Job Description

Salary: $4,653.00 - $7,443.00 Monthly
Location : Grant County - Ephrata, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-05802
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/18/2025
Closing Date: 9/[click to reveal phone number]2/2025 11 :59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Warmwater Fish Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 (In-Training)

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management

Duty Station- *Ephrata, Washington - Grant County

*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Ephrata, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 1 day per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

In-Training- We are recruiting to hire at the Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (F&W Bio 2) or Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 (F&W Bio 3) level. We will train a new hire at level F&W Bio 2 up to the F&W Bio 3 level.

Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:

F&W Biologist 2 - $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 monthly

F&W Biologist 3 - $ 5,531.00 - $7,443.00 monthly
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Fighting Smallmouth Bass on a Fly - Photo Credit: WDFW
Do you have experience developing and conducting detailed biological investigation of warmwater fish populations?
This is an opportunity to be the expert that is primarily responsible for leading all of the Warmwater Enhancement Programs activities across Region 2!
We are seeking a candidate to identify specific areas of foundational work that aim to provide recreational and commercial fishing opportunities, and to provide fish and wildlife habitat and recreation.
WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Organizes and conducts warmwater fishery surveys on Washington lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across multiple districts, managed for warmwater and mixed species fisheries.

• Develops, organizes, and conducts warmwater fishery surveys to collect various metrics, data, and biological samples from warmwater fish populations in Region 2. Implements both standardized and non-standardized surveys using a variety of sampling gears including (but not limited to): boat electrofishing, gill and fyke netting, long lining, etc. Designs and implements statistically valid creel surveys to quantify angler effort, catch, and harvest. Collects environmental data to quantify and characterize warmwater fish habitat and determine habitat quality.
• Uses GIS software to plan fisheries surveys as well as store relevant spatial data derived from those surveys.
• Maintains fish survey and creel databases, directs data entry, and ensures data quality.
• Selects and performs appropriate statistical analysis and tests on large and small data sets. Summarizes large amounts of data to inform regional management goals and objectives. Writes and directs completion of agency reports summarizing research finding.
• Coordinates with regional and headquarters fish management staff, other agency biologists, and other cooperators to identify fish management research, assessment needs, and appropriate management solutions.

Develops fishery management projects and implements actions that create, enhance, and maintain warmwater angling opportunities in Region 2.

• Designs and implements management actions such as: broodstock collection, fish stocking, habitat enhancement/modification, access planning/improvement, and lake rehabilitations.
• Investigates aquatic plant management methods and pursues projects that enhance habitat for warmwater fish and fisheries. May pursue herbicide applicator license/certification and perform herbicide treatment to manage aquatic vegetation.
• Coordinates projects with governmental entities and agencies (federal, state, local, tribal, etc.), private landowners, and other fishery stakeholders.
• Develops partnerships and conducts outreach with warmwater stakeholders and other angling groups that promote warmwater fishing opportunities. Attends angling club meetings, fairs, and other outreach events, to deliver presentations, answers questions, engages public and support WDFW R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) efforts.

Utilizes biological knowledge and data to review, evaluate, and/or develop warmwater fish management plans. Interprets and applies agency and commission policy, Washington Administrative Code, state and federal environmental law to the implementation of fishery management programs.

• Functions as the Region 2 warmwater program expert that provides technical assistance, makes harvest management recommendations, and evaluates the impact of proposed regulation changes to warmwater fish populations.
• Determines measurable objectives and uses data to evaluate the success of management actions relative to established goals.
• Communicates, both orally and in writing to senior technical and policy agency staff, the scientific community, project cooperators, and as necessary the public via responding to information requests, and presentations to angling or civic groups regarding the purposes and on-going activities of respective projects.
• Advises regional staff on stocked warmwater species biology, to inform ESA-listed salmonid recovery in watersheds modified by hydroelectric development.
• Oral presentations and lead author of written reports, attends meetings.

Supervises team members and completes administrative and fiscal tasks.

