State of Washington
Assistant District Wildlife Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanen
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Assistant District Wildlife Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2025-07974
Title: Assistant District Wildlife Biologist
Classification: Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status: Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program: Wildlife Program
Duty Station: Lakewood, Washington – Pierce County
Hybrid/Telework: While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Lakewood, WA office once per week.
Please Note: This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted below.
Description This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by collecting vital data and contributing recommendations that inform local and regional wildlife management issues. In this role, you will conduct biological studies and take responsibility for monitoring, managing, or researching wildlife populations, agency‑owned lands, and key habitats across Pierce, Thurston, and northern Lewis counties.
Responsibilities
Conduct or oversee wildlife and habitat surveys, handling, data collection, and habitat improvement.
Conduct surveys to determine abundance, distribution, and population trends of wildlife species.
Implement field projects designed to improve or create fish and wildlife habitats.
Coordinate work parties to conduct habitat enhancement.
Collect and analyze hunting season harvest data.
Organize and conduct wildlife, lands, recreation, or habitat monitoring, restoration management, or research studies.
Collaborate with federal, state, local governments and private and other organizations.
Collect data following scientifically approved protocols.
Operate and maintain equipment.
Process harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements.
Assist with recovering injured and nuisance wildlife.
Technical Assistance & Support
Compile, evaluate, analyze and graph collected data using established statistical and research procedures.
Formulate conclusions and write reports or summaries.
Draft technical report sections for review by supervisory biologists.
Analyze and interpret impacts on fish and wildlife.
Report data to working group teams.
Submit periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations.
Review and edit technical reports.
Provide prescriptions and conduct or organize work to enhance habitats on public or private land.
Assist with completing land acquisition and easement grants.
Participate in educational events and deliver presentations.
Engage with stakeholders and the public at meetings related to wildlife management.
Working Conditions
Fieldwork (65%) occurs in wildlife areas, open water, heavy timber and brush, grasslands, wetlands, unstable terrain, helicopters, fixed‑wing airplanes, boats, floating devices, rugged terrain, and high‑traffic areas.
Duties often performed during inclement weather and/or evenings.
Navigate uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, insects, biting and pinching animals, and possible encounters with wildlife.
Work independently or with partners/volunteers in remote or hazardous areas.
Operate motorized and non‑motorized watercraft.
Drive a standard work truck and pull trailers with large equipment or boats.
Office work (35%) is in an office setting.
Schedule Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week but often exceeds an 8‑hour workday. Schedule varies based on district needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Includes occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work as needed.
Travel Requirements Expected to travel across District 11 on a weekly basis; occasionally to western Washington, eastern Washington, Oregon, or British Columbia.
Tools and Equipment Personal computer, truck, GPS and software (ArcMap/Trimble), personal locator beacons, radio telemetry equipment, PIT tagging and monitoring, navigation tools, motorized and non‑motorized boating equipment, aerial survey equipment, hand tools, weed trimmers, lawnmowers, brush cutters, augers, drills, personal flotation device, and field gear.
Customer Interactions Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork, including approaching private property. Occasionally confronted by uncooperative citizens. Works with tribal co‑managers and/ or on tribal lands. Works on both private and public lands.
Required Qualifications
Professional equivalent experience in wildlife or natural resource management may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.
Option 1:
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science; one (1) year of professional experience in wildlife management or research or habitat management or research; proficiency in using a GPS and radio telemetry equipment.
Option 2:
Master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science; proficiency in using a GPS and radio telemetry equipment.
Valid Driver’s License.
Successful completion of background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training, including performing animal euthanasia.
Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs per applicable regulations.
Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with deploying turtle traps, wildlife field cameras, snowmobiles, ATVs, PIT tags, mist nets, data collection devices.
Operating motorized and/or non‑motorized watercraft.
Using GIS mapping applications and producing GIS map products.
Conducting various wildlife surveys (bird, amphibian, rodent, turtle).
Providing fictional; but maintain original phrasing.
Licenses and Certifications
Pesticide Applicator License.
CPR, First Aid, AED, Wilderness First Aid certified.
Snowmobile and ATV operator training.
Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or training.
ESRI technical certification.
Wildlife immobilization and handling certification.
Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification.
Firearm certification.
Application Requirements
Completed online application showing how qualifications align with the job requirements.
Updated resume.
