Warmwater Fisheries Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *05634-25

Title- Warmwater Fisheries Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Imagine yourself conducting detailed fisheries surveys (biological, habitat, creel) on Washington lakes throughout South Central and Eastern Washington state. 

As part of the Regional Warmwater Team, this permanent journey-level professional biologist position will conduct fisheries research primarily in Regions 1 and 3, and support other biologists in the Warmwater Program statewide.

Your work performing fish management duties will contribute to improving recreational fishing opportunities for warmwater fish, while protecting sensitive fish stocks, and provide the science upon which District Biologists and Regional Program Managers will base fisheries management decisions.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Warmwater Fisheries Biologist will,

Conduct warmwater fishery, biological, and habitat surveys on Washington lakes, rivers, and reservoirs managed for warmwater and mixed species fisheries:

• Perform electrofishing and netting surveys for various warmwater and resident fish species, fish diet analysis, tracking fish movement and habitat use, and limnological studies.
• Operate motorized (airboats, aluminum boats under 26 feet, rigid inflatables, etc.) and non-motorized (kayaks, inflatables, canoes) watercrafts in lakes and reservoirs.
• Assist with the implementation of angler creel surveys for selected warmwater and mixed species fisheries and prepare associated catch estimates.
• Assist with the implementation and evaluation of habitat enhancement projects to enhance warmwater fisheries, which may include herbicide application, fish attractor construction, and habitat monitoring.
• Assist with statewide programmatic objectives on large reservoir surveys such as Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) and all-hands surveys as needed.
• Work with the lead project biologist to determine appropriate techniques and procedures for fisheries research projects, including biological and creel surveys.

Communicate both orally and in writing to senior staff and the public regarding project purpose and results:

• Perform data entry and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC).
• Assist with database management and maintenance.
• Conduct data analysis using accepted statistical methods and software.
• Draft data summaries and technical reports.
• Develop management recommendations.
• Prepare presentation of results and communicate results to WDFW staff and colleagues.

Prepare, process, and preserve biological samples in a laboratory setting for fish diet and aging:

• Prepare aging structures (such as scales and otoliths) for reading.
• Uses appropriate methods to age fish using scale and otolith samples.
• Use diagnostic keys to identify prey items in gut stomach and gut content samples.

Lead technicians, volunteers, and/or citizen scientists in the field to gather fish and fisheries data:

• Lead small survey and research teams in field work.
• Communicate project goals and methods.
• Manage data collection and ensure work quality and safety of technicians and volunteers.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: This position performs a mix of both office and field tasks.

The duty station where office tasks will be performed is the WDFW Region 1 office in Spokane Valley. Typical office hazards include fluorescent light, working at a computer for long periods of time, and repetitive data entry.

Field work will occur in a variety of outdoor settings primarily across Region 1 (Eastern) and Region 3 (South Central), and periodically statewide. Work may involve long hours in varying, sometimes remote, locations and in all types of weather.

Fishery sampling will routinely require working on boats (often at night) and around/over water. This position requires the willingness and ability to participate in rotenone applications. WDFW provides job task training and Personal Protective Equipment to minimize risks, however potential job hazards include vehicle accident, slips/trips/falls, electrical shock/electrocution, drowning, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, repetitive motion, etc.

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

Schedule: Typically, Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Work outside of these hours will be assigned as needed to complete work tasks and will include night and weekend hours.

Travel Requirements: Frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout Regions 1 and 3. Periodic overnight travel for up to one (1) week at a time, may occur to perform field work, attend conferences, training, assist with other statewide Warmwater projects, etc.

Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment, personal computer, standard hand and power tools, agency vehicles, outboard equipped boats, nets, electrofishing equipment, trailers, water pumps, microscopes, water quality meters, and personal floatation devices.

Customer Interactions: Routinely interact with WDFW customers in the field, during public presentations, and through e-mail/phone conservations regarding specific questions.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Associate’s degree in biology, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resources, or environmental science and three (3) years of experience in fisheries management or fisheries research.

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resources, or environmental science and one (1) year of experience in fisheries management or fisheries research.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Please note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year-for-year, for the education requirement – this experience must be in aquatic invasive species, fish, wildlife, or natural resource management.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certifications for boat operation, electrofishing, and pesticide application are dependent on training availability.

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

A Master’s degree, or a higher-level degree, in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.

Experience:

• With warmwater fish species and populations.
• Equipment and techniques used to capture all life stages of resident fish, such as boat electrofishing, gill netting, and fyke netting.
• Effectively identifying, collecting, organizing, and documenting data and information to be used for subsequent assessment, analysis, and investigation.
• Using personal computers and Microsoft word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to produce accurate and timely products.
• With R and ArcGIS software.
• Communicating with individuals and groups including management biologists, biologists from other agencies and tribes, agency technicians, and interested members of the public.
• Leading field staff and volunteers.
• Coordinating activities and schedules to ensure efficient operation of work.
• Operating 4x4 vehicles and boat trailering.
• Operating large boats (19-26 feet long) on large reservoirs (larger than 2000 acres).

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05634.

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