Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Job Number: 2026-07878
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Project

Anticipated Project Length- 3 Years-November 2, 2026 - October 31, 2029WDFW Program- Habitat Program - Science DivisionDuty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Please Note: Work duties during the field season (May - October) are performed throughout western Washington and require regular overnight travel. Additional information in "Working Conditions" below.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Olympic Torrent Salamander - Photo Credit: WDFW
Join WDFW and contribute to the conservation of Washington's wildlife and ecosystems.

Imagine yourself navigating on logging roads through public and privately-owned timberlands to access rugged headwater streams during the field season. Acting as a field supervisor, you will conduct biological monitoring for research projects and coordinate study implementation.

The work you perform will support studies surrounding headwater stream habitats and stream-associated amphibians in managed timberlands for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources' (WA DNR) Forest Practices Adaptive Management Program, in addition to other projects focused on monitoring stream habitats.
What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist will,
Plan, coordinate, and implement data collection and data management in support of habitat and wildlife research projects:

Track project progress and prioritize tasks to achieve project objectives.
Deploy instream water temperature loggers.
Collect stream and riparian habitat measurements (wetted and bankfull widths/depths, substrate, depth, canopy cover measurements, and mapping surface water extent).
Conduct stream-associated amphibian surveys to assess occupancy and abundance.
Review field forms and tabulate data.
Collect spatial data and reference photographs.
Support site selection and study implementation using GIS and coordinate study site access with landowners.

Data interpretation, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and summarization:

Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
Assess data to ensure data quality and completeness.
Develop summaries of data; Analyze and interpret data using established research procedures.
Draft technical report sections for review by Principal Investigator.

Supervise non-permanent field staff during the field season (May - September):

Plan and organize interviews.
Identify, hire, and onboard staff.
Identify safety trainings and ensure staff are up to date on all trainings.
Provide supervision and direction, including identifying and assigning tasks.

Lead field staff in project implementation/field data collection:

Lead staff in field data collection, ensuring data is collected in a manner that is consistent with study design and research methods.
Ensure staff have the necessary equipment and supplies, and follow established guidelines, to be safe, efficient, and effective.
Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding staff locations and project status.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is a combination of field and office work. Up to 90% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field during the field season (May - October). During other periods, work will primarily be office-based.
While in the field, hike and use a GPS to navigate off-trail through dense vegetation and managed forest landscapes, up and down steep slopes, and along/within steep, shallow streams. Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (weighing under 40 pounds) containing sampling equipment, personal supplies, and sometimes a field laptop. Infrequently carry by hand a 5-gallon bucket, dip nets, and rebar.
Bend, duck, balance, and navigate through, under, and over dense vegetation and woody debris. Wood and streams may be slippery. Operate trucks and drive on logging roads on private forestlands throughout western Washington. May use CB radios to communicate with oncoming traffic. 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 - Thursday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. The standard work 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.
Travel Requirements: During the field season, extensive travel within western Washington and regular overnight travel is required. Overnight travel will typically require camping near vehicles at established campgrounds and at primitive dispersed sites.
Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) that are to be driven on paved and dirt roads, field safety and communication equipment (such as high-visibility clothing and Garmin inReach), and data collection equipment (such as iPad, monitors and sensors, and a laptop).
Customer Interactions: Interact with landowners and members of the public en route to study sites and to facilitate landowner access agreements.
Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:

Applicants must meet one of the following options. All requirements within an option may be gained concurrently.

Option 1:

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
One (1) year of professional experience in/with:
- Biological field research relating to fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.
- Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
- Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
- Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.
Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
- Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
- Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
- Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.

Option 2:

Two (2) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
- Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
- Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.
- Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
- Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
- Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
- Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Master's degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.

Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:

Stream-associated amphibians or headwater streams.
Stream ecology, water quality, or physical monitoring.
Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
Creating maps in GIS.
Statistical analysis software.

Your application must 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 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 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 [click to reveal email address]danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 - 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 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 #2026-07878.
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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 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 01-07-2026
01

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

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.

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.

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.
05

Please select the option below that best describes your experience in Washington State government service as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or higher. (Note: This refers to positions officially classified under the Washington State Human Resources job classification system.)

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 2 years of this experience.
I have 2 years or more of this experience.

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience with biological field research relating to fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 1 year of this experience.
I have 1 year or more of this experience.

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience with data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC) and summarization.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 6 months of this experience.
I have between 6 months - 1 year of this experience.
I have 1 year or more of this experience.

Do you have experience using R software?

Yes, I am familiar with using R.
No, I am not familiar with using R.

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience with Pacific Northwest amphibian research.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 6 months of this experience.
I have 6 months or more of this experience.

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience sampling forested headwater stream habitats.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 6 months of this experience.
I have 6 months or more of this experience.

Please briefly describe your professional experience sampling forested headwater stream habitats and with Pacific Northwest amphibian research, including the species researched. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
12

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience performing leadership or supervisory duties. Please note, this experience must include coordinating scientific field staff.

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 6 months of this experience.
I have 6 months or more of this experience.

Please briefly describe your professional experience performing leadership or supervisory duties. Please include how many scientific field staff you lead/supervised. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
14

Select the option(s) below that you have two (2) or more years of professional experience with. Select all that apply.

Stream-associated amphibians.
Headwater streams.
Stream ecology, water quality, or physical monitoring.
Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
Creating maps in GIS.
Statistical analysis software.
None of the above.

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
Hydraulic Institute (HI)
Indeed.com
Job Board
Job Fair
LinkedIn
Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
Newspaper
Other
Other State Agency
Other Website
Professional Association
Society of American Foresters (SAF)
Texas A&M
University Job Board
UW College of the Environment
WDFW Employee
WDFW Recruiter
WDFW Website
Word of Mouth
WorkSource
X (formerly Twitter)

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

Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Project - 2026-07878

Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Project - 2026-07878

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