Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Non-Permanent - 2026-09091

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist is a senior-level position in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Program, AIS Division, Prevention Unit. The role leads early-detection efforts to identify invasive zebra and quagga mussels before they become established. Based in Olympia, Washington, the position helps develop statewide monitoring plans, leads complex field operations, manages scientific data, and collaborates with agency partners.

The position provides technical leadership for early-detection freshwater mussel monitoring, including development and implementation of annual methods plans and schedules for five two-person field teams. It leads staff and partner training, data collection and analysis, quality assurance, reporting, and recommendations for management, research, and mitigation. The role also supervises five Scientific Technician 3s and five Scientific Technician 2s at locations across Washington, and mentors technical and professional staff.

This is a full-time, non-permanent appointment for eight months, from November 2, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The duty station is Olympia, Washington, in Thurston County. Work is typically Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with additional hours and work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. The position may require scheduled standby and short-notice responses to aquatic invasive species emergencies. Frequent statewide travel, including overnight trips of up to five days, is required.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following qualification options: two years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2; or a bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field, plus three years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
• A master's degree in the applicable science may substitute for one year of required experience; a Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two years.
• Professional equivalent experience in aquatic invasive species, fish, wildlife, or natural resource management may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of experience in a natural resources-related field.
• Two years of experience in the aquatic invasive species field.
• One year of leadership or supervisory experience, including conflict resolution, staff training and development, work planning and assignment, and performance evaluation.
• One year of experience conducting zebra and quagga mussel monitoring.
• Experience working with stakeholders and participating in public education and outreach events.
• Extensive experience preparing and delivering public presentations.
• Experience preparing comprehensive written reports.
• Experience with database development, management, and routine data analysis.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species management principles and practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety when operating four-wheel-drive vehicles, watercraft, hot-water pressure washers, and towing trailers in varying weather conditions.
• Knowledge of and ability to develop, implement, and manage statewide biological studies and management activities.
• Ability to promote public service, build partnerships, and foster collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the unit expert supporting early-detection invasive freshwater mussel field operations.
• Support development and implementation of an annual statewide monitoring methods plan.
• Develop and implement statewide schedules for five two-person field teams.
• Lead training for staff and partners on procedures for complex sampling methods.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; support conclusions and recommendations for management, research, and mitigation; and prepare reports.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews of collected data.
• Serve as a lead watercraft operator.
• Operate and tow trailered hot-water pressure washers, cargo trailers, and other trailered equipment for training and field operations.
• Obtain permission to conduct monitoring on private and public property.
• Conduct monitoring activities as needed.
• Procure, track, and inventory equipment, and maintain it in safe, proper working condition.
• Supervise five Scientific Technician 3s and five Scientific Technician 2s stationed in Spokane, Ephrata, Pasco, Yakima, and Ridgefield.
• Mentor technical and professional staff to foster an effective, motivated, and collaborative team.
• Interact with the public during monitoring, outreach and educational events, and presentations.
• Remain available by cell phone during assigned standby periods to complete safety check-in and check-out processes.

Benefits

• The posting refers applicants to the Benefits tab for information about benefits WDFW employees may be eligible for; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior