Scoping Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – 2025-06581

Austin Community College; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Job summary

A government agency focused on wildlife conservation in Olympia, Washington is seeking a Scoping Biologist. This full-time role involves evaluating fish passage barriers, conducting habitat assessments, and collaborating with stakeholders for fish habitat management. Candidates should have a degree in fisheries or a related field, along with relevant experience in habitat management. This position offers a hybrid work model with fieldwork and travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• One year of professional experience in fish/wildlife habitat management or research.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fish passage barrier inventory and assessments.
• Provide technical assistance related to fish habitat.
• Complete reporting duties necessary for program operations.

Skills

Fish Habitat Assessment

Stream Habitat Assessment

Data analysis skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in fisheries or related field

Master's degree in Fisheries, Wildlife or related

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

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Scoping Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2025-06581

Working Title- Scoping Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Passage Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and 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 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will be responsible for scientific studies, surveys, and/or scientific analyses.

In this dynamic role,you will work with the Scoping Biologists regarding fish passage requirements throughout Washington.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork,organizing and conducting habitat surveys in coordination with the Fish Passage Inventory Section to determine barrier status of stream crossings upstream and downstream of Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) projects.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Works with the Scoping Biologists on project coordination, evaluation, and technical assistance associated with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) projects.

• Conducts the inspection of, schedules maintenance for, and reports on statewide WSDOT fish-ways.
• Provides general technical assistance to stakeholders related to fish, fish life impacts, and fish habitat.
• Reviews upstream and downstream habitat survey notes, identifies stream and site locations that need scoping prior to the design process, and may conduct associated investigations to make determinations.
• Support defishing activities prior to construction or during emergency situations as requested by regional WSDOT staff.

Works with the Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) and the FBRB Technical Review Team (TRT) on proposed project evaluation and outreach to current and potential FBRB applicants.

• Conduct fish passage barrier inventory, assessments, stream survey prioritization work for man-made barriers and stream reaches in coordination with WDFW inventory and assessment staff relating to potential or proposed fish barrier correction projects for the Fish Barrier Removal Board.
• Use the fish passage database, GIS software, and other data and information from other state agencies, federal agencies, local jurisdictions, and Tribes to determine fish passage barriers that impact anadromous stocks that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, or that contribute to protection and recovery of southern resident orca whales, or that limit or prevent harvest of anadromous fish, or are upstream and downstream of WSDOT fish passage projects, and provide outreach to those barrier owners about the FBRB.
• Respond to internal and external data requests.
• Analyze data and create products, e.g., maps, reports, and summaries for the FBRB.

Complete administrative duties including reporting duties as assigned by the Scoping Biologist.

• Write and submit documents necessary for the day-to-day operations of the program.
• Write and submit regularly scheduled reports (e.g. monthly reports) when due.
• Providing information needed to complete reports for contract funding and deliverables as needed.

Working Conditions

Work setting: Duties require periodic fieldwork, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8- to 10-hour days, for several days in a row. Walking over rough terrain for short distances regularly or occasionally over long distances. The ability to carry up to 40 lbs. over uneven terrain, and frequent bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of streams and water areas is required. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Standard 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. Some long workdays may be required to accomplish fieldwork in remote locations. The employee is expected to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

Travel requirements: Some travel for field work and training throughout Washington State. Long field days and overnight stays may be required. May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

Customer Interactions: Frequently communicate with landowners and other stakeholders, must possess effective communication skills with clients, local government officials, agriculture, forest, and special interest groups.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: 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 including:

• Fish Habitat Assessment.
• Stream Habitat Assessment.
• Fish Habitat.
• Life history of anadromous fish (particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat).

Option 2: A Master’s degree or higher in Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, or Biology.

Option 3: Five (5) years of professional experience in fish passage evaluations, stream habitat assessments, fish habitat assessments, and/or life history of anadromous fish, particularly freshwater spawning and rearing habitat may substitute, year for year, for education requirement.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
• Fish passage requirements, data collection, and screening assessment protocols of salmonids.
• Habitat requirements, enhancement, restoration, and data collection techniques for salmonids.
• Physical and biological data collection techniques in freshwater systems.
• GIS data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail when performing data quality analyses.
• Interpretation of and formatting substandard data for use in fish passage database.
• Demonstrated verbal communications skills.
• Time and Workload management.
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving.
• Writing (letters, memos and email) using “plain talk" principles.

Your application should include

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) 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.

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:

• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please redact any PII 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. 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 [phone] or email [e-mail], 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 [e-mail].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2025-06581.