Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor - FW Bio 3 - Perm - 2026-06852

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor is a key leadership role within the Fish Program’s Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU). This position manages fisheries data collection, analysis, and reporting while leading sampler support operations that are critical to monitoring Puget Sound fisheries. In this role, you’ll oversee fisheries sampling projects, including Chinook and Coho salmon monitoring, halibut assessments, commercial catch evaluations, and other special studies. You’ll manage complex fisheries databases, develop fisheries estimates, supervise support staff, and collaborate with agency staff and Tribal Co-Managers to ensure high-quality data informs fisheries management decisions.

Requirements

• Option 1: Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
• Option 2 – All of the following: 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.
• Option 3 – All of the following: 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.
• Option 4 – All of the following: 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.
• Option 5: 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.
• Fisheries harvest management, including methods for biological data collection, interpretation, and presentation.
• Analyzing data, interpreting results, and selecting appropriate statistical tests.
• Database design and management.
• Developing study designs and research strategies.
• Technical writing and editing.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of computer programming in the “R” computing environment (creating, updating, and running the programming code).
• Familiarity with life histories of salmon, steelhead, and other marine and shellfish in the Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing regulations, methods, and gear.
• Ability to work independently, proactively solve problems, and complete projects accurately while meeting established deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all recreational and commercial fisheries data used to support Puget Sound salmon, halibut, and other fisheries.
• Analyze and interpret biological and fishery monitoring data to produce in-season and post-season catch, effort, and harvest estimates.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate fisheries data, identify trends, prepare reports, tables, figures, and recommendations that inform fisheries management.
• Ensure data quality by reviewing sampling procedures, coordinating quality control efforts, and integrating tribal and non-tribal fisheries data.
• Coordinate fishery sampling activities, calendars, biological studies, and resource assessments across Puget Sound.
• Coordinate the scheduling and completion of aerial surveys.
• Conduct 20% or more of aerial surveys, as needed.
• Ensure agency flight policies and established protocols are followed.
• Facilitate annual training for staff conducting aerial surveys to ensure compliance with established flight protocols.
• Coordinate with pilots and complete flight plans for all aerial surveys.
• Ensure all flights are fully staffed, including designated backup staff.
• Supervise Sampler Support staff by providing leadership, training, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Coordinate daily operations, staffing, scheduling, and communication to ensure efficient support for fisheries sampling activities.
• Oversee administrative functions including hiring, onboarding, position descriptions, evaluations, purchasing, payroll, travel, inventory, fleet, and records retention.
• Monitor staff spending and financial processes, working with agency staff and vendors to resolve purchasing and accounting issues.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, ensure compliance with agency policies, and continuously improve business processes.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and annual publication of fisheries sampling manuals, protocols, and administrative guidance.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation that communicate sampling methods, data analyses, and fisheries monitoring results.
• Collaborate with agency staff, tribal co-managers, and leadership to ensure documentation remains accurate, current, and supports effective fisheries management.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
• Full-Time / Permanent
• Hybrid/Telework options at the discretion of the supervisor.
• WDFW employees may be eligible for other benefits.

What This Job Offers

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