State of Washington
Assistant District Wildlife Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanen
State of Washington, Lakewood, Washington, us, 98496
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 in the duties listed below.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
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.
Drawing on your expertise in fieldwork and wildlife management, you will collect, organize, and analyze data used to evaluate the status and management needs of wildlife and habitats across Pierce, Thurston, and northern Lewis counties.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will:
Conduct 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.
Organize and conduct research and management projects to determine the behavior, abundance, distribution, survival, mortality, growth, catch harvest of wildlife.
Operate and maintain equipment.
Process harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements.
Assist with recovering injured and nuisance wildlife.
Provide technical assistance and support related to species and habitats through training, writing of technical plans and reports, and compiling and analyzing data:
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 organize and deliver presentations.
Engage with stakeholders and the public at meetings related to wildlife management.
Working Conditions Work setting, including hazards:
Fieldwork (65%) occurs in wildlife areas, open water, heavy timber and brush, grasslands, wetlands, unstable waterbody terrain, helicopters, fixed wing airplanes, boats and floating devices, rugged terrain and high traffic areas.
Duties of this position are often performed during inclement weather and/or evenings.
Hike up to five (5) miles, often carrying heavy field equipment (binoculars, field supplies, lightweight ladders) and pulling in supplies (kayaks, grouse wing barrels).
Navigate uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, insects, biting and pinching animals, and may have possible encounters with wildlife.
Often work independently, as well as with partners or volunteers, in remote or hazardous areas.
Operate motorized ( This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Drive a standard work truck and often pulls trailers with large equipment or boats.
Office work (35%) is in an office setting.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, working 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: This position is expected to travel across District 11 on a weekly basis. This position may occasionally travel outside District 11 across western Washington and infrequently to eastern Washington, Oregon or British Columbia.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computer, truck, GPS and software (ArcMap/Trimble), personal locator beacons (e.g. In-reach), radio telemetry equipment (transmitters and attachment, receivers, antennas, tracking methods), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and monitoring, navigation tools (mapping and compassing), operating motorized and non-motorized boating equipment, wildlife surveys by air, hand tools, weed trimmers, driving lawnmowers and brush cutters, auger, drills, personal flotation device (PFD), and field gear.
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork including approaching private property. Occasionally (seldom) confronted by citizens that are not cooperative or supportive. Works occasionally with tribal co-managers and/or on tribal lands. Works on both private and public lands.
Required Qualifications Please Note: Professional equivalent experience in wildlife or natural resource management may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.
Option 1
A 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 to collect point location, to track and to navigate.
Proficiency in radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment.
Option 2
A Master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Proficiency in using a GPS to collect point location, to track and to navigate.
Proficiency in radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment.
Certifications/Licenses Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Ability to successfully pass a background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training, including performing animal euthanasia as needed.
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 obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Proficient with/in deploying turtle traps (basking and harp traps) and handling captured turtles.
Deploying wildlife field cameras including baited camera stations.
Operating snowmobiles and/or tracked all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
Inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and/or monitoring PIT tagged animals.
Deploying mist nets and handling birds or bats.
Preparing comprehensive written reports.
Operating motorized (vessels less than 26 feet on inland waters) and/or non-motorized watercraft.
Using handheld data collection devices (i.e. smartphones, iPads) in the field and entering data using platforms such as Survey 123, Field Maps, and Collector.
Humanely euthanizing wildlife including bullfrogs.
Towing/trailering boats and/or heavy equipment.
Using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) GIS mapping applications including bringing datasets into GIS, manipulating data within GIS, and producing GIS map products.
Radio tracking western pond turtles.
Conducting grassland bird surveys and streaked horned lark surveys.
Conducting amphibian surveys and Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys.
Conducting fossorial rodent surveys and Mazama pocket gopher mound surveys.
Conducting aerial wildlife surveys including by helicopter and fixed wing.
Entering data, managing, and using routine analysis functions in databases.
License/Certifications
Pesticide Applicators License
CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified.
Snowmobile and All-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators training
Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) technical certification
Wildlife immobilization and handling certification
Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification
Firearm certification
Your application must include the following
A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
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 - WAFW 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 RCW 73.16.010 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07974.
