Spring Chinook Habitat Study Lead - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-07375
Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Okanogan County - Okanogan, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-07375
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Spring Chinook Habitat Study Lead
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time - PermanentWDFW Program- Fish ProgramDuty Station- Twisp, Washington - Okanogan County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Rotary Screw Trap - Photo Credit: WDFW
In this leadership role, you will oversee a research project focused on understanding the overwinter habitat use of ESA-listed juvenile spring Chinook by gathering critical data throughout the Methow River.
Envision yourself in the field, collecting data by using rotary-screw traps, electrofishing surveys and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spring Chinook Habitat Study Lead will,
Serve as the project biologist for the Methow River juvenile spring chinook salmon overwinter study:
- Lead juvenile fish capture and marking activities utilizing the seasonal operation of two (2) rotary-screw traps and performing electrofishing surveys.
- Lead winter float surveys to track passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagged juvenile salmonids throughout the Methow River.
Supervision and mentoring of technical staff:
- Supervise and mentor technical level staff to support an effective and motivated team.
- Set goals and objectives, develop performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and project performance objectives are met.
Communicate study results and project accomplishments:
- Complete quarterly and annual progress reports.
- Give presentations to constituent groups.
- Submit ESA-related research permit and take reports.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Work is split between an indoor office environment and outdoor field environment.
- Field work may occur during inclement weather conditions and involves daily lifting, carrying, or moving heavy items (over 90 lbs. including buckets of water and fish), walking over slippery or uneven terrain regularly during field work or possible encounters with biting insects and snakes.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
- Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer and sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Schedule:
- 24/7 non-scheduled. Typically, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.
- Some variations in the work schedule will occur during peak field season activities (summer and fall) when 7 days a week juvenile fish trapping and tracking operations are underway.
- During peak workload, the employee may be required to work nights, weekends, and hours beyond 40 hours a week.
Travel Requirements: Travel is expected to attend meetings related to funding, training and professional development conferences.
Tools and Equipment: Rotary-screw traps, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detection equipment, backpack electro fishers, sein nets, minnow traps, electronic data capture equipment (laptops, tablets, dataloggers), motorