Working Title – Fisheries Conservation and Management Specialist
Classification – WMS Band 2
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program – Fish Program
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County  
Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe -This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 18, 2025. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Fisheries Conservation and Management Specialist, you will provide high-level technical and policy support to senior Intergovernmental Ocean Policy (IOP) staff and facilitate essential coordination with federal, state, and tribal partners.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping fisheries conservation and management policies for Washington and the West Coast by influencing decisions on non-salmon ocean fisheries, including groundfish and halibut through forums such as the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the International Pacific Halibut Commission.

This is an opportunity to contribute to intergovernmental initiatives ranging from stakeholder engagement to strategic planning on climate resilience and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Your work will help shape fisheries policy and conservation efforts across Washington, the West Coast, and the California Current marine ecosystem.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Conservation and Management Specialist will, 

• Identify and evaluate conservation and management issues. 
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to develop management alternatives.
• Assist in defining criteria for evaluating alternatives, including legal, scientific, and public input considerations.
• Support projection and outcome analysis using scientific tools and both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Help implement preferred alternatives within administrative and strategic constraints.
• Support the drafting of state regulations and the review of federal regulations and coordinating with enforcement staff on enforceability.
• Contribute to adaptive management by monitoring fisheries performance and support adjustments as needed.
• Analyze fishery data and evaluate statistical modeling for forecasting and performance reviews.
• Organize and support stakeholder engagement and meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in an office or telework setting, it involves attending various meetings and managing strict deadlines. 

Schedule: Overtime exempt, expected to schedule time within a typical 40-hour work week, however, may need to adjust schedule and work additional hours as needed to meet business demands and deadlines.

Travel Requirements: May include traveling along the West Coast approximately 5-6 times per year for meetings that may last a week or longer. Additional travel for shorter meetings, often overnight and occasionally out of state, occurs about 3-4 times per year.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree.

AND all of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in fisheries, natural resources management, biology, law, environmental science, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in fisheries management or coordinating policy on natural resource management issues.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws.

Please Note: 

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education.
• A master's or professional degree in fisheries or natural resources management, biology, law, environmental science, or a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required professional experience.

Certifications/Licenses: 
Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Master's or professional degree in fisheries or natural resources management, biology, law, environmental science, or a related field.
• Understanding of managing natural resources for long term sustainability - ability to evaluate and identify scientific, legal, economic, and social dimensions of natural resource issues.
• Demonstrated ability with analysis and presentation of data, basic statistics, and quantitative modeling.
• Knowledge of state-tribal co-management relationship - sensitivity to and appreciation of important issues.
• Experience with federal environmental law and policy processes, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and regional fishery management council process, and requirements of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act. 
• Understanding of assessment and monitoring of marine fisheries, familiarity with fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data collection methods.
• Experience connecting and building trust - working collaboratively and constructively with interest groups and colleagues.

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.
• A writing or research sample in which you are the lead author. The sample does not need to be a peer-reviewed paper but should demonstrate your ability to clearly convey complex information in writing.

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

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 valerie.rogers@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: 2025-1234 – 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 valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05331.

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