Summary

This temporary job involves monitoring and protecting the endangered Western Snowy Plover birds on Washington beaches by conducting surveys, tracking nests and chicks, and educating the public to reduce disturbances.

It suits someone passionate about wildlife conservation who enjoys outdoor fieldwork in coastal areas and has basic biology knowledge.

The role runs for about six months from March to September, based near Montesano but with some flexibility for remote work.

Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field
Experience with field surveys and monitoring of wildlife populations
Ability to conduct outdoor work in coastal environments, including early mornings and variable weather
Skills in data collection, entry, and basic analysis using electronic databases
Strong communication skills for coordinating with partners and educating the public
Knowledge of avian species, especially threatened or endangered birds
Valid driver's license and ability to maintain field equipment and vehicles

Full Job Description

Working Title- Snowy Plover Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment/Season Length- 6.5 Months – March 1, 2026 – September 15, 2026

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wildlife Diversity Division

Duty Station- *Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor 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!

Small bird sitting on eggs on sandy ground.

Photo Caption – Snowy Plover Nest – Photo Credit: Roy W. Lowe

Are you passionate about protecting State Endangered and Federally Threatened species?

This is an opportunity to educate beach users and local landowners through targeted and informal outreach.

We are seeking a candidate to assist with on-the-ground conservation actions related to the recovery and monitoring of Western Snowy Plovers in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

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

Monitor breeding snowy plovers and presence of threats to evaluate population size and nest and fledgling success through on-the-ground actions.

Completing comprehensive surveys to determine presence and nesting status of individual snowy plovers across established and suitable nesting habitat.
Assisting with population assessment surveys in coordination with WDFW staff and external partners, including state, federal, and tribal entities.
Monitoring nests to determine hatching success or failure.
Monitoring chicks to determine fledgling survival.
Placing federally-issued color bands on chicks using appropriate capture and placement methods.
Using binoculars and spotting scopes to read color leg bands.
Monitoring and recording the presence of threats to plover nests and broods, such as the presence of avian and mammalian predators.
Maintaining equipment and vehicle.
Communicating regularly with WDFW and partners.

Administrative duties and data management.

Recording data in the field and after fieldwork activities.
Entering field data into electronic databases and performing quality assurance checks.
Coordinating regularly with WDFW research staff to ensure proper data collection methodologies.
Working with external partners to collect and distribute weekly data summaries allowing for real-time management decisions.
Summarizing data and coauthoring annual report.

Minimize human disturbance to nesting plovers to increase breeding success.

Placing and maintaining public symbolic signage as needed.
Providing rapid and relevant information to land management agencies during the field season to help them protect nesting plovers from potential threats.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is primarily outdoors in a coastal marine climate with high levels of rainfall and inclement weather.

May involve hiking over wet, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces over long distances.

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

Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday – Friday, 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: Regular daily travel within Pacific and Grays Harbor counties and limited overnight travel.

Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with beach users during snowy plover work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field, or equivalent experience monitoring birds, nests, and field sampling.

And

Two (2) years or more of professional experience in/with:

Monitoring birds and/or conducting bird field research, locating and monitoring bird nests, using spotting scopes and binoculars.
Principles, practices, and methods of environmental or resource management.
Methods and techniques of field sampling.
Collecting, managing, organizing, evaluating, and producing written summaries of data.
Field investigations.

And

One (1) year or more of professional experience in/with:

Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
Wildlife habitat relationships.
Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
Personal computer hardware and software, smartphone, or tablet applications.
Navigating using handheld GPS units.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Six (6) months or more of professional experience in/with:

Monitoring snowy plovers or other shorebirds.
Banding birds, particularly shorebirds.
Mark-resight field collection methodologies.
Working alone in somewhat remote locations.

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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Snowy Plover Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - Non-Permanent - 2026-00483

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Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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