite and use of email/internet for research and communication.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License.
- Completion of a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC).
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 pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
-
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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07555.