State of Washington
Forage Fish Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 - Permanent - 2025-07555
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Forage Fish Biologist – Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1
Position: permanent, full time. Classification: Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1. Program: Fish Program. Duty station: Olympia, Washington – Thurston County.
Overview This role focuses on the assessment and management of forage fish in Puget Sound. Fieldwork includes collecting samples, interviewing anglers, and laboratory duties processing biological samples and preparing reports.
Responsibilities
Conduct field surveys of marine fish species: operate small vessels, conduct egg deposition surveys, deploy and retrieve nets (seines, plankton nets), interview fishers, collect data.
Data entry and management: enter new and historic data into database and spreadsheets, organize and retrieve data, ensure data quality assurance and control (QA/QC).
Process biological samples: assess condition by dissection, determine age using scales or otoliths, evaluate fecundity and sex, follow sample processing and laboratory safety procedures.
Work in various environments: office, laboratory, beach, marine waters, small boat operations year‑round.
Working Conditions
Fieldwork may involve inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood or slime, exposure to chemicals, slippery surfaces, heavy lifting (40 lb) and use of knives.
Laboratory work may require prolonged microscope use, handling of hazardous chemicals, exposure to preserved specimens and strong odors.
Schedule Monday–Thursday, 10 hours per day (40 hours per week). Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
Travel Requirements Overnight travel required. Occasional long‑term travel (≈2 weeks) may be required.
Tools and Equipment
Boats, vehicles, trailers, GPS, transducers, tablet, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers, injectors, personal flotation device, waders.
Customer Interactions
Interact with commercial/recreational fishers, Tribal representatives, other government employees, NGOs and academic partners.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science (or equivalent experience).
Valid driver’s license.
Must complete agency training or certification for watercraft and hold a Washington State Boater Education Card or U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License within one month of hire; motorboat operator training within one year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 6 months of experience in fisheries management, communication, report writing, shellfish sampling, adaptive field decision making, and multi‑tasking.
At least 1 year of experience operating small vessels, using fish collection methods, analyzing biological data, laboratory processing, and coordinating field logistics.
At least 2 years of experience in data management, using spreadsheets, databases, statistical tools, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with digital data collection tools (iForms) and email/internet communication.
Must hold Washington State Boater Education Card or U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License and have completed a Motorboat Operator Certification Course or Training Course.
Application Requirements
Complete online application.
Submit resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references.
Provide application ID “2025-07555” in your submission.
Legal Notice All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on their first day of work. This position is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer and offers preference to veterans and civilian spouses of veterans during the initial application review.
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Overview This role focuses on the assessment and management of forage fish in Puget Sound. Fieldwork includes collecting samples, interviewing anglers, and laboratory duties processing biological samples and preparing reports.
Responsibilities
Conduct field surveys of marine fish species: operate small vessels, conduct egg deposition surveys, deploy and retrieve nets (seines, plankton nets), interview fishers, collect data.
Data entry and management: enter new and historic data into database and spreadsheets, organize and retrieve data, ensure data quality assurance and control (QA/QC).
Process biological samples: assess condition by dissection, determine age using scales or otoliths, evaluate fecundity and sex, follow sample processing and laboratory safety procedures.
Work in various environments: office, laboratory, beach, marine waters, small boat operations year‑round.
Working Conditions
Fieldwork may involve inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood or slime, exposure to chemicals, slippery surfaces, heavy lifting (40 lb) and use of knives.
Laboratory work may require prolonged microscope use, handling of hazardous chemicals, exposure to preserved specimens and strong odors.
Schedule Monday–Thursday, 10 hours per day (40 hours per week). Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
Travel Requirements Overnight travel required. Occasional long‑term travel (≈2 weeks) may be required.
Tools and Equipment
Boats, vehicles, trailers, GPS, transducers, tablet, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers, injectors, personal flotation device, waders.
Customer Interactions
Interact with commercial/recreational fishers, Tribal representatives, other government employees, NGOs and academic partners.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science (or equivalent experience).
Valid driver’s license.
Must complete agency training or certification for watercraft and hold a Washington State Boater Education Card or U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License within one month of hire; motorboat operator training within one year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 6 months of experience in fisheries management, communication, report writing, shellfish sampling, adaptive field decision making, and multi‑tasking.
At least 1 year of experience operating small vessels, using fish collection methods, analyzing biological data, laboratory processing, and coordinating field logistics.
At least 2 years of experience in data management, using spreadsheets, databases, statistical tools, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with digital data collection tools (iForms) and email/internet communication.
Must hold Washington State Boater Education Card or U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License and have completed a Motorboat Operator Certification Course or Training Course.
Application Requirements
Complete online application.
Submit resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references.
Provide application ID “2025-07555” in your submission.
Legal Notice All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on their first day of work. This position is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action employer and offers preference to veterans and civilian spouses of veterans during the initial application review.
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