Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08225

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

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

Summary

Title- Salmon Data Support Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (BIO2)

Job Status- Full-Time / Career Seasonal

Season Length- 11 months – January 16 – December 15

For the 2026 season, this position is anticipated to begin November 1, 2026.

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division – Puget Sound Management Unit

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Electronic Data Collection – Photo Credit: WDFW

If you’re a biologist who likes the idea of seeing your data actually influence salmon management, this could be a really cool opportunity. You’d be working with chum, pink, and sockeye salmon data from Puget Sound—collecting and managing biological and fishery data, helping with in-season monitoring, and turning that information into summaries that support commercial and recreational fishery management.

You’d also get to work at the intersection of science, fisheries management, and salmon conservation, supporting WDFW’s work with tribal co-managers and other partners.

So if you like a position where you’re not just collecting data, but helping turn that data into decisions about Washington’s salmon resources, this one is worth a look!

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmon Data Support Biologist will,

Maintain fisheries and biological field data and data systems for chum, pink, and sockeye salmon in Puget Sound Waters:

• Develop and maintain biological field collection databases, ensuring data are collected in a consistent and uniform manner.
• Review data collection and perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) to identify and correct errors.
• Assist the chum, pink, and sockeye salmon species specialist with preparing data summaries and fulfilling data requests from regional and co-management staff, as well as constituents.

Support fishery data management and in-season processes:

• Update and maintain website application tools and data.
• Assist with data entry and review of fishery harvest data
• Assist with fishery regulation review, including commercial registration fishery processes
• Prepare weekly summaries of sampling, biological data, and commercial catch information.

Assist unit staff during in-season chum genetic stock identification data collection and processing:

• Conduct field collections and sampling in accordance with established protocols.
• Facilitate the transfer of biological samples from field staff to genetics and aging laboratories.

Provide support for the objectives and goals of establishing a comprehensive chum management plan:

• Support the chum, pink, sockeye salmon species specialist in data analysis and summaries.

Serve as research support to the chum, pink, sockeye salmon species specialist:

• Review and provide feedback on internal technical reports and publications.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work primarily in an office environment, with approximately 90% of the time spent on computer-based analysis, communication, and coordination.
• Occasional field work is required between September and December and may involve exposure to inclement weather, rough or choppy water, noise, strong odors, slippery surfaces, and confined work areas.
• Field duties may include repetitive hand movements, climbing in and out of vessels, operating boats with outboard motors, sampling salmon aboard boats, working around fish blood and slime, and exposure to bees, yellow jackets, and other insects.
• Work may require bending, kneeling, carrying equipment, and occasionally lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• 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. 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:

Travel is required during October and November, including overnight or weekend trips totaling approximately 10 to 14 days per year.

Tools and Equipment:

Agency-issued desktop and laptop computers, cell phones, vehicles, raingear, personal flotation devices (PFDs), equipment holsters, and a variety of field and marine electronics.

Customer Interactions:

Regularly interact with a wide range of internal and external partners, including WDFW staff, tribal co-managers, federal and Canadian fisheries partners, commercial fishing industry representatives, and members of the public.

Qualifications:

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

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field.

AND

One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree or higher in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one (1) year of professional experience in one or more of the following:

• Managing data related to scientific collections or natural resource management.
• Using Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Word, Excell, Access, and Outlook.
• Using statistical and data analysis software or programming languages, such as R, SQL, Python, or SAS.
• Salmon life histories and salmon habitat requirements.
• Puget Sound salmon stocks.

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 #2026-08225.

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