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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 in the duties listed below.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
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.
Drawing on your expertise in fieldwork and wildlife management, you will collect, organize, and analyze data used to evaluate the status and management needs of wildlife and habitats across Pierce, Thurston, and northern Lewis counties.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will:
Conduct 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.
Organize and conduct research and management projects to determine the behavior, abundance, distribution, survival, mortality, growth, catch harvest of wildlife.
Operate and maintain equipment.
Process harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements.
Assist with recovering injured and nuisance wildlife.
Provide technical assistance and support related to species and habitats through training, writing of technical plans and reports, and compiling and analyzing data:
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 organize and deliver presentations.
Engage with stakeholders and the public at meetings related to wildlife management.
Working Conditions Work setting, including hazards:
Fieldwork (65%) occurs in wildlife areas, open water, heavy timber and brush, grasslands, wetlands, unstable waterbody terrain, helicopters, fixed wing airplanes, boats and floating devices, rugged terrain and high traffic areas.
Duties of this position are often performed during inclement weather and/or evenings.
Hike up to five (5) miles, often carrying heavy field equipment (binoculars, field supplies, lightweight ladders) and pulling in supplies (kayaks, grouse wing barrels).
Navigate uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, insects, biting and pinching animals, and may have possible encounters with wildlife.
Often work independently, as well as with partners or volunteers, in remote or hazardous areas.
Operate motorized ( This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Drive a standard work truck and often pulls trailers with large equipment or boats.
Office work (35%) is in an office setting.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, working 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: This position is expected to travel across District 11 on a weekly basis. This position may occasionally travel outside District 11 across western Washington and infrequently to eastern Washington, Oregon or British Columbia.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computer, truck, GPS and software (ArcMap/Trimble), personal locator beacons (e.g. In-reach), radio telemetry equipment (transmitters and attachment, receivers, antennas, tracking methods), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and monitoring, navigation tools (mapping and compassing), operating motorized and non-motorized boating equipment, wildlife surveys by air, hand tools, weed trimmers, driving lawnmowers and brush cutters, auger, drills, personal flotation device (PFD), and field gear.
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork including approaching private property. Occasionally (seldom) confronted by citizens that are not cooperative or supportive. Works occasionally with tribal co-managers and/or on tribal lands. Works on both private and public lands.
Required Qualifications Please Note: Professional equivalent experience in wildlife or natural resource management may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.
Option 1
A 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 to collect point location, to track and to navigate.
Proficiency in radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment.
Option 2
A Master’s degree or higher in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Proficiency in using a GPS to collect point location, to track and to navigate.
Proficiency in radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment.
Certifications/Licenses Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Ability to successfully pass a background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training, including performing animal euthanasia as needed.
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 obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Proficient with/in deploying turtle traps (basking and harp traps) and handling captured turtles.
Deploying wildlife field cameras including baited camera stations.
Operating snowmobiles and/or tracked all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
Inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and/or monitoring PIT tagged animals.
Deploying mist nets and handling birds or bats.
Preparing comprehensive written reports.
Operating motorized (vessels less than 26 feet on inland waters) and/or non-motorized watercraft.
Using handheld data collection devices (i.e. smartphones, iPads) in the field and entering data using platforms such as Survey 123, Field Maps, and Collector.
Humanely euthanizing wildlife including bullfrogs.
Towing/trailering boats and/or heavy equipment.
Using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) GIS mapping applications including bringing datasets into GIS, manipulating data within GIS, and producing GIS map products.
Radio tracking western pond turtles.
Conducting grassland bird surveys and streaked horned lark surveys.
Conducting amphibian surveys and Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys.
Conducting fossorial rodent surveys and Mazama pocket gopher mound surveys.
Conducting aerial wildlife surveys including by helicopter and fixed wing.
Entering data, managing, and using routine analysis functions in databases.
License/Certifications
Pesticide Applicators License
CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified.
Snowmobile and All-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators training
Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) technical certification
Wildlife immobilization and handling certification
Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification
Firearm certification
Your application must include the following
A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
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 - WAFW 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 RCW 73.16.010 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07974.
Follow us on social media LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
#J-18808-Ljbffr