Otolith Laboratory Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-08568

American Fisheries Society (UK); Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Otolith Laboratory within the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a researcher to conduct analysis of calcified structures from Pacific salmon and other fishes. You will prepare otolith samples, perform microstructural and microchemical analyses, and contribute to reports and publications.

Domestic fieldwork and laboratory duties are required, with occasional travel across Washington state.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional fish research or management experience (or two years as Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2).
• Experience with processing or analyzing calcified structures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare otolith samples for thermal mark interrogation, microstructure, and microchemistry analyses.
• Observe otoliths under microscopes to identify thermal marks and record information into databases.
• Perform statistical analysis and prepare reports or presentations based on findings.
• Travel to study sites to assist with field collections and related hatchery/lab work.

Skills

Calcified structures analysis

Otolith reading

Thermal mark identification

Statistical analysis

Team communication

Field travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field

Tools

Image analysis software

Epifluorescence microscope

Low-speed saws

Dissection tools

Job description

WDFW’s Fish Ageing and Otolith Laboratories provide critical age and origin data to WDFW Fish Management and Hatchery Divisions, tribal co‑managers, and federal fisheries managers to be used in forecasting, run reconstruction, stock assessment, and scientific research.

With your expertise in the preparation and processing of calcified structures, you will conduct research and report on biological studies of Pacific Salmon and other marine, anadromous, and freshwater fishes.

Your work as part of the Otolith Laboratory Team will directly support efforts to meet resource and economic needs for the State of Washington and the Pacific Northwest, including programs focused on recovering Endangered Species Act (ESA) sensitive stocks.

Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until November 3, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on October 26, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

What to Expect

Thermal Mark Implementation and Evaluation:

• Prepare high-quality, half-sectioned and thin-sectioned otolith samples.
• Use lapping wheels for grinding and polishing.
• Communicate effectively with lab team members and supervisor to ensure accuracy and meet project deadlines.
• Independently observe otoliths using compound and dissecting microscopes to identify and decode thermal marks.
• Accurately records thermal mark information into database.
• Review and plan distinctive thermal mark patterns aligned with hatchery requests.
• Develop thermal marking schedules.
• Coordinate, adapt, and communicate hatchery thermal marking schedules to achieve intended thermal marks.

Microstructural and Microchemical Analyses:

• Prepare high-quality samples from otoliths and other calcified structures for microstructural and microchemical analyses using low-speed saws and lapping wheels.
• Use image analysis software and microscopes to measure and count daily increments in otoliths to evaluate environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic influences on growth during early life history.
• Evaluate and summarize results of daily growth estimates, accuracy and precision of estimates, size-at-marine entry, and other relevant parameters.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of data.
• Prepare reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations at conferences and other meetings.

Assisting and Supporting Production, Thermal Marking Operations, and Field Collections:

• Assist hatchery and lab staff with artificially spawning and cross‑fertilizing salmonid gametes.
• Travel to study sites to assist with or lead collection efforts for biological samples.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily occurs in a laboratory setting, but will also include office environments, hatcheries, and field sites. Perform repetitive fine motor functions for long durations. Extended periods of time will be spent looking at computer monitors or through microscopes.

Laboratory hazards include hot surfaces (hot plates, burners), grinding wheels, sharp blades, dissecting tools, and chemical exposure (acids, ethanol, acetone, thermoplastic resin, and polystyrene resin) both direct and as fumes.

Hatchery and field work may be performed during inclement weather and over slippery, uneven terrain near or on the water. Lift equipment, samples, coolers, and field gear weighing up to 75 pounds, with assistance as needed. Travel will include operating, or being a passenger in, a motor vehicle on highways or dirt roads. 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–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The work schedule may require weekend work or extended hours while in the field.

Travel Requirements

Occasional field work, laboratory work, and projects will require travel throughout Washington state. Attend annual workshops and conferences. Travel may include overnight and day trips. Increased travel potential November–February.

Tools and Equipment

Compound and dissecting (stereo) microscopes, epifluorescence microscope, desktop/laptop computers, image analysis software, dissecting tools, precision grinders, hot plates, fume hood, balances, and low-speed precision saws will be used routinely. Portable chilling units and pumps will occasionally be set up and maintained for hatchery production or controlled experiments.

Customer Interactions

Public interactions are uncommon but may occur when entering state buildings, working at hatcheries, or conducting fieldwork. Collaborate and professionally communicate with Tribal/First Nation groups and co‑managers, WDFW staff throughout the state, non‑profit organizations, academic groups, public utilities, federal agencies, other Washington state resource agencies, and fisheries agencies from other states.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑by‑year basis.

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:
A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
AND
Three (3) years of professional experience in fish research or management.

Option 2:
Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

In addition to meeting one of the options listed above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

One (1) year of experience with the following:

• Processing or analyzing calcified structures.
• Producing high-quality otolith sections, including preparing and analyzing otoliths for thermal mark interrogations, microstructure, and/or microchemistry analysis.
• Reading and interpreting multiple band otolith patterns, including reading/evaluating calcified structures for age estimation or thermal mark patterns.

Ability to:

• Accurately perform repetitive motions utilizing fine motor skills for long periods of time.
• Prepare 20-40 otolith thin sections and 50-100 otolith half sections daily.
• Read 100-300 otolith samples daily.

Knowledge of:

• Pacific salmon life history and growth.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience in fish research or management.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience in fish research or management.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a relevant biological science.
Authorship or co‑authorship of one (1) or more peer‑reviewed publications.

Experience:

• Processing and analyzing data obtained from otoliths or other calcified structures.
• Applying current fish ageing research methods.
• Enumerating daily growth increments in otoliths.
• Otolith thermal mark identification.
• With, or knowledge of, Pacific Northwest fish biology and ecology, including life history and population dynamics.
• Managing multiple complex projects with competing deadlines, producing accurate and timely work.
• Analyzing data to evaluate issues, assess options, draw conclusions, and support decision‑making.
• Defining research questions, identifying data needs, and designing independent experiments.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

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.

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.