At least three professional references with current contact information.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Veteran Preference The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion WDFW strives to create a respectful and inclusive work environment, welcoming all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement benefits. Additional benefits, including paid leave, training, and wellness programs, are available. For complete details, view the employee benefits guide in the career portal.
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Description This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by collecting vital data and contributing recommendations that inform local and regional wildlife management issues. In this role, you will conduct biological studies and take responsibility for monitoring, managing, or researching wildlife populations, agency‑owned lands, and key habitats across Pierce, Thurston, and northern Lewis counties.
Responsibilities
Conduct or oversee wildlife and habitat surveys, handling, data collection, and habitat improvement.
Conduct surveys to determine abundance, distribution, and population trends of wildlife species.
Implement field projects designed to improve or create fish and wildlife habitats.
Coordinate work parties to conduct habitat enhancement.
Collect and analyze hunting season harvest data.
Organize and conduct wildlife, lands, recreation, or habitat monitoring, restoration management, or research studies.
Collaborate with federal, state, local governments and private and other organizations.
Collect data following scientifically approved protocols.
Operate and maintain equipment.
Process harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements.
Assist with recovering injured and nuisance wildlife.
Technical Assistance & Support
Compile, evaluate, analyze and graph collected data using established statistical and research procedures.
Formulate conclusions and write reports or summaries.
Draft technical report sections for review by supervisory biologists.
Analyze and interpret impacts on fish and wildlife.
Report data to working group teams.
Submit periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations.
Review and edit technical reports.
Provide prescriptions and conduct or organize work to enhance habitats on public or private land.
Assist with completing land acquisition and easement grants.
Participate in educational events and deliver presentations.
Engage with stakeholders and the public at meetings related to wildlife management.
Working Conditions
Fieldwork (65%) occurs in wildlife areas, open water, heavy timber and brush, grasslands, wetlands, unstable terrain, helicopters, fixed‑wing airplanes, boats, floating devices, rugged terrain, and high‑traffic areas.
Duties often performed during inclement weather and/or evenings.
Navigate uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, insects, biting and pinching animals, and possible encounters with wildlife.
Work independently or with partners/volunteers in remote or hazardous areas.
Operate motorized and non‑motorized watercraft.
Drive a standard work truck and pull trailers with large equipment or boats.
Office work (35%) is in an office setting.
Schedule Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week but often exceeds an 8‑hour workday. Schedule varies based on district needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Includes occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work as needed.
Travel Requirements Expected to travel across District 11 on a weekly basis; occasionally to western Washington, eastern Washington, Oregon, or British Columbia.
Tools and Equipment Personal computer, truck, GPS and software (ArcMap/Trimble), personal locator beacons, radio telemetry equipment, PIT tagging and monitoring, navigation tools, motorized and non‑motorized boating equipment, aerial survey equipment, hand tools, weed trimmers, lawnmowers, brush cutters, augers, drills, personal flotation device, and field gear.
Customer Interactions Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork, including approaching private property. Occasionally confronted by uncooperative citizens. Works with tribal co‑managers and/ or on tribal lands. Works on both private and public lands.
Required Qualifications
Professional equivalent experience in wildlife or natural resource management may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.
Option 1:
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science; one (1) year of professional experience in wildlife management or research or habitat management or research; proficiency in using a GPS and radio telemetry equipment.
Option 2:
Master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science; proficiency in using a GPS and radio telemetry equipment.
Valid Driver’s License.
Successful completion of background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training, including performing animal euthanasia.
Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs per applicable regulations.
Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with deploying turtle traps, wildlife field cameras, snowmobiles, ATVs, PIT tags, mist nets, data collection devices.
Operating motorized and/or non‑motorized watercraft.
Using GIS mapping applications and producing GIS map products.
Conducting various wildlife surveys (bird, amphibian, rodent, turtle).
Providing fictional; but maintain original phrasing.
Licenses and Certifications
Pesticide Applicator License.
CPR, First Aid, AED, Wilderness First Aid certified.
Snowmobile and ATV operator training.
Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or training.
ESRI technical certification.
Wildlife immobilization and handling certification.
Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification.
Firearm certification.
Application Requirements
Completed online application showing how qualifications align with the job requirements.
Updated resume.
At least three professional references with current contact information.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Veteran Preference The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion WDFW strives to create a respectful and inclusive work environment, welcoming all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement benefits. Additional benefits, including paid leave, training, and wellness programs, are available. For complete details, view the employee benefits guide in the career portal.
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