District 8 Fish Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-01716

Full Job Description

Title- District 8 Fish Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division – Region 3
Duty Station- Yakima, Washington – Yakima 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!

Spawned-out Coho – Photo Credit: WDFW

This position serves as the District 8 Fish Biologist, overseeing Kittitas and Yakima counties in Region 3.

Working both independently and with minimal supervision, the District Fish Biologist manages all Fish Program activities within the district, including developing, implementing, and evaluating biological assessments, research studies, angler creel surveys, recreational fishing regulations, and hatchery production targets and stocking plans.

The position also serves as an expert-level biologist in one or more specialized areas, such as lake and stream aquatic pesticide applications, fish mitigation negotiation and implementation (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission projects), or advanced scientific study design and data analysis techniques.

Additionally, this role supervises both permanent and temporary Scientific Technicians, providing guidance, training, and oversight to ensure program success.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the District 8 Fish Biologist will,

Develop, implement, and evaluate resident and anadromous fish surveys, research studies, and other biological assessments:

• Conduct lake and stream fish community surveys.
• Lead spawning escapement surveys.
• Oversee creel surveys to assess angler effort, catch, and demographics.

Represent the Department as a technical expert in all fish and fisheries management related forums within or affecting the district, and on behalf of the region or state:

• Represent the district, region, agency and/or state in multiple fish management discussions and collaborative efforts with tribal co-managers, federal agencies, state, county, and local agencies, and non-governmental organization (NGOs).
• Participate in annual planning meetings related to salmon and steelhead seasons setting, co-manager allocations, and public engagement efforts, including forums such as North of Falcon, United States v. Oregon proceedings, and regional co-manager coordination meetings.
• Serve as the technical lead in negotiating and implementing mitigation projects/programs (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) that affect resident and/or anadromous fish resources within the district or region.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely communications to the public regarding fisheries and fishing-related information within the district.

Develop, implement, and evaluate fish management actions that provide sustainable recreational fishing opportunities:

• Identify and evaluate hatchery production targets and develop annual stocking allotments.
• Develop, recommend, and evaluate recreational fishing regulations within or affecting district waters.

Supervision:

• Supervise permanent and temporary biological and scientific technician staff.
• Lead hiring processes, conduct performance evaluations, and implement or recommend corrective actions when necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is conducted in both field and office environments. Work may occur during daylight and nighttime hours, in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Statewide travel may include remote and rugged areas, operating off-road vehicles to access project sites, and navigating boats across a variety of waters.
• Occasionally lift weights up to 75 pounds without assistance or accommodation.
• Handle chemicals that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), operating sharp or potentially hazardous equipment, and working in areas inhabited by potentially harmful fish and/or wildlife.
• 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 through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week. During certain times of the year, the position may require work on weekends, outside standard business hours, and more than 40 hours per week to meet operational needs.

Travel Requirements:

Travel varies annually based on work tasks and their location throughout Washington. Most travel occurs within the assigned district, with travel to other areas of the state between 10-20% of the time to accomplish work.

Tools and Equipment:

Personal computers and associated software programs, tablets, smart phones, copy/scan/fax machines, inboard and outboard boats (including electrofishing boats), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and/or utility task vehicles (UTVs), forklifts, small gas-powered engines and associated equipment, field equipment (e.g., water quality meters, tag detectors, nets, traps, tagging tools), laboratory equipment (e.g., microscopes, dissection tools, preservation chemicals), aquatic pesticides (rotenone) and detoxifying agents (potassium permanganate), and PPE.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with the public when contacted in person, by phone, or email and exhibit a positive and professional attitude.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 – All of the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fish or wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in fish management and/or research, wildlife management and/or research, or natural resource management and/or research.

Option 2 – All of the following:

• A Master’s degree in fish or wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in fish management and/or research, wildlife management and/or research, or natural resource management and/or research.

Option 3 – All of the following:

• A Ph.D. in fish or wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management and/or research, wildlife management and/or research, or natural resource management and/or research.

Option 4:

• Four (4) years as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3.

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

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Three (3) years of professional experience in:

• Resident and anadromous fish biology and ecology.
• Application of appropriate scientific methods, analyses and fish management principles for both resident and anadromous fish species.
• Verbal and written communication, statistics, and computer programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Operating, maintaining, and repairing multiple types of vessels, gas-powered engines, pumps, and specialized field equipment.
• Knowledge of fish species, fish habits, and fish habitats within Washington.
• Leadership/supervisory duties, including conflict resolution, training and development, work planning and assignment, and performance evaluation.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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.

Additional 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 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 #2026-01716.

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