• Supervises, trains, and mentors subordinate staff (as well as agency volunteers where necessary) to support an effective and inclusive and motivated team. Promotes WDFW's values and encourages a diverse workplace where multiple viewpoints are valued.
• Coordinates schedules/logistics for field projects, assigns work tasks, and review work for compliance with established standards.
• Oversees and tracks project activities to ensure progress, accuracy, and timely completion of work. Participates in team meetings to communicate status of ongoing projects and/or job tasks.
• Identifies job-related training, cross training opportunities, and/or other approaches to provide and promote career development for subordinate staff.
• Assists with budget development and tracks warmwater spending to remain within budgets.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: This position is expected to travel regionally and statewide, to potentially isolated and rugged areas and difficult terrain such as deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. Use off-road vehicles to reach survey/project sites, drive motorized and non-motorized boats on a variety of waters, lift or move items weighing up to 75 pounds in the field, work during daylight and nighttime hours, work during all seasons of the year, sometimes in inclement weather, use chemicals requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), use sharp or potentially harmful equipment, and work in areas inhabited by potentially harmful fish and/or wildlife in order to accomplish work. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Biological sampling requires handling potentially hazardous materials, using needles, cutting instruments, and other sharp tools, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens or injury.
Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. During certain times of the year, this position is expected to work weekends, outside the 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM workday, and more than 40 hours/week in order to accomplish work.
Travel requirements: Travel requirements vary year-to-year due to identified work tasks and their location within Washington. In general, travel mostly occurs within this position's region of responsibility, but this position is expected to travel statewide up to 25% of the time to accomplish work.
Customer Interactions: Interacts with WDFW customers on a routine basis in the field as well as during public presentations, and through e-mail/telephone conversations regarding specific questions. Occasionally encounters hostile interactions requiring an ability to remain calm, professional, and diplomatic.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
This F&W Biologist 3 series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited experience.
Candidates will be hired as a F&W Biologist 2 or 3, dependent on skills and experience. Advancement from the F&W Biologist 2 to F&W Biologist 3 requires successful completion of the In-Training Plan, which will be provided upon hiring.
Required Qualifications for the Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2:
Option 1: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 2: A Master's degree or higher 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.
License: Valid driver's license.
In addition to the qualification options above, the incumbent must also have the following:

Two (2) years of supervisory/lead experience to include delegating, training, planning, organizing, and working in teams in to accomplish project work.
Required Qualifications for the Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3:
Option 1: Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
Option 2: Associate's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and five (5) years of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 3: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and three (3) years of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 4: A Master's degree fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and two (2) years of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 5: A Ph.D. in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
License: Valid driver's license.
In addition to the qualification options above, the incumbent must also have the following:

Two (2) years of supervisory/lead experience to include delegating, training, planning, organizing, and working in teams in to accomplish project work.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

This position is required to take medical exams at recommended intervals to be qualified to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) associated with working around/applying aquatic pesticides, including but not limited to dust/mist respirators.

This position is required to complete WDFW boater safety education. Incumbent is allowed up to one year after taking this position to complete WDFW boater safety education.

This position is required to complete all mandatory WDFW training related to the use of power equipment (e.g., ATVs, chainsaws, forklifts, etc.) or other trainings as deemed necessary to complete the duties of this position. Deadlines to complete all mandatory WDFW trainings will be established by the Safety Program.
Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Scientific technical writing.
• Applicable recording of information on resident fish populations.
• Report style and formatting, and statistical methods.
• Developing, implementing, and completing fisheries research including experimental design.
• Organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Developing meaningful biological information and management recommendations from collected data.
• Effective communication and interaction with agency management biologists, biologists from other agencies and tribes, agency technicians, and interested constituents.
• Personal computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point), and statistical analysis software.
• Environmental regulations, aquatic habitats, aquatic system(s) productivity, fish biology, and principles of population dynamics modeling and harvest management.
• Warmwater fish species and populations, as well as sampling equipment and techniques.
• Operating and towing boats up to 24 ft, including deploying sampling gears during day, night, under adverse weather conditions in rivers, reservoirs, and lakes.
• State and Federal boating laws and ability to communicate these laws and requirements as well as vessel operating techniques in a classroom environment.
• Identifying regionally applicable species of resident fish including juvenile life stages.
• Conducting study design, implementation, and reporting.
• Utilizing warmwater fisheries management and research techniques.
• Operating 4x4 vehicles.
• Equipment and techniques commonly used to capture all life stages of resident fish.

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 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: [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal email address] Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #[click to reveal phone number]2025-05802 .
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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 [click to reveal phone number]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 07-21-2025
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

Select the option below that best describes your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2, OR your professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 years and 5 years of this experience.
• I have between 5 years and 6 years of this experience.
• I have between 6 years and 7 years of this experience.
• I have 7 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2, OR your professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist 3, 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 option below that best describes your supervisory/lead experience to include delegating, training, planning, organizing, and working in teams in to accomplish project work.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 years or more of this experience.

08

Please list where you gained your supervisory/lead experience to include delegating, training, planning, organizing, and working in teams in to accomplish project work. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist 3, 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

Do you have experience with warmwater fish species and populations?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

10

Do you have experience operating and towing boats up to 24 feet?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

11

Select the options below in which you possess experience. Select all that apply.

• Environmental regulations.
• Aquatic habitats.
• Aquatic system(s) productivity.
• Fish biology.
• Principles of population dynamics modeling and harvest management.

12

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
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

13

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, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, 1 day per week, Monday to Friday,

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