Job Description

Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-07974
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 11/10/2025
Closing Date: 11/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Assistant District Wildlife Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent WDFW Program- Wildlife Program Duty Station- Lakewood, Washington - Pierce County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Lakewood, WA office once per week.

Please Note- This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Streaked Horned Lark - Photo Credit: Natural Lands Management
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by collecting vital data and contributing recommendations that inform local and regional wildlife management issues.

In this role, you will conduct biological studies and take responsibility for monitoring, managing, or researching wildlife populations, agency-owned lands, and key habitats
Drawing on your expertise in fieldwork and wildlife management, you will collect, organize, and analyze data used to evaluate the status and management needs of wildlife and habitats across Pierce, Thurston, and northern Lewis counties.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant District Wildlife Biologist will,
Conduct or oversee wildlife and habitat surveys, handling, data collection, and habitat improvement

• Conduct surveys to determine abundance, distribution and population trends of wildlife species.
• Implement field projects designed to improve or create fish and wildlife habitats.
• Coordinate work parties to conduct habitat enhancement.
• Collect and analyze hunting season harvest data.
• Organize and conduct wildlife, lands, recreation, or habitat monitoring, restoration management or research studies.
• Collaborate with federal, state, local governments and private and other organizations.
• Collect data following scientifically approved protocols.
• Organize and conduct research and management projects to determine the behavior, abundance, distribution, survival, mortality, growth, catch harvest of wildlife.
• Operate and maintain equipment.
• Process harvested game species according to Wildlife Program requirements.
• Assist with recovering injured and nuisance wildlife.

Provide technical assistance and support related to species and habitats through training, writing of technical plans and reports, and compiling and analyzing data:

• Compile, evaluate, analyze and graph collected data using established statistical and research procedures.
• Formulate conclusions and writes reports or summaries.
• Draft technical report sections for review by supervisory biologists.
• Analyze and interpret impacts on fish and wildlife.
• Reports data to working group teams.
• Submits periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations.
• Review and edit technical reports.
• Provide prescriptions and conducts or organizes work to enhance habitats on public or private land.
• Assist with completing land acquisition and easement grants.
• Participate in educational events and organizes and deliver presentations.
• Engage with stakeholders and the public at meetings related to wildlife management.

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:

• Fieldwork (65%) occurs in wildlife areas, open water, heavy timber and brush, grasslands, wetlands, unstable waterbody terrain, helicopters, fixed wing airplanes, boats and floating devices, rugged terrain and high traffic areas.
• Duties of this position are often performed during inclement weather and/or evenings.
• Hike up to five (5) miles, often carrying heavy field equipment (binoculars, field supplies, lightweight ladders) and pulling in supplies (kayaks, grouse wing barrels).
• Navigate uneven terrain, stinging vegetation, insects, biting and pinching animals, and may have possible encounters with wildlife.
• Often work independently, as well as with partners or volunteers, in remote or hazardous areas.
• Operate motorized (<26' aluminum boats, rigid inflatables) and non-motorized (kayaks, inflatables, canoes) watercrafts.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Drive a standard work truck and often pulls trailers with large equipment or boats.
• Office work (35%) is in an office setting.

Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, working 40 hours per week but often exceeds an 8 hour workday. Schedule varies based on District needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Includes occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work as needed.
Travel Requirements: This position is expected to travel across District 11 on a weekly basis. This position may occasionally travel outside District 11 across western Washington and infrequently to eastern Washington, Oregon or British Columbia.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computer, truck, GPS and software (ArcMap/Trimble), personal locater beacons (e.g. In-reach), radio telemetry equipment (transmitters and attachment, receivers, antennas, tracking methods), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and monitoring, navigation tools (mapping and compassing), operating motorized and non-motorized boating equipment, wildlife surveys by air, hand tools, weed trimmers, driving lawnmowers and brush cutters, auger, drills, personal flotation device (PFD), and field gear.
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork including approaching private property. Occasionally (seldom) confronted by citizens that are not cooperative or supportive. Works occasionally with tribal co-managers and/or on tribal lands. Works on both private and public lands.
Required Qualifications:
Please Note: Professional equivalent experience in wildlife or natural resource management may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.
Option 1:
A bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And
One (1) year of professional experience in wildlife management or research or habitat management or research.
And
Proficiency in:

