Job Description

Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-05248
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 07/29/2025
Closing Date: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Area Stock Assessment Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Management Program - Region 6 Duty Station- Shelton, Washington - Mason County
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Chum Salmon - Photo Credit: WDFW
Support the recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonids through field-based monitoring, data analysis, and collaborative research efforts in Hood Canal with focus on the Skokomish Basin.
In this vital role, you will contribute to the conservation and recovery of wild salmon and steelhead populations-particularly ESA-listed Chinook, summer chum, steelhead, and bull trout-by conducting monitoring and evaluation activities that inform state and federal management strategies.
Key focus areas include assessing the effectiveness of recovery actions for Hood Canal Chinook, with an emphasis on the late-timed population, and implementing stock and recovery assessments to support population recovery goals.
Your work will support coordinated fishery management decisions through comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Area Stock Assessment Biologist will,
Salmon Data Collection:

• Collect and analyze biological and population data on ESA-listed salmonid species-including Chinook, summer chum, bull trout, and steelhead-to support stock assessment and recovery efforts in the Skokomish River.
• Conduct weekly biological sampling of Chinook salmon at George Adams and Hoodsport hatcheries (August -October), including collection of scales, DNA, coded wire tags (CWT), length, weight, number of eggs produced, and egg size in coordination with hatchery staff.
• Coordinate and conduct joint co-manager spawning ground surveys for Chinook, summer chum, and pink salmon (August-October), and steelhead (February-June).
• Conduct bull trout spawning ground surveys (September-October) and support surveys for coho and fall chum (October-December).
• Support field work with agency and co-manager technical staff throughout the Hood Canal.

Data Analysis and Program Reporting:

• Analyze release, tagging, return data, and report the results to co-managers.
• Maintain a cumulative summary of late-timed Chinook egg takes, releases, and returns.
• Generate escapement estimates for Chinook, summer chum, bull trout, and steelhead.
• Calculate return timing, return rates, exploitation rates, and smolt-to-adult survival of Hood Canal hatchery Chinook using coded wire tag (CWT) analysis.

Data Management and Communication:

• Oversee database development, data entry, quality control, querying, management and reporting for hatchery and wild fish data in Hood Canal with special focus in the Skokomish Basin.

Snorkeling Surveys:

• Conduct in-river snorkel surveys to identify, count, and/or collect fish, and or deploy and inspect field gear.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Duties are performed in both office and field environments.
• Travel to field sites and work outdoors in inclement weather and difficult terrain such as deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Exposure to hazardous wildlife and scheduled or classified drugs.
• Biological sampling requires handling potentially hazardous materials, using needles, cutting instruments, and other sharp tools, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens or injury.
• Tasks may involve walking over rough terrain while carrying light loads and vary by season.
• Strict adherence to agency safety protocols, including proper training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is required to mitigate risks.
• Fieldwork involves rafting and snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.

Schedule:

• 40 hours per week with potential for longer days and occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel within the district to hatchery and surveying locations.

Tools and Equipment:

• Truck, computer, phone, waders, raingear, drysuit, coded wire tag detector. Incumbent will safely operate powered workboats.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And all of the following:

• One (1) year of professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research.
• Two (2) years of experience safely navigating Class II or higher river environments, both on foot and using watercraft such as kayaks, rafts, or pontoon boats.

Please Note:

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• First-aid and CPR training card within six (6) months of hire.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability
• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire once snorkeling activities resume in the department, and renewal expected annually.
• Successful completion of WDFW motorboat operator's training course within six (12) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience in/with:

• Conducting salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions.
• Assessing fisheries and escapement models and proposing sampling and modeling strategies to support fishery recovery efforts.
• Clearly communicating technical and scientific information in writing, including co-manager correspondence and agency reports.
• Verbally communicating complex biological concepts in individual and group settings (in-person, phone, email, and Teams), including occasional presentations to co-managers. Frequent communication with the District Biologist, Area Biologist, and co-manager technical staff is essential to ensure coordinated program activities.
• Entering, auditing, and summarizing data using Microsoft Access, Excel, and R, including creating tables and graphs, fulfilling data requests, and managing historical datasets related to stock assessment and program evaluation.
• Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment in compliance with WDFW safety policies while performing field and office duties.
• Developing presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Utilizing centralized fisheries databases such as Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Coded Wire Tag (CWT), and WDFW Fishbooks.
• Statistical methods and fish population modeling.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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:

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 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
• 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: [click to reveal phone number]2024-1234 - 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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]800-833-6388 .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #[click to reveal phone number]2025-05248 .
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AL
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number]357-31-165 .

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research.

• No experience.
• Less than 1 year of experience.
• 1 - 5 years of experience.
• 5 or more years of experience.

06

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07

Please select the option below that best describes your experience safely navigating Class II or higher river environments, both on foot and using watercraft such as kayaks, rafts, or pontoon boats.

• No experience.
• Less than 2 years of experience.
• 2 or more years of experience.

08

Please briefly describe your experience navigating Class II or higher river environments. Include the types of watercrafts (e.g., kayak, raft, pontoon boat) you used, and the nature of your activities. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Please briefly describe your experience conducting salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys, including the types of environments (e.g., remote areas, rugged terrain) and weather conditions you have worked in. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10

Please briefly describe your experience assessing fisheries and escapement models. Include any relevant sampling or modeling strategies you have developed or contributed to. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11

Which of the following tools have you used for data entry, auditing, or summarizing biological datasets? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Microsoft Access.
• Microsoft Excel.
• R.
• I have not used any of these tools.

12

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

13

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Summer work, Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift,

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