Salmon Data Support Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Career Seasonal - 2026-08225
Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08225
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Salmon Data Support Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 (BIO2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Career Seasonal
Season Length- 11 months- January 16 - December 15
For the 2026 season, this position is anticipated to begin November 1, 2026.WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management Division - Puget Sound Management UnitDuty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston 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 !
Electronic Data Collection - Photo Credit: WDFW
If you're a biologist who likes the idea of seeing your data actually influence salmon management, this could be a really cool opportunity. You'd be working with chum, pink, and sockeye salmon data from Puget Sound-collecting and managing biological and fishery data, helping with in-season monitoring, and turning that information into summaries that support commercial and recreational fishery management.
You'd also get to work at the intersection of science, fisheries management, and salmon conservation, supporting WDFW's work with tribal co-managers and other partners.
So if you like a position where you're not just collecting data, but helping turn that data into decisions about Washington's salmon resources, this one is worth a look!
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmon Data Support Biologist will,
Maintain fisheries and biological field data and data systems for chum, pink, and sockeye salmon in Puget Sound Waters:
- Develop and maintain biological field collection databases, ensuring data are collected in a consistent and uniform manner.
- Review data collection and perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) to identify and correct errors.
- Assist the chum, pink, and sockeye salmon species specialist with preparing data summaries and fulfilling data requests from regional and co-management staff, as well as constituents.
Support fishery data management and in-season processes:
- Update and maintain website application tools and data.
- Assist with data entry and review of fishery harvest data
- Assist with fishery regulation review, including commercial registration fishery processes
- Prepare weekly summaries of sampling, biological data, and commercial catch information.
Assist unit staff during in-season chum genetic stock identification data collection and processing:
- Conduct field collections and sampling in accordance with established protocols.
- Facilitate the transfer of biological samples from field staff to genetics and aging laboratories.
Provide support for the objectives and goals of establishing a comprehensive chum management plan:
- Support the chum, pink, sockeye salmon species specialist in data analysis and summaries.
Serve as research support to the chum, pink, sockeye salmon species specialist:
- Review and provide feedback on internal technical reports and publications.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work primarily in an office environment, with approximately 90% of the time spent on computer-based analysis, communication, and coordination.
- Occasional field work is required between September and December and may involve exposure to inclement weather, rough or choppy water, noise, strong odors, slippery surfaces, and confined work areas.
- Field duties may include repetitive hand movements, climbing in and out of vessels, operating boats with outboard motors, sampling salmon aboard boats, working around fish blood and slime, and exposure to bees, yellow jackets, and other insects.
- Work may require bending, kneeling, carrying equipment, and occasionally lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:
This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. 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:
Travel is required during October and November, including overnight or weekend trips totaling approximately 10 to 14 days per year.
Tools and Equipment:
Agency-issued desktop and laptop computers, cell phones, vehicles, raingear, personal flotation devices (PFDs), equipment holsters, and a variety of field and marine electronics.
Customer Interactions:
Regularly interact with a wide range of internal and external partners, including WDFW staff, tribal co-managers, federal and Canadian fisheries partners, commercial fishing industry representatives, and members of the public.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field.
AND
One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
Please Note:
- A Master's degree or higher in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one (1) year of professional experience in one or more of the following:
- Managing data related to scientific collections or natural resource management.
- Using Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Word, Excell, Access, and Outlook.
- Using statistical and data analysis software or programming languages, such as R, SQL, Python, or SAS.
- Salmon life histories and salmon habitat requirements.
- Puget Sound salmon stocks.
Your application should 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 (3) 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
- 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] or email [click to reveal email address], 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] or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-08225.
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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.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes, I have a valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a valid driver's license.
03
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.
04
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. This includes both vocational and college education. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.)
05
Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 1 year of this experience.
- I have between 1 - 3 years of this experience.
- I have between 3 - 5 years of this experience.
- I have 5 or more years of this experience.
06
Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish management or research, 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).
07
Do you have one (1) year or more of professional experience managing data related to scientific collections or natural resource management?
- Yes
- No
08
Please briefly describe your professional experience managing data related to scientific collections or natural resource management. In your response, please describe the type of data you managed, the scientific collection or natural resource area it supported, your specific responsibilities, and any systems, databases, software, or tools you used to collect, organize, maintain, validate, analyze, or report the data. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09
Which statistical and data analysis software or programming languages have you used professionally? (Select ALL that apply.)
- R
- SQL
- Python
- SAS
- Other statistical or data analysis software/programming language
- None of the above
10
Which of the following areas do you have one (1) year or more of professional experience in? (Select ALL that apply.)
- Salmon life histories
- Salmon habitat requirements
- Puget Sound salmon stocks
- None of the above
11
Please briefly describe your professional experience working with salmon life histories, salmon habitat requirements, and/or Puget Sound salmon stocks. If applicable, include the salmon species or stocks, type of work performed, and how the experience was gained. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
12
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
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Hydraulic Institute
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
- 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)
13
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question