District Wildlife Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2025-09053
Title- District Wildlife Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Southwest Region 5 – District 10 – Counties Served- Cowlitz, Lewis, and Wahkiakum
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Please Note- This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
Closing Date- 1/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
As our District Wildlife Biologist, you’ll play a key part in supporting healthy and diverse wildlife population and ensuring Washingtonians can continue to enjoy the many opportunities these resources provide.
As the senior biologist for the district, you’ll take the lead on wildlife resource assessment and management efforts. You’ll independently carry out inventory and monitor work, track population changes, and collaborate closely with partners to support and manage both game and non-game wildlife populations.
You’ll also supervise staff and volunteers while serving as a key point of contact for the public, Tribes, and various agencies on a wide range of wildlife issues, from how to coexist with wildlife, wildlife protection and management to habitat restoration.
Come join our team and help shape recommendations for wildlife management conservation and recreation, and contribute to tribal co-management harvest agreements that guide responsible wildlife stewardship throughout the district!
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the District Wildlife Biologist will,
Inventory and Monitor Diverse Wildlife Populations:
- Conduct assigned wildlife surveys as part of statewide efforts.
- Develop or co-develop, plan, and lead field surveys for game and non-game species using established and emerging monitoring techniques (e.g., aerial surveys, camera traps, acoustic monitoring, spotlight surveys, mark-recapture, telemetry).
- Collect biological samples (e.g., DNA, tissues, disease samples) to inform population health assessments.
- Estimate wildlife population size, distribution, recruitment, survival, and mortality using statistical models and data analysis tools.
- Investigate, monitor, and manage disease occurrence in various species.
Measure Population Changes within the District:
- Evaluate population trends and identify factors influencing population change over time (e.g., predation, harvest, disease, habitat alteration).
- Compile and analyze population data and prepare written reports.
Develop Recommendations for Wildlife-Related Recreation Opportunities:
- Apply knowledge of population status, trends, demographic parameters, habitat conditions, and ecology to recommend harvest regulations.
- Recommend changes to hunting regulations.
Supervise Staff:
- Assign and direct work of staff while leading work teams in carrying out assignments and ensuring deadlines are met.
Implement Actions Advancing Species Recovery and Management:
- Conduct population augmentation, capture, and translocation activities.
- Recommend appropriate management/recovery actions for wildlife populations.
Provide Input on Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation:
- Evaluate habitat quality and quantity and assess population responses to habitat changes.
- Make recommendations for habitat restoration and restore habitats.
- Provide input on habitat altering actions such as forest management, energy development, urban expansion
Engage and Communicate with the Public, Government, Tribal, and Non-Governmental Partners:
- Communicate data and present options, verbally and in writing, to partners and public groups to enhance understanding of wildlife issues.
Work with Private Lands/Conflict Program in Region 5:
- Work with Private Lands staff to facilitate recreational access to private lands.
- Coordinate with Wildlife Conflict Specialists to establish hunting seasons and permit levels to help control damage.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work occurs in office environments and extensive field settings across terrestrial, aerial, and marine environments which includes operating a variety of equipment, including watercraft in both fresh and saltwater, conducting aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and hiking alone through rugged terrain, including stream crossings.
- Fieldwork may involve inclement weather and navigating difficult or uneven terrain, requiring walking, bending, and stooping, sometimes while frequently carrying up to 40 pounds of field gear (e.g., scopes, capture backpack).
- Frequent capture and handling of wildlife, including close proximity to a wide range of species, with some duties requiring the use of firearms and the handling of biological materials that may pose exposure risks.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:
- Full-time position, 40 hours per week. Work schedules may include occasional evening or weekend hours and may vary based on business needs, time of year, and weather conditions.
Travel Requirements:
- Regular travel occurs within the assigned district, with occasional travel outside the area, including out-of-state travel for specialized training or professional development.
- Field assignments or training may require overnight or extended stays.
Tools and Equipment:
- Field necropsy cutting instruments, GIS and mapping applications, backcountry and field-orientation tools, and a wide range of technical wildlife monitoring and study equipment.
- Vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
- Firearm use may be required for certain biological surveys or animal euthanasia. Dart guns and traps may be used in animal capture.
Customer Interactions:
- Frequent interaction with the public, tribal partners, and various government and non-government organizations.
- Some interactions may involve individuals or groups who may be experiencing frustration or concern.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field AND five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research.
Option 2: Four (4) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
In addition to one of the options above, the successful candidate must also have the following required experience (which may be gained concurrently):
- One (1) year of experience trapping, handling, dispatching, and immobilizing wildlife.
- One (1) year of leadership or supervisory experience – duties must include conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.
- Four (4) years of experience with wildlife population ecology and species relationships for both game and nongame species.
- Four (4) years of experience designing or assisting with wildlife surveys and field sampling methods.
- Four (4) years of experience with wildlife harvest management principles, practices, and implementation.
Please Note:
- Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
- A Master’s degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
- A PhD in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm, including performing animal euthanasia as needed.
- This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
- Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Four (4) years of professional experience in the following:
- Wildlife habitat relationships and their application to management decisions.
- Wildlife species identification across a broad range (birds, mammals, herpetofauna, invertebrates).
- Effective written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
- Conducting field surveys and collecting biological data under a range of conditions.
- Analyzing and interpreting data, including biometrics and population modeling for management recommendations.
- Applying wildlife management tools, equipment, and field techniques.
Two (2) years of professional experience in the following:
- Applying environmental rules, regulations, and permitting requirements.
- Wildlife damage management and strategies to reduce wildlife–human conflicts.
- Coordinating complex field projects.
- Following prescribed protocols and procedures with accuracy and consistency.
- Developing objectives, timelines, and action plans.
- Urban wildlife management concepts and practices.
- Field necropsy, disease investigation, and mortality location investigations.
- Training and mentoring staff, including seasonal or permanent team members.
- Negotiating effectively with partners, landowners, and stakeholders.
- Mediating contentious situations using diplomacy and conflict-resolution techniques.
- Working with Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, including ArcGIS/ArcMap/ArcPro, to produce maps and spatial analyses.
Include the items below with your application materials:
- 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-09053.