Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-06851

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a senior-level biologist, you will supervise and oversee the collection of dockside recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Marine Areas 5 through 13. Working closely with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager, play a key role in the planning and developing of biological research and coordinating data collection to support stock assessment and fisheries management.

Requirements

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
• A Master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
• A Doctorate’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Twelve (12) months of experience conducting creel surveys and/or sampling sport and/or commercial fisheries.
• Ability to identify salmon, marine fish, and shellfish fish species found in Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of salmon life history, Puget Sound sport fishing regulations, and commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Familiarity with WDFW administrative, human resources, and payroll procedures and policies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Dockside Fisheries Sampling Operations: Directly supervise creel and biological data collection conducted dockside for recreational and commercial fisheries in Marine Areas 5 through 13.
• Provide technical guidance to field supervisors on biological sampling problems and issues to ensure compliance with established sampling methods, techniques, and plans.
• Coordinate seasonal and weekly fisheries sampling schedules, including halibut and summer and winter salmon fisheries.
• Coordinate sampling efforts within and across geographic areas in the unit to ensure consistent and complete fisheries sampling activities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee employee training and onboarding processes for dockside sampling positions.
• Coordinate with Sampler Support staff to ensure field staff have access to programs and systems needed for biological data collection and administrative processes, including iForms, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, TotalTime, Outlook, and TEMS.
• Review and approve administrative paperwork submitted by field supervisors and their staff, including timesheets, travel vouchers, p-card logs, Order Payment Forms, personal reimbursements, and other purchasing documents.
• Provide field supervisors with resources, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Coordinate and assist field supervisors with hiring, training, and evaluation of dockside sampling staff across South Sound (Olympia), the Peninsula (Port Angeles), North Sound (Bellingham) and Central Sound (Edmonds).
• Provide timely, confidential, and professional guidance on personnel issues and seek assistance from supervisor, chain of command, or Human Resources as appropriate.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for HR activities affecting dockside sampling positions, including position descriptions, recruitments, HR actions, appointments, separations, promotions, reallocations, and organizational changes.
• Track staffing needs, personnel actions, appointment timelines, and recruitment activities to ensure adequate staffing for fisheries sampling operations.
• Review and coordinate HR documents and processes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements and timelines.
• Maintain current personnel records, staffing spreadsheets, organizational charts, and other workforce information.
• Provide guidance to field supervisors and staff on HR and payroll policies, processes, systems, forms, and timelines, including online HR processes through the HR Service Portal.
• Coordinate regularly with HR Recruitment, HR Operations, and HR Data Team and advise the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager on staffing and HR-related issues.
• Oversee the timely review, editing, and quality control of recreational dockside fisheries data in coordination with PSSU data manager in the unit’s online portal.
• Develop, review, and implement fisheries sampling protocols, procedures, and sampling goals in coordination with unit staff and tribal biologists.
• Evaluate fisheries data and assist with developing procedures and approaches to meet program sampling needs.
• Support fisheries studies and special data collection projects, including planning, study design, and coordination with data managers.
• Oversee tracking and maintenance of electronic data collection equipment and related systems.
• Create, review, and edit fisheries-related manuals, protocols, reports, spreadsheets, and other technical documentation.
• Coordinate fisheries sampling activities with staff and external partners to support comprehensive recreational and commercial fisheries data collection (tribal and non-tribal) for Puget Sound.
• Coordinate field-based training with field supervisors and provide technical support to ensure consistent sampling methods, data collection procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Fish Program staff to develop training objectives, materials, and techniques for biological sampling activities.
• Evaluate sampling procedures, equipment use, data collection methods, and electronic data forms to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate data quality concerns and recommend improvements to sampling procedures, training, and logistics.
• Conduct dockside sampling for salmon, halibut, marine fish, shrimp, crab, and other fisheries as needed.

Benefits

• There are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

What This Job Offers

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