• Using a GPS to collect point location, to track and to navigate
• Radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment

Option 2:
A Master's degree or higher in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
And
Proficiency in:

• Using a GPS to collect point location, to track and to navigate
• Radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

All trainings facilitated and/or provided by WDFW. Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

• Ability to successfully pass a background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training, including performing animal euthanasia as needed.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of ag ency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW [click to reveal phone number]69.50.320 , RCW [click to reveal phone number]69.41.080 , and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
• Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Proficient with/in:

• Deploying turtle traps (basking and harp traps) and handling captured turtles.
• Deploying wildlife field cameras including baited camera stations.
• Operating snowmobiles and/or tracked all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
• Inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and/or monitoring PIT tagged animals.
• Deploying mist nets and handling birds or bats.
• Preparing comprehensive written reports
• Operating motorized (vessels less than 26 feet on inland waters) and/or non-motorized watercraft.
• Using handheld data collection devices (i.e. smartphones, iPads) in the field and entering data using platforms such as Survey 123, Field Maps, and Collector.
• Humanely euthanizing wildlife including bullfrogs.
• Towing/trailering boats and/or heavy equipment.
• Using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) GIS mapping applications including bringing datasets into GIS, manipulating data within GIS, and producing GIS map products.
• Radio tracking western pond turtles.
• Conducting grassland bird surveys and streaked horned lark surveys.
• Conducting amphibian surveys and Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys.
• Conducting fossorial rodent surveys and Mazama pocket gopher mound surveys.
• Conducting aerial wildlife surveys including by helicopter and fixed wing.
• Entering data, managing, and using routine analysis functions in databases.

License/Certifications:

• Pesticide Applicators License
• CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified.
• Snowmobile and All-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators training
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification
• Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) technical certification
• Wildlife immobilization and handling certification
• Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification
• Firearm certification

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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:

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 [click to reveal phone number]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
• 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: [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]800-833-6388 .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #[click to reveal phone number]2025-07974 .

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number]357-31-165 .

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

A background check and drug screening are required for this position - are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires the ability to legally possess a firearm and the willingness to utilize it for euthanizing animals - are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

05

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

06

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
07

Please select the option below that best describes your experience with wildlife management or research or habitat management or research.

• I do not have this experience
• I have less than 1 year of experience
• I have between 1 - 3 years of experience
• I have between 3 - 5 years of experience
• I have 5 years or more of experience

08

Please briefly describe your experience with wildlife management or research or habitat management or research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Please select the option(s) below if you are proficient in the following. Select all that apply.

• Using a GPS to collect point location, to track and to navigate
• Radio tracking wildlife using radio telemetry equipment
• None of the above

10

Please select the option(s) below if you have proficiency in the following. Select all that apply.

• Conducting Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys.
• Deploying wildlife field cameras including baited camera stations.
• Radio tracking western pond turtles.
• Conducting mazama pocket gopher mound surveys.
• Conducting streaked horned lark surveys.
• None of the above

11

In support of the question above, please briefly describe your experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
12

Please select the option(s) below if you have proficiency performing the following activities. Select ALL that apply.

• Conducting amphibian surveys
• Conducting grassland bird surveys
• Conducting fossorial rodent surveys
• Deploying turtle traps (basking and harp traps) and handling captured turtles.
• Inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags or monitoring PIT tagged animals
• Deploying mist nets and handling birds or bats.
• None of the above

13

Please briefly describe your experience conducting wildlife surveys. If applicable, include details about any aerial surveys you have conducted (e.g. by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft). ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
14

Can you operate trailers including towing boats, trailering boats and/or trailering heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

15

Can you operate snowmobiles and/or all-terrain vehicles (ATV) with snow tracks?

• Yes
• No

16

Please select the option(s) below if you have the following license/certifications. (Select ALL that apply).

• Wildlife immobilization and handling certification
• Wildlife aerial surveys training and/or certification
• Firearm certification
• Pesticide Applicators License
• CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and/or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification boater's
• Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) technical certification
• None of the above

17

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

18

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift, 1 day per week,

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