Chehalis Smolt Trapping Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-00860

Full Job Description

Working Title- Chehalis Smolt Trapping Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Science Division

Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*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!

Photo Caption – Aerial view of Satsop River – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about conserving and protecting native fish and wildlife?

With your experience, you will collect, organize, and analyze data that is used to understand the abundance of juvenile and adult salmonids in the Chehalis River Basin.

We are seeking a candidate to conduct research and serve as the field lead responsible for smolt trapping in the Chehalis Basin and monitoring adult upstream passage.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Lead data collection and data communication at Bingham Creek Wild Coho Monitoring Station.

Lead salmonid smolt population monitoring on Chehalis River.

Supervising and administrative duties.

Other duties.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Approximately 50% field and 50% office (telework eligible for up to 80% office work). Work is performed in inclement weather and cold water for several hours at a time.

Handle and relocate adult salmonids that weigh up to 40 pounds.

Smolt traps are accessed by traversing slippery terrain, operating small watercraft, climbing over railings, and maintaining balance on a moving deck in sometimes harsh weather conditions.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Safe use of various chemicals.

May operate motorized or non-motorized (i.e., kayaks, inflatable pontoon boats) watercraft depending on experience.

Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week.

The standard work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, however, the 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, or emergencies.

Travel requirements: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is extremely rare but may occur to attend workshops and conferences.

Customer Interactions: Interacts with public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork. Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative. Coordinates regularly with landowners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

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.

Please note: Professional equivalent experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement – this experience must be in aquatic invasive species, fish, wildlife, or natural resource management.

A Master’s degree or Ph.D. degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in a natural resources-related field.

Acquiring permits for land access and scientific collections.

With mechanics, fabrication, installation, operation, and maintenance of juvenile and adult fish traps.

Using fish tagging techniques (PIT, CWT, VIE).

Operating and/or working in and around boats, trailers, etc.

Towing/trailering boats and/or trailers (i.e., flatbeds).

Using handheld data collection devices (i.e., smartphones, iPads, etc.) in the field and entering data using platforms such as iForms or Survey 123.

With MS Office (i.e., Access, Teams, Excel, PowerApps).

With Program R.

Ability to:

Identify juvenile and adult salmonids using a taxonomic key or field guide.

Manage workloads and schedules for field crews, organize and prioritize tasks, work efficiently.

Negotiate resolution of disputes between competing parties.

Research, write, and adapt field protocols under supervision.

Ability to manage and maintain computer files and use data collection software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, iForms) including the use of computer tablets for data collection.

Perform data QA/QC and maintain databases of field data.

Apply research and statistical methods and techniques to a project or program.

Synthesize research findings and formulate fish management recommendations.

Be mindful and safety conscious, including reminding others of appropriate safety practices to minimize the likelihood of accidents.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Maintain good working relationships with field crew, coworkers, other state, federal, and tribal organizations as well as the public.

Use hand and power tools.

Hike long distances (up to 10 miles/day).

Certification & Trainings:

First Aid/CPR/AED Certified.

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.

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 Cheri.Potter@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: 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 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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.

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