Title- Forage Fish Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join WDFW’s Marine Fish Science Unit and play a critical part of the effective assessment and management of forage fish resources in Washington state.

As a Forage Fish Biologist, you will conduct professional biological studies, monitor and coordinate sample collection of plankton and forage fish, and provide assessments of fish and ecosystem data.

This dynamic role is an opportunity to travel throughout all marine waters of Washington State, collect and analyze data, and work with a variety of researchers from state and federal governments, tribes, academic agencies, and other partners to support valuable recreational and commercial fisheries.

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

Serve as the Coordinator for the Puget Sound Zooplankton Monitoring Program:

• Organize and facilitate meetings with the program’s steering committee, sampling partners, and the Principal Investigator at the University of Washington.
• Monitor inventory of equipment and supplies, and purchase, replace, and repair inventory as needed to avoid interruptions to sample collection and analysis.
• Facilitate collections and transfer of samples and supplies.
• Regularly engage with program partners through email, phone, and virtual/in-person meetings to ensure they have the information and support they need.
• Maintain and update iForms digital data forms and ensure that data is efficiently transferred between sampling partners with the PI.
• Perform data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
• Support communication and collaboration between the zooplankton program and other sampling efforts.
• Assist with the development of project proposals and grant applications.

Conduct forage fish and coastal pelagic species research and monitoring:

• Trailer and operate small vessels on marine waters during all seasons to conduct forage fish egg deposition surveys.
• Identify fish eggs in the field.
• Collect biological data and samples at sea while aboard commercial and research vessels, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Ensure field and lab equipment are maintained in good working order.
• Perform lab processing and data entry.
• Train and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Assist with annual permit applications and reporting.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work occurs in office, laboratory, and field settings.

Laboratory work includes long periods looking through a microscope, handling potentially dangerous chemicals, use of sharp tools, exposure to frozen or chemically preserved samples and specimens, and foul odors.

Field work occurs outdoors on beaches and marine waters using small boats during all times of the year including inclement weather. May encounter loud noises, fish blood and slime, and possible punctures from fish spines or teeth. Work on slippery, often unstable, surfaces with various nets, lines, cables, winches, and pot pullers which may pose a risk of entanglement, pinch points, and recoil. Vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, frequently lifting or moving 40-pound scientific equipment and portable gas tanks, working and standing in a confined space, wearing bulky gear, and use of knives. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. During some times of the year, work may exceed 40 hours per week and be outside core working hours. Evening and weekend work will be expected.

Travel Requirements: Overnight travel is required. Occasional long-term, continuous travel assignments may occur for work about research vessels, approximately three (3) weeks long.

Tools and Equipment: Boats, vehicles, trailers, personal computers, GPS, transducers, table, phone, microscope, chemicals, freezers, knives, pot pullers, tag readers, tag injectors, personal floatation device (PFD), and waders.

Customer Interactions: Interact with commercial and recreational fishers, tribal and other government employees, and staff from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academic partners.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field AND one (1) year of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.

Please note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

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

Experience:

• One (1) year safely trailering and operating small vessels in large bodies of water including during times of inclement weather.
• One (1) year using a variety of fish collection methods including seines, trawls, and/or tangle nets.
• Two (2) years collecting and analyzing biological data from fish and fish eggs including species ID, assessing age, development, fecundity, and biometrics.
• Two (2) years providing support in the form of logistics, training, communication, and organization, for a diverse group working on a common project.
• One (1) year processing biological samples in a lab. including the safe usage and handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Two (2) years using spreadsheets, databases, statistical, and word-processing software to enter, compile, review, and analyze data and produce reports.
• Working at sea in rough conditions.
• With geodata and GIS software.
• Developing and using digital data forms, such as iForms.
• Developing reports to disseminate the results of surveys and other studies.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with fisheries management principles, and with Washington State forage fish fisheries, rules, and regulations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of agency and program procedures and policies and willingness to comply with established processes, policies, and WACs.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

• Washington State Boater Education Card or valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License must be obtained within one (1) month of hire.
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course or Motorboat Training Course must be completed within one (1) year of hire.

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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05940.

Follow us on social media: 
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram