Title- Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 (Bio4)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Region 5
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Hybrid/Telework- Up to 2 days/week

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This senior-level biologist role leads the Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team at the Regional Hatchery Complex, reporting directly to the Regional Hatchery Operations Manager. Serving as both a scientific expert and team leader, this position ensures that hatchery practices are guided by sound science within an ecosystem context—helping protect, restore, and enhance salmon and steelhead populations. By aligning with WDFW’s mission and strategic plan, the role contributes to sustainable conservation and utilization outcomes that benefit both fish populations and the communities that depend on them.

As head of the M&E program, the biologist oversees data collection across hatcheries and watersheds, ensuring standardized protocols are followed and results are scientifically robust. The position is responsible for analyzing and integrating findings, then translating them into actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers. In this way, the role directly shapes hatchery management decisions, research efforts, and broader strategies to sustain Washington’s iconic fisheries.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Lead will:

• Serve as a hatchery complex M & E team leader, ensuring the Statewide Hatchery M & E Plan is developed and implemented in accordance with agency plans and policies. 
• Consult with Science Division staff as required to ensure consistency and scientific rigor across the region and between westside regions.  Also work directly with Fish Management and Hatchery Division staff to ensure data quality and quantity meet the requirements of the hatchery M & E Plan.
• Refine, develop, coordinate, and perform activities in accordance with the hatchery M & E Plan. Responsible for the successful development and execution of monitoring activities to evaluate the efficacy of salmon and steelhead hatchery programs. 
• Coordinate with Regional team and Headquarters Science team to formulate, adapt, and modify existing programs and mathematical models for use in estimating and forecasting fish abundance and population levels. 
• Build effective workgroups within the hatchery M & E Team, with focus on professional development of subordinates 
• Collaborate with regional fish management, hatchery and science division staff to support and find efficiencies with existing monitoring work being conducted in the region (i.e., VSP monitoring) with the goal of avoiding duplicative work.
• Provide scientifically defensible analysis and recommendations to WDFW lead scientists, managers, and/or policy makers regarding salmon and hatchery management, research studies, fish population status, or other related issues. 
• Provide “best available science” such that WDFW decisions and policies are supported by science. 
• Develop annual work plans and budgets, complete hiring, supervising, and training of staff and assign work. Manage the performance and efficiency of the M & E team
• Attend training as described in PDP.  
• Ensure that hatchery M & E staff comply with departmental safety and training requirements as per agency and state policies. 
• Develop, design, conduct, and manage research studies focused on key uncertainties associated with hatchery programs in consultation with Science Division and Regional management staff. 
• Plan, coordinate, execute, evaluate, report, and publish in areas of research related to hatchery program management and effectiveness. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Work is primarily in an office setting. Some field work may be required, including walking streams, wading, working at hatcheries, and working outdoors in inclement weather. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

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. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. Leave requests and approvals will be processed as outlined in agency policy and the effective Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Travel: Travel will be required to visit hatchery facilities, assist with fieldwork, to attend conferences, training, or other activities.  

Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment, personal computer, some field equipment such as knives, PIT tag needles, CWT and PIT tag detectors.

Customer interactions: Interacts with the general public when in the field, and at times in the hatchery environment. Some office interactions occur.    

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, data management, environmental science or related field and five (5) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research; data management; or another closely related field.

Option 2: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 and Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Note: A Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, or natural resource science may substitute for required experience. Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

License: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirement/Condition of Employment: Successful completion of agency training and/or certification dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

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

Experience: 

• Two (2) years’ experience leading large research teams addressing complex issues related to hatchery and wild salmon and steelhead.
• Two (2) years’ experiences training and mentoring biologists and other personnel.
• Two (2) years’ experience managing large contracts and tracking budgets.
• Two (2) years’ experience in data analysis and statistical methodology.
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing, publishing manuscripts, and oral presentations.
• Experience representing agency issues and positions in technical forums and informal meetings.
• Experience collaborating with researchers and stakeholders from diverse organizations.

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of policy and regulatory implications of research results, with the ability to contribute to necessary changes.
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest fishes, including species life history, population dynamics, habitats, and fish identification.
• Strong understanding of ecological interactions (theoretical and demonstrated) and mechanisms of positive and negative interactions within and between species.
• Thorough knowledge of domestication selection theory and its impacts on natural and artificial salmonid production.

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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