Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06852

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Parks and Beaches, Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Wetlands, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

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Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor

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.

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.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Aerial survey conducted to count fishing boats over the Marine Areas of Puget Sound – Photo Credit: WDFW

The Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor is a key leadership role within the Fish Program’s Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU). This position manages fisheries data collection, analysis, and reporting while leading sampler support operations that are critical to monitoring Puget Sound fisheries.

In this role, you’ll oversee fisheries sampling projects, including Chinook and Coho salmon monitoring, halibut assessments, commercial catch evaluations, and other special studies. You’ll manage complex fisheries databases, develop fisheries estimates, supervise support staff, and collaborate with agency staff and Tribal Co-Managers to ensure high-quality data informs fisheries management decisions.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the PSSU Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor will,

Data Coordination and Management for the Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU):

• Coordinate and manage all recreational and commercial fisheries data used to support Puget Sound salmon, halibut, and other fisheries.
• Analyze and interpret biological and fishery monitoring data to produce in-season and post-season catch, effort, and harvest estimates.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate fisheries data, identify trends, prepare reports, tables, figures, and recommendations that inform fisheries management.
• Ensure data quality by reviewing sampling procedures, coordinating quality control efforts, and integrating tribal and non-tribal fisheries data.
• Coordinate fishery sampling activities, calendars, biological studies, and resource assessments across Puget Sound.
• Coordinate the scheduling and completion of aerial surveys.
• Conduct 20% or more of aerial surveys, as needed.
• Ensure agency flight policies and established protocols are followed.
• Facilitate annual training for staff conducting aerial surveys to ensure compliance with established flight protocols.
• Coordinate with pilots and complete flight plans for all aerial surveys.
• Ensure all flights are fully staffed, including designated backup staff.

Supervise Sampling Support Staff and Oversee Unit Operations:

• Supervise Sampler Support staff by providing leadership, training, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Coordinate daily operations, staffing, scheduling, and communication to ensure efficient support for fisheries sampling activities.
• Oversee administrative functions including hiring, onboarding, position descriptions, evaluations, purchasing, payroll, travel, inventory, fleet, and records retention.
• Monitor staff spending and financial processes, working with agency staff and vendors to resolve purchasing and accounting issues.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, ensure compliance with agency policies, and continuously improve business processes.

Develop Reports, Manuals, and Technical Guidance:

• Lead the development, maintenance, and annual publication of fisheries sampling manuals, protocols, and administrative guidance.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation that communicate sampling methods, data analyses, and fisheries monitoring results.
• Collaborate with agency staff, tribal co-managers, and leadership to ensure documentation remains accurate, current, and supports effective fisheries management.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is primarily in an office setting (90%). Work also occurs in float planes and occasionally on-board boats during inclement weather. Repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, and keyboarding, long periods of sitting. Properly wear a PFD at all times on or near water. 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 with weekend and evening work required, including for aerial surveys and evening meetings and travel.

Travel Requirements:

Operate an agency owned vehicle with occasional overnight travel.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with all PSSU staff, treaty tribes, agency biologists and managers, field technicians, WDFW Human Recourses, Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, Capital Asset Management, Fish Program administrative staff and managers, and the public.

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.
• Fisheries harvest management, including methods for biological data collection, interpretation, and presentation.
• Analyzing data, interpreting results, and selecting appropriate statistical tests.
• Database design and management.
• Developing study designs and research strategies.
• Technical writing and editing.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Completion of WDFW Basic Aircraft Safety Training and Standard Operating Procedures before working aboard small aircraft within first six (6) months of hire.
• Completion of WDFW Aircraft Ditching, Underwater Egress and Sea Survival before working aboard single engine aircraft with floats within first six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Working knowledge of computer programming in the “R” computing environment (creating, updating, and running the programming code).
• Familiarity with life histories of salmon, steelhead, and other marine and shellfish in the Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing regulations, methods, and gear.
• Ability to work independently, proactively solve problems, and complete projects accurately while meeting established deadlines.

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 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.

This is a YesVets Logo - It is red, white, and blue in color with blue font that states YES red font that states VETS and a red white and blue star with two soldiers saluting in the center. Proud Employer of U.S. Veterans written at the bottom.

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: 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 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#2026-06852

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