Assistant District Wildlife Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-04843

State of Washington • Clark County – Ridgefield, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist for District 10, you'll play a key role in monitoring wildlife populations, implementing conservation and management activities, and supporting science-based decisions that benefit both wildlife and the public. You'll contribute to a wide range of field and management activities, from conducting wildlife surveys and analyzing biological data to assisting with habitat and population management efforts. You'll also collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, tribes, partner agencies, and the public to help advance the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's mission of sustaining healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for Washingtonians. This is an excellent opportunity for a wildlife professional who enjoys a balance of fieldwork, data analysis, public engagement, and applied wildlife management in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.
• Six (6) months of experience: Handling and/or immobilizing wildlife.
• Working within established procedures and protocols to ensure compliance and completion of tasks or projects.
• Conducting field surveys to collect and accurately record data.
• Identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology may substitute for the required professional experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• One (1) year of professional experience: Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships and their application to management decisions.
• Wildlife species identification across a broad range (e.g., birds, mammals, herpetofauna, invertebrates).
• Effective written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Conducting field surveys and collecting biological data under a range of conditions.
• Analyzing and interpreting data, including biometrics and population modeling for management recommendations.
• Applying wildlife management tools, equipment, and field techniques.
• Six (6) months of professional experience: Applying environmental rules, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Wildlife damage management and strategies to reduce wildlife–human conflicts.
• Following prescribed protocols and procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Urban wildlife management concepts and practices.
• Field necropsy, disease investigation, and mortality location investigations.
• Training and mentoring staff, including seasonal or permanent team members.
• Using handheld data collection devices (e.g., smartphones, iPads) in the field and entering data using platforms such as Field Maps or Survey 123.
• Working with GIS applications, including ArcGIS/ArcMap/ArcPro, to produce maps and spatial analyses.

Responsibilities

• Inventory and monitor wildlife populations: Assist the District Biologist in developing wildlife surveys for district.
• Conduct assigned wildlife surveys.
• Observe and assess the health of wildlife populations, including obtaining information and samples needed to identify the presence of disease within wildlife populations.
• Compile and analyze survey data (using statistical methods), format and store the data, and prepare summary reports (using GIS and other tools).
• Implement wildlife management conservation and recreation activities: Protect sensitive wildlife from disturbance.
• Evaluate habitat quality and quantity and assess population responses to habitat changes.
• Implement population augmentation, capture, and translocation.
• Assist when needed to dispatch injured or diseased wildlife.
• Participate in the development of recommendations for wildlife management and human use of wildlife resources: Analyze wildlife population and harvest data using statistical methods and population modeling techniques.
• Seek input on wildlife-related recreation from all types of user groups.
• Develop and communicate wildlife management recommendations.
• Provide expertise in wildlife technical issues.

Benefits

• Eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing low level flight duties or chemical immobilization.
• 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
• Other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

What This Job Offers

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