District Fish Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist

Title – District 8 Fish Biologist

Classification – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status – Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program – Fish Program – Fish Management Division – Region 3
Duty Station – Yakima, Washington – Yakima County

Hybrid/Telework – While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Spawned-out Coho – Photo Credit: WDFW

This position serves as the District 8 Fish Biologist, overseeing Kittitas and Yakima counties in Region 3.

Working both independently and with minimal supervision, the District Fish Biologist manages all Fish Program activities within the district, including developing, implementing, and evaluating biological assessments, research studies, angler creel surveys, recreational fishing regulations, and hatchery production targets and stocking plans.

The position also serves as an expert-level biologist in one or more specialized areas, such as lake and stream aquatic pesticide applications, fish mitigation negotiation and implementation (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission projects), or advanced scientific study design and data analysis techniques.

Additionally, this role supervises both permanent and temporary Scientific Technicians, providing guidance, training, and oversight to ensure program success.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the District 8 Fish Biologist will,

Develop, implement, and evaluate resident and anadromous fish surveys, research studies, and other biological assessments:

• Conduct lake and stream fish community surveys.
• Lead spawning escapement surveys.
• Oversee creel surveys to assess angler effort, catch, and demographics.

Represent the Department as a technical expert in all fish and fisheries management related forums within or affecting the district, and on behalf of the region or state:

• Represent the district, region, agency and/or state in multiple fish management discussions and collaborative efforts with tribal co-managers, federal agencies, state, county, and local agencies, and non-governmental organization (NGOs).
• Participate in annual planning meetings related to salmon and steelhead seasons setting, co-manager allocations, and public engagement efforts, including forums such as North of Falcon, United States v. Oregon proceedings, and regional co-manager coordination meetings.
• Serve as the technical lead in negotiating and implementing mitigation projects/programs (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) that affect resident and/or anadromous fish resources within the district or region.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely communications to the public regarding fisheries and fishing-related information within the district.

Develop, implement, and evaluate fish management actions that provide sustainable recreational fishing opportunities:

• Identify and evaluate hatchery production targets and develop annual stocking allotments.
• Develop, recommend, and evaluate recreational fishing regulations within or affecting district waters.

Supervision:

• Supervise permanent and temporary biological and scientific technician staff.
• Lead hiring processes, conduct performance evaluations, and implement or recommend corrective actions when necessary.

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is conducted in both field and office environments. Work may occur during daylight and nighttime hours, in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Statewide travel may include remote and rugged areas, operating off-road vehicles to access project sites, and navigating boats across a variety of waters.
• Occasionally lift weights up to 75 pounds without assistance or accommodation.
• Handle chemicals that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), operating sharp or potentially hazardous equipment, and working in areas inhabited by potentially harmful fish and/or wildlife.
• 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 through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00…