Job Description

Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly
Location : Grays Harbor County - Montesano, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-05141
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 07/23/2025
Closing Date: 8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Grays Harbor District Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent WDFW Program- FishProgram Duty Station- Montesano, Washington - Grays Harbor County
Posting Timeline- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 20, 2025. The first review of applications will take place on August 6, 2025. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Fishing for Chinook Salmon - Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell
As the lead expert for fishery management, oversee stock assessment activities for anadromous salmonids, with a focus on salmon and steelhead.
Collaborating with tribes, industry, and stakeholders, you will manage resources to balance conservation and utilization goals while promoting sustainable fisheries.
Your expertise will also shape policy decisions and contribute to technical reports that guide the future of fisheries management in Washington.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Grays Harbor District Biologist will,
Conduct Program Oversight and Coordination:

• Program development and implementation of stock assessment studies designed to support in the development of escapement and catch estimates, stock run reconstruction, and forecasts of adult salmon and steelhead abundance.
• Lead a stock assessment team comprised of permanent and temporary Fish and Wildlife Biologists and scientific technicians.
• Oversee the development of appropriate harvest models used to establish non-treaty commercial and recreational fisheries. Provide analysis and develops appropriate decisions for in-season run size model updates and fisheries adjustments.
• Develop and maintain salmon and steelhead forecasting models and oversee data management and implementation of these models for use in development of forecasted abundances and fishery schedules.

Administer and supervise a team of salmon, steelhead, and trout biologists who lead stock assessment, adult abundance estimation, and fishery monitoring and research in District 17:

• Recruitment, hiring, budget and oversight to ensure objectives outlined in position descriptions are met.
• Gather data in rivers using a variety of methods including stream walking, snorkeling, and operation of both motorized and non-motorized watercraft to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.

Treaty and non-treaty fishing season setting including direct involvement in the North of Falcon Process:

• District Liaison with WDFW's policy, tribal co-managers, federal agencies, and constituency to facilitate resolutions to technical and policy issues associated with the annual development of salmon fisheries.
• Provide technical expertise and policy guidance for fishery development during the North of Falcon/ PFMC process. Develops, writes, and implements final salmon fishery management plans.
• Develop, write, and implement permanent and emergency fisheries regulations.

Formal communication of information and Ideas:

• Technical and Policy expert in tribal negotiations and agreements including forecasting, escapement estimates, and harvest management plans.
• Publish scientific findings in peer reviewed publications, books and/or internal reports/memos.

Chehalis Basin Strategy:

• Representative for Fish Management as a member of the multi-agency/consultant work group that implements the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP) for the Chehalis Basin.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Primarily an office working environment with periodic field work.
• The salmon season setting process involves travel by air and long road trips, stays in hotels, and ground transportation in unfamiliar locations.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Field work may involve the following:
  • Driving and hiking into remote areas on private and public lands usually conducted alone or with a team on foot or in boats.
  • Working in inclement weather within varying stream flow and visibility conditions in a wide variety of terrain and stream substrate conditions.
  • Walking in or along streams with slick boulders, crawling over logjams, wading across riffles with moderate - fast current or maneuvering watercraft listed above.
  • Lift and maneuver equipment upwards to or greater than 40 pounds (occurs rarely).
  • Snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions and walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.

Schedule:

• Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. There is often a need for flexible work scheduling during peak periods.
• The equivalent salmon management process is lengthier beginning in November and ending in early April each year. This includes participating in long internal and external meetings, and many hours of data analysis and negotiations.
• Steelhead surveys are conducted from March - early June each year.
• Salmon and steelhead assessments require a flex schedule to meet the demands of unpredictable weather and river flows.

Travel Requirements: Salmon season setting process requires traveling up to four (4) days per week approximately two (2) times each year. Occasional out of state meetings are necessary to report findings from research activities.

Tools and Equipment: Computer (either desktop and/or laptop) and necessary software, power and drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS equipment, motor vehicles, digital camera, flowmeter, radio communication equipment, tagging equipment a variety of tagging/monitoring equipment including various types of nets.
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public directly and conduct public meetings, prepare and present before the WDFW Commission, members of multi-agency work groups, and is the primary liaison with tribal co-managers.
Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and five (5) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Option 2: Master's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and four (4) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Option 3: Ph.D. in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Option 4: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
Please Note: 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:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft, stream surveying, and snorkeling is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal expected annually.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Master's degree in fisheries management or a similar natural resource field.

Published article(s) as lead author in a peer reviewed journal.
Experience with:

• Analyzing and interpreting information to identify the best options or better courses of action, etc.
• Preparing written, peer reviewed publications/reports to communicate statistical and other findings.
• Giving verbal reports of findings or recommendations (e.g., presentations).
• Current fishery science methodologies including tagging methods (passive integrated transponder (PIT), acoustic, radio, genetic etc), age analysis (scale and otolith) and habitat assessment.
• Designing and implementing studies aimed at improving management and understanding of Grays Harbor fish (such as salmon and steelhead) and associated fisheries.
• Communicating effectively with biologists and research scientists to aid in inter and intra agency collaboration.
• A variety of tagging methods to assess the status of fish populations (such as PIT, acoustic, genetics etc.)

Competencies:

• Familiarity with operating power and drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS equipment, motor vehicles (cars, trucks, 4- wheel drive vehicles), digital cameras, flowmeters, and radio communications equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets (e.g., Excel), word processing and databases (e.g., Access) Power Point presentation software, and GIS software (e.g., ArcView), and statistical methodologies.

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 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 RCW [click to reveal phone number]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
• 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]2025-05141 .

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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, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

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

Do you have four (4) years or more as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3?

• Yes
• No

06

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

• I do not have this experience
• I have less than 2 years of experience
• I have between 2 - 3 years of experience
• I have between 3 - 4 years of experience
• I have between 4 - 5 years of experience
• I have between 5 - 6 years of experience
• I have between 6 - 7 years of experience
• I have between 7 - 8 years of experience
• I have between 8 - 9 years of experience
• I have 9 years or more of experience

07

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08

Please briefly describe your experience in current fishery science methodologies including tagging methods (PIT, acoustic, radio, genetic), age analysis (scale and otolith) and habitat assessment. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Do you have experience in designing and implementing studies aimed at improving the management and understanding of Grays Harbor fish such as salmon and steelhead as well as associated fisheries?

• Yes
• No

10

Please briefly describe your experience preparing written, peer reviewed publications/reports to communicate statistical and other findings. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11

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

12

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, Temporary work, Part time, Internship, Seasonal work, Agency work, Work at office, Immediate start, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Monday to Friday,

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