Job Description

Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Job Number: 2026-01595
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 02/23/2026
Closing Date: 3/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Headwater Stream Habitat Science Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Project

Appointment Length- 3.6 years

Anticipated Project Length: April 20, 2026 - November 30, 2029

WDFW Program- Habitat Program - Science Division

Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

*While this position may be eligible to telework some days, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed. Fieldwork, including overnight travel, is required during the field season (primarily May through October).
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Olympic Torrent Salamander - Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about preserving and protecting fish, wildlife, and ecosystems within Washington?
This is an opportunity to conduct biological monitoring for research projects and coordinate study implementation.
We are seeking a candidate to primarily support implementation of a field study and assist report development that evaluates headwater stream habitats and stream-associated amphibians in managed timberlands for WADNR's Forest Practices Adaptive Management Program.
WHAT TO EXPECT -

This position requires extensive overnight travel within western Washington during the field season of May-October. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Plans, coordinates and implements data collection and data management in support of habitat and wildlife research projects.

• Track project progress and prioritize tasks to achieve project objectives.
• Deploy instream water temperature loggers.
• Collect transect measurements (wetted and bankfull widths/depths, substrate, depth, canopy cover measurements and mapping surface water extent).
• Conduct stream-associated amphibian surveys to assess occupancy/abundance.
• Collect spatial data and reference photographs.
• Support site selection using GIS and coordinate study site access with landowners.
• Utilization of a GPS to navigate (logging roads and off-trail) to study sites through dense vegetation and downed trees, which sometimes includes hiking up and down steep slopes or within very steep and/or slippery stream channels comprised of loose gravels, cobbles, boulders, bedrock, mud, and/or sand,.

QA/QCs, summarize and interpret data.

• Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
• Ensure data quality through checks of completeness and assessment of data.
• Develop summaries of data for interpretation and analysis.
• Analyze and interpret data using established research procedures.
• Draft technical report sections for review by Principal Investigator.

Supervise field staff (up to 5) hired annually during the field season (June-September).

• Plan and organize interviews.
• Identify and hire staff.
• Onboard staff.
• Provide supervision and direction, identify priorities, hold staff accountable.
• Identify safety trainings and ensure staff are up to date on all trainings.
• Identify and assign tasks, including daily and weekly assignments, tracking of accomplishments, troubleshooting issues as they arise, and making independent judgment calls in the absence of the Principal Investigator.

Lead field staff in project implementation/field data collection.

• Lead staff in field data collection.
• Organize work schedules and communicate plan to staff.
• Be available to solve technical and field work problems for field staff as they arise.
• Train staff in field methodologies.
• Ensure staff are collecting data in a manner that is consistent with study design and research methods.
• Ensure staff follow established safety guidelines. Respond to safety and emergency situations if they occur.
• Maintain access/landowner agreements, communicate with landowners about access and conditions.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: The working environment is a composite of field and office work. Up to 90% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field during the focal field season, approximately May - October annually. While in the field, hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense and up and down steep slopes will be required. Navigating along and within steep shallow streams is required. May require wearing a hardhat and high-visibility vest. Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (<40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (e.g., hand net, iPad, field notebook, instream temperature sensors, measuring tape) and personal supplies (first aid kit, water, lunch, snacks, rain gear), and at times a field laptop. Infrequently carry by hand 5-gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday-Thursday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel requirements: Extensive travel within western Washington is required. Field work will require regular overnight travel during the field season. Overnight travel will typically require camping near vehicles at established campgrounds and at primitive dispersed sites.
Customer Interactions: Interactions with landowners or other users of public and/or private lands on route to study sites and to facilitate landowner access agreements. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with landowners on whose lands study sites are located and provide proof of access permits if requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
And
One (1) year of professional experience in/with:

• Leadership/supervisory duties including coordination of field staff.
• Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
• Data quality assessment and control.

And
Two (2) years or more of professional experience in/with:

• Biological field research, fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.
• Microsoft software including Word, Excel, or Access.

And
License: Valid driver's license.
Option 2:

Two (2) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
And
One (1) year of professional experience in/with leadership/supervisory duties including coordination of field staff.
And
License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Master's degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:

• Stream-associated amphibians or headwater streams.
• Stream ecology, water quality or physical monitoring.
• Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
• Creating maps in GIS.
• Statistical analysis software.

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 (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: 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]360-902-2278 or email , 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 [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.
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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

Which option best describes your professional experience in a natural resource field, OR your experience as a F&W Biologist 1?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have 4 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained professional experience in a natural resource field, OR your experience as a F&W Biologist 1. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07

Select the options below in/with which you possess at least one (1) year of professional experience. Select all that apply.

• Leadership/supervisory duties including coordination of field staff.
• Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
• Data quality assessment and control.

08

For each item selected above in #7, list where you gained that professional. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: Data quality assessment and control, WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
09

Select the options below in/with which you possess at least two (2) years or more of professional experience. Select all that apply.

• Biological field research, fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.
• Microsoft software including Word, Excel, or Access.

10

For each item selected above in #9, list where you gained that professional. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: Biological field experience, WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
11

Select the options below in/with which you possess at least two (2) years or more of professional experience. Select all that apply.

• Stream-associated amphibians or headwater streams.
• Stream ecology, water quality or physical monitoring.
• Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
• Creating maps in GIS.
• Statistical analysis software.

12

Are you willing to travel extensively in western Washington, including overnight travel and camping at primitive campsites, during the field season of May-October?

• Yes, I am able to fulfill this requirement.
• No, I am not able to fulfill this requirement.

13

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 (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• 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)

14

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

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift

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