Title- AIS Prevention Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Seven (7) months – December 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Aquatic Invasive Species Section – Prevention Unit
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 3 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division is tasked with preventing the introduction of, and early detection monitoring of marine and freshwater AIS transported into or spread within the state through multiple pathways. 

This position serves as the journey level biologist to assist with the early detection invasive freshwater mussel monitoring and AIS hatchery inspections and will assist with AIS field operations in the Prevention Unit. Key measurable objectives are the number of early detection invasive freshwater mussel surveys conducted and hatcheries inspected. Since AIS are not bound by political or jurisdictional boundaries, this position will assist in collaborating with intrastate, interstate, national and international forums on AIS issues to build partnerships with citizens, regulated industry, and local, state, federal and tribal governments.  

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the AIS Prevention Biologist will,

• Assist the Prevention Unit implementing the Early Detection Invasive Freshwater Mussel Monitoring (EDIFMM) field operations.
• The lead trainer for staff and partners to properly conduct EDIFMM for complex methods.
• Principal responsibility for collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, the development of conclusions and recommendations for management, research or mitigation needs, and the preparation of reports.
• Conducts quality control and quality assurance on all data collected ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Coordinates and advises external partner’s EDMM plans.
• Supervises up to 8 Scientific Technicians at four duty stations and ensures all safety protocols are followed.
• Watercraft operator.
• Operates and tows trailered hot water pressure washers, cargo trailers, and other trailered equipment for training and field operations.
• Support the lead biologist in conducting AIS inspections at WDFW hatcheries

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Approximately 50% field and 50% office. Outdoors on water and on land, sometimes independently in remote locations, occasionally during inclement weather, day and night, walking up to five miles on uneven ground, and frequently must be able to lift 75 pounds. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must safely operate and transport 15 feet to 20 feet watercraft, large equipment up to a 25-foot cargo trailer, flatbed trailers, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. May be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.

Travel requirements: This position requires frequent statewide travel and overnight stays up to five days at times.

Tools and Equipment: Desktops, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, electronic software forms, and satellite messengers. 

Standard field sampling gear, complex mobile water quality laboratory, eDNA, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.

Customer interaction: Interacts with the public on a regular basis conducting outreach and educational events, presentations, and monitoring. Occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research 

Note: A master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science will substitute for one to two years of the required experience. Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• WA State Boater Education Card (within 3 months of hire).
• First Aid Certification (within 3 months of hire).
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft when training is available. 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Three (3) years of experience in a natural resources-related field.

Two (2) years of experience in:

• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management.
• Monitoring zebra and quagga mussels.
• Developing and managing biological studies or statewide management actions.
• Preparing technical or comprehensive written reports.
• Delivering public presentations and participating in outreach or stakeholder engagement.
• Managing a heavy workload and competing priorities.
• Database development, data management, and analysis.
• Software such as ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and iForms.
• Handheld GPS units, mobile devices, and computers.
• Operating and towing 4x4 vehicles, boats, trailers, and equipment such as hot water pressure washers.
• Working in outdoor environments and variable weather conditions.

Your application should include the following:

• 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.

Supplemental 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.

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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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