Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08568

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Natural Resources, Wetlands, Laboratory, Research, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Summary

Title- Otolith Laboratory Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until November 3, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on October 26, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Hatchery summer Chinook salmon – Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell

WDFW’s Fish Ageing and Otolith Laboratories provide critical age and origin data to WDFW Fish Management and Hatchery Divisions, tribal co-managers, and federal fisheries managers to be used in forecasting, run reconstruction, stock assessment, and scientific research.

With your expertise in the preparation and processing of calcified structures, you will conduct research and report on biological studies of Pacific Salmon and other marine, anadromous, and freshwater fishes.

Your work as part of the Otolith Laboratory Team will directly support efforts to meet resource and economic needs for the State of Washington and the Pacific Northwest, including programs focused on recovering Endangered Species Act (ESA) sensitive stocks.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Otolith Laboratory Biologist’s duties will include,

Thermal Mark Implementation and Evaluation:

• Prepare high-quality, half-sectioned and thin-sectioned otolith samples.
• Use lapping wheels for grinding and polishing.
• Communicate effectively with lab team members and supervisor to ensure accuracy and meet project deadlines.
• Independently observe otoliths using compound and dissecting microscopes to identify and decode thermal marks.
• Accurately records thermal mark information into database.
• Review and plan distinctive thermal mark patterns aligned with hatchery requests.
• Develop thermal marking schedules.
• Coordinate, adapt, and communicate hatchery thermal marking schedules to achieve intended thermal marks.

Microstructural and Microchemical Analyses:

• Prepare high-quality samples from otoliths and other calcified structures for microstructural and microchemical analyses using low-speed saws and lapping wheels.
• Use image analysis software and microscopes to measure and count daily increments in otoliths to evaluate environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic influences on growth during early life history.
• Evaluate and summarize results of daily growth estimates, accuracy and precision of estimates, size-at-marine entry, and other relevant parameters.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of data.
• Prepare reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at conferences and other meetings.

Assisting and Supporting Production, Thermal Marking Operations, and Field Collections:

• Assist hatchery and lab staff with artificially spawning and cross-fertilizing salmonid gametes.
• Travel to study sites to assist with or lead collection efforts for biological samples.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily occurs in a laboratory setting, but will also include office environments, hatcheries, and field sites. Perform repetitive fine motor functions for long durations. Extended periods of time will be spent looking at computer monitors or through microscopes.

Laboratory hazards include hot surfaces (hot plates, burners), grinding wheels, sharp blades, dissecting tools, and chemical exposure (acids, ethanol, acetone, thermoplastic resin, and polystyrene resin) both direct and as fumes.

Hatchery and field work may be performed during inclement weather and over slippery, uneven terrain near or on the water. Lift equipment, samples, coolers, and field gear weighing up to 75 pounds, with assistance as needed. Travel will include operating, or being a passenger in, a motor vehicle on highways or dirt roads. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The work schedule may require weekend work or extended hours while in the field.

Travel Requirements: Occasional field work, laboratory work, and projects will require travel throughout Washington state. Attend annual workshops and conferences. Travel may include overnight and day trips. Increased travel potential November–February.

Tools and Equipment: Compound and dissecting (stereo) microscopes, epifluorescence microscope, desktop/laptop computers, image analysis software, dissecting tools, precision grinders, hot plates, fume hood, balances, and low-speed precision saws will be used routinely. Portable chilling units and pumps will occasionally be set up and maintained for hatchery production or controlled experiments.

Customer Interactions: Public interactions are uncommon but may occur when entering state buildings, working at hatcheries, or conducting fieldwork. Collaborate and professionally communicate with Tribal/First Nation groups and co-managers, WDFW staff throughout the state, non-profit organizations, academic groups, public utilities, federal agencies, other Washington state resource agencies, and fisheries agencies from other states.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.

AND

Three (3) years of professional experience in fish research or management.

Option 2:

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

In addition to meeting one of the options listed above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

One (1) year of experience with the following:

• Processing or analyzing calcified structures.
• Producing high-quality otolith sections, including preparing and analyzing otoliths for thermal mark interrogations, microstructure, and/or microchemistry analysis.
• Reading and interpreting multiple band otolith patterns, including reading/evaluating calcified structures for age estimation or thermal mark patterns.

Ability to:

• Accurately perform repetitive motions utilizing fine motor skills for long periods of time.
• Prepare 20-40 otolith thin sections and 50-100 otolith half sections daily.
• Read 100-300 otolith samples daily.

Knowledge of:

• Pacific salmon life history and growth.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience in fish research or management.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience in fish research or management.

Certifications/Licenses:

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 in a relevant biological science.

Authorship or co-authorship of one (1) or more peer-reviewed publications.

Experience:

• Processing and analyzing data obtained from otoliths or other calcified structures.
• Applying current fish ageing research methods.
• Enumerating daily growth increments in otoliths.
• Otolith thermal mark identification.
• With, or knowledge of, Pacific Northwest fish biology and ecology, including life history and population dynamics.
• Managing multiple complex projects with competing deadlines, producing accurate and timely work.
• Analyzing data to evaluate issues, assess options, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.
• Defining research questions, identifying data needs, and designing independent experiments.

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.

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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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

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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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-08568.

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