Society for Conservation Biology
Grays Harbor District Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 20
Society for Conservation Biology, Montesano, Washington, United States, 98563
Overview
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 Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW! 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: Responsibilities
Conduct Program Oversight and Coordination: program development and implementation of stock assessment studies designed to support 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 harvest models used to establish non-treaty commercial and recreational fisheries; provide analysis and develop 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 for use in 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 in position descriptions are met; gather data in rivers using methods including stream walking, snorkeling, and operation of 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 policy, tribal co-managers, federal agencies, and constituency to facilitate resolutions to technical and policy issues; provide technical expertise and policy guidance for fishery development during the North of Falcon/PFMC process. Develop, write, and implement final salmon fishery management plans and permanent and emergency regulations. Formal communication of information and ideas: technical and policy expert in tribal negotiations and agreements; publish scientific findings in peer reviewed publications or internal reports. Chehalis Basin Strategy: representative for Fish Management as a member of the multi-agency work group implementing the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP) for the Chehalis Basin. Working Conditions
Primarily an office environment with periodic field work. Salmon season setting involves travel by air and long road trips, hotel stays, and ground transportation in unfamiliar locations. May involve working in or near water; field work may include driving/hiking to remote areas, navigating water environments, and varied weather/terrain. Field tasks can require lifting and moving equipment up to 40 pounds. Schedule and Travel
Typical schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. with flexible hours during peak periods. Salmon management process length: November to early April; long internal/external meetings and data analysis. Steelhead surveys: March - early June; flexible schedule to accommodate weather and river flows. Travel: up to four days per week, approx. two times per year; occasional out-of-state meetings may be required. Tools and Equipment
Computer (desktop or laptop) with necessary software, power and drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS, motor vehicles, digital camera, flowmeter, radio communication equipment, tagging equipment, and various tagging/monitoring tools. Interpersonal Interactions
Interact with the public, conduct public meetings, and present before the WDFW Commission; 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. 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. 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. Option 4: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3. 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; certification expectations depend on supervisory direction and training availability. WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal annually. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in fisheries management or a related natural resource field. Published article(s) as lead author in a peer reviewed journal. Experience with data analysis to identify best options, preparing written peer reviewed publications/reports, presenting findings, and current fishery science methodologies including tagging methods (PIT, acoustic, radio, genetic), age analysis, and habitat assessment. Designing and implementing studies to improve management and understanding of Grays Harbor fish and related fisheries; effective communication with biologists and researchers for inter- and intra-agency collaboration; various tagging methods to assess fish populations. Competencies
Familiarity with operating power/drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS, vehicles, cameras, flowmeters, and radio equipment. Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, databases, PowerPoint, and GIS software; knowledge of statistical methodologies. Application Instructions
Completed online application aligning qualifications with requirements. Up-to-date resume. Cover letter detailing interest, 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 pay and other benefits, WDFW offers programs and benefits described on the Benefits tab. Important Note
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) on the first day of work and provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States. Union
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Veteran and Military Spouse Preference
Veterans and qualifying spouses may be eligible for preference during the initial application review. See instructions and provide required documentation as detailed in the posting. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
WDFW is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Accommodations and Support
For accommodations in the application process or alternative formats, contact the provided office or email; TDD support is available where indicated. Questions
For questions regarding this position, contact the listed email and reference job number 2025-06863. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW! 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: Responsibilities
Conduct Program Oversight and Coordination: program development and implementation of stock assessment studies designed to support 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 harvest models used to establish non-treaty commercial and recreational fisheries; provide analysis and develop 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 for use in 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 in position descriptions are met; gather data in rivers using methods including stream walking, snorkeling, and operation of 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 policy, tribal co-managers, federal agencies, and constituency to facilitate resolutions to technical and policy issues; provide technical expertise and policy guidance for fishery development during the North of Falcon/PFMC process. Develop, write, and implement final salmon fishery management plans and permanent and emergency regulations. Formal communication of information and ideas: technical and policy expert in tribal negotiations and agreements; publish scientific findings in peer reviewed publications or internal reports. Chehalis Basin Strategy: representative for Fish Management as a member of the multi-agency work group implementing the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan (ASRP) for the Chehalis Basin. Working Conditions
Primarily an office environment with periodic field work. Salmon season setting involves travel by air and long road trips, hotel stays, and ground transportation in unfamiliar locations. May involve working in or near water; field work may include driving/hiking to remote areas, navigating water environments, and varied weather/terrain. Field tasks can require lifting and moving equipment up to 40 pounds. Schedule and Travel
Typical schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. with flexible hours during peak periods. Salmon management process length: November to early April; long internal/external meetings and data analysis. Steelhead surveys: March - early June; flexible schedule to accommodate weather and river flows. Travel: up to four days per week, approx. two times per year; occasional out-of-state meetings may be required. Tools and Equipment
Computer (desktop or laptop) with necessary software, power and drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS, motor vehicles, digital camera, flowmeter, radio communication equipment, tagging equipment, and various tagging/monitoring tools. Interpersonal Interactions
Interact with the public, conduct public meetings, and present before the WDFW Commission; 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. 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. 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. Option 4: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3. 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; certification expectations depend on supervisory direction and training availability. WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal annually. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in fisheries management or a related natural resource field. Published article(s) as lead author in a peer reviewed journal. Experience with data analysis to identify best options, preparing written peer reviewed publications/reports, presenting findings, and current fishery science methodologies including tagging methods (PIT, acoustic, radio, genetic), age analysis, and habitat assessment. Designing and implementing studies to improve management and understanding of Grays Harbor fish and related fisheries; effective communication with biologists and researchers for inter- and intra-agency collaboration; various tagging methods to assess fish populations. Competencies
Familiarity with operating power/drift boats, electrofishers, nets, GPS, vehicles, cameras, flowmeters, and radio equipment. Advanced knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, databases, PowerPoint, and GIS software; knowledge of statistical methodologies. Application Instructions
Completed online application aligning qualifications with requirements. Up-to-date resume. Cover letter detailing interest, 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 pay and other benefits, WDFW offers programs and benefits described on the Benefits tab. Important Note
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) on the first day of work and provide documentation proving eligibility to work in the United States. Union
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Veteran and Military Spouse Preference
Veterans and qualifying spouses may be eligible for preference during the initial application review. See instructions and provide required documentation as detailed in the posting. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
WDFW is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Accommodations and Support
For accommodations in the application process or alternative formats, contact the provided office or email; TDD support is available where indicated. Questions
For questions regarding this position, contact the listed email and reference job number 2025-06863. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
#J-18808-Ljbffr