Assistant District Wildlife Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2025-07516

Title- Assistant District Wildlife Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- *Port Angeles, Washington – Clallam County

*Port Angeles is the current duty station, however, alternative duty stations in Clallam or east Jefferson counties may be considered.
Hybrid/Telework- A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager. However, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Please note- 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.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Bull Elk and Wigeon Ducks – Photo Credit: John Gussman

Envision yourself navigating through nature to conduct surveys, respond to wildlife calls, and collect biological samples within Districts 15 and 16, covering Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason Counties.

This is a dynamic opportunity to play a key role in the monitoring, restoration, management, and research of wildlife, habitats, and agency-owned lands.

In this role, you will utilize the data you collect to provide recommendations for wildlife management and recreation opportunities; implement wildlife management, conservation, and recreational activities; and provide information to the public and other agencies.

Photo Caption: Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will,

Conduct or oversee wildlife/habitat surveys, animal capture and handling, data collection, and habitat improvement projects:

• Conduct surveys to determine abundance, distribution, and population trends of wildlife species.
• Organize and conduct research and management projects to determine behavior, abundance, distribution, survival, mortality, and other ecological aspects of wildlife.
• Implement field projects designed to improve or create wildlife habitats.
• Organize and conduct activities associated with recreation, habitat monitoring, or restoration.
• Conduct field checks of harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements, including sealing, aging, and collecting biological samples.
• Respond to sick, injured, dead, and general wildlife calls or concerns.
• Use chemical immobilization drugs and related equipment (e.g., dart guns) for capturing wildlife.
• Euthanize wild animals when necessary for humane, scientific, or other management purposes, at times requiring the use of firearms.
• Using biologically based skills, conduct complex inspections and investigations (such as necropsies of dead animals in various states of decay) to gather biological samples or determine the cause of mortality.
• Coordinate activities with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners.

Provide technical assistance and support related to species and habitats through training, the writing of technical plans and reports, and compiling/analyzing data used within Districts 15 and 16:

• Compile, evaluate, analyze, and graph data using established statistical methods and research procedures.
• Draft technical report sections for review.
• Analyze and interpret impacts on wildlife.
• Assist with formulating hunting seasons and changes in regulations.
• Supervise volunteers and interns, review technical reports, and work with technical committees to improve protocols.
• Assist with completing land acquisition and easement grants.
• Respond to public inquiries, conduct wildlife presentations, and participate in educational events.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Approximately 65% fieldwork and 35% office work.

Field work includes wildlife areas, open water, timber, brush, grasslands, wetlands, rugged terrain, and high-traffic areas. Hike up to five (5) miles while carrying equipment (e.g., binoculars, field supplies, lightweight ladders) or transporting supplies (e.g., kayaks or grouse wing barrels), uneven terrain, slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, stinging vegetation, insects, biting or pinching animals, and possible encounters with wildlife. May work independently in remote locations—following strict check-in/out procedures—or in partnership with staff and volunteers when conditions are more hazardous. Duties are conducted in varying weather conditions, both day and night.

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

Depending on training and experience, this position may operate motorized watercraft (<26’ aluminum boats, rigid inflatables) and non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, inflatables, canoes). Participate in aerial wildlife surveys in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.

Schedule: This is a full-time position with a highly variable schedule based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Work may periodically exceed 40 hours per week and be outside core working hours, including evening and weekend work.

Travel Requirements: Travel within Districts 15 and 16 on a weekly basis and periodically travel throughout Region 6. Occasional in-state or out-of-state travel of up to one (1) week in duration may also be required.

Tools and Equipment: Computers and software (including Microsoft Office, ArcMap, Trimble), GPS units, personal locator beacons, and radio telemetry equipment. Standard work trucks, trailers, and motorized/non-motorized watercraft. Navigation tools for remote locations. Hand and power tools, dart guns, and firearms (as assigned). Protective and field gear, including personal flotation devices (PFD), boots, and weather-resistant equipment.

Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with the public while working in the office or conducting fieldwork, including approaching private property, and occasionally encounter uncooperative individuals. Work regularly with tribal biologists and/or on tribal lands. Conduct work on both private and public lands.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science

*Including 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of coursework involving the study or management of one or more of the following:

• Mammals
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Amphibians

And

One (1) year of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.

Please note:

• Professional equivalent experience in aquatic invasive species, fish, wildlife, or natural resource management may substitute for the education requirement.
• A Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science may substitute for the required experience.
• *Please include an unofficial or official college transcript with your application.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Trainings will be provided and/or facilitated by the WDFW.

• Ability to pass background checks, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
• Ability to legally possess an agency-issued firearm and willingness to utilize for euthanizing animals.
• Certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment, including cold water survival, underwater egress, and emergency breathing device training.
• Certification to be issued schedule I through IV immobilization drugs.
• This position may require the employee get a rabies vaccination.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Field Experience and Wildlife Management:

• Three (3) years of experience in a natural resources-related field, including at least one (1) year in wildlife management.
• Experience with species-specific management, such as waterfowl, deer, elk, bats, turtles, and pollinator species.
• One (1) year of experience conducting specialized wildlife surveys, such as:
  • Capture, handling, and radio tracking of deer and/or elk.
  • Bird surveys (especially waterfowl surveys by boat or air).
  • Butterfly surveys (especially with Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly).
  • Bat surveys (emergence counts, colony assessments, capture).
  • Turtle surveys (trap deployment and handling).
  • Aerial surveys by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Use of mist nets for birds and/or bats.
  • Deployment of wildlife field cameras, including baited stations.
• Experience in habitat enhancement projects, including wetland restoration (pond excavation, plantings, invasive plant control) and pollinator habitat improvement.

Technical Skills and Tools:

• Experience with handheld field data collection devices (e.g., smartphones, iPads) and applications (Survey123, Field Maps, Collector).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Teams, Power Apps).
• Experience constructing, managing, and analyzing databases.
• Experience preparing comprehensive written reports.
• Proficiency with ESRI GIS applications (data management, analysis, and production of map products).

Equipment Operation

• Experience operating motorized (vessels <26 feet on inland/marine waters) and non-motorized watercraft.
• Experience towing and trailering boats and/or heavy equipment.
• Skilled in the use of hand and power tools for habitat work.

Field Readiness and Safety

• Ability to work effectively in remote locations, with skills in land navigation and map reading.
• Familiarity with CPR, First Aid, AED, and Wilderness First Aid.
• Knowledge of hunting seasons and regulations.
• Training and/or certification in wildlife immobilization, handling, and humane euthanasia.
• Familiarity with wildlife flight surveys and aviation safety protocols.
• Experience with snorkeling for aquatic surveys.
• Safe use of firearms.

Professional Skills

• Strong ability to manage a heavy workload and competing priorities.
• Effective interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Your application should include the following:

• An unofficial or official college transcript.
• 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.

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.

• 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.