Job Description

Salary: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-06581
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/18/2025
Closing Date: 9/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Scoping Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Passage Division

Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Water surface drop - Photo Credit: WDFW
With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will be responsible for scientific studies, surveys, and/or scientific analyses.
In this dynamic role, you will work with the Scoping Biologists regarding fish passage requirements throughout Washington.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, organizing and conducting habitat surveys in coordination with the Fish Passage Inventory Section to determine barrier status of stream crossings upstream and downstream of Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) projects.
WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Works with the Scoping Biologists on project coordination, evaluation, and technical assistance associated with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) projects.

• Conducts the inspection of, schedules maintenance for, and reports on statewide WSDOT fish-ways.
• Provides general technical assistance to stakeholders related to fish, fish life impacts, and fish habitat.
• Reviews upstream and downstream habitat survey notes, identifies stream and site locations that need scoping prior to the design process, and may conduct associated investigations to make determinations.
• Support defishing activities prior to construction or during emergency situations as requested by regional WSDOT staff.

Works with the Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) and the FBRB Technical Review Team (TRT) on proposed project evaluation and outreach to current and potential FBRB applicants.

• Conduct fish passage barrier inventory, assessments, stream survey prioritization work for man-made barriers and stream reaches in coordination with WDFW inventory and assessment staff relating to potential or proposed fish barrier correction projects for the Fish Barrier Removal Board.
• Use the fish passage database, GIS software, and other data and information from other state agencies, federal agencies, local jurisdictions, and Tribes to determine fish passage barriers that impact anadromous stocks that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, or that contribute to protection and recovery of southern resident orca whales, or that limit or prevent harvest of anadromous fish, or are upstream and downstream of WSDOT fish passage projects, and provide outreach to those barrier owners about the FBRB.
• Respond to internal and external data requests.
• Analyze data and create products, e.g., maps, reports, and summaries for the FBRB.

Complete administrative duties including reporting duties as assigned by the Scoping Biologist.

• Write and submit documents necessary for the day-to-day operations of the program.
• Write and submit regularly scheduled reports (e.g. monthly reports) when due.
• Providing information needed to complete reports for contract funding and deliverables as needed.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties require periodic fieldwork, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8- to 10-hour days, for several days in a row. Walking over rough terrain for short distances (1 to 3 miles) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). The ability to carry up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of streams and water areas is required. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Standard schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Some long workdays may be required to accomplish fieldwork in remote locations. The employee is expected to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.
Travel requirements: Some travel for field work and training throughout Washington State. Long field days and overnight stays may be required. May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.
Customer Interactions: Frequently communicate with landowners and other stakeholders, must possess effective communication skills with clients, local government officials, agriculture, forest, and special interest groups.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: A bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research including:

• Fish Habitat Assessment.
• Fish Passage Evaluation.
• Stream Habitat Assessment.
• Fish Habitat.
• Life history of anadromous fish (particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat).

Option 2: A Master's degree or higher in Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, or Biology.
Option 3: Five (5) years of professional experience in fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.
License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Fish passage requirements, data collection, and screening assessment protocols of salmonids.
• Habitat requirements, enhancement, restoration, and data collection techniques for salmonids.
• Physical and biological data collection techniques in freshwater systems.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc...).
• GIS data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail when performing data quality analyses.
• Interpretation of and formatting substandard data for use in fish passage database.
• Demonstrated verbal communications skills.
• Time and Workload management.
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving.
• Writing (letters, memos and email) using "plain talk" principles.

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 (3) 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, 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]2025-06581 .
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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

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 years and 5 years of this experience.
• I have 5 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained professional experience in fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07

Do you have experience habitat requirements, enhancement, restoration, and data collection techniques for salmonids?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

08

Select the programs below in which you are proficient. Select all that apply.

• ArcGIS.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Microsoft Outlook.
• Microsoft Word.

09

Do you have experience with physical and biological data collection techniques in freshwater systems?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

10

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

11

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, Contract work, Part time, Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Long distance, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift, 2 days per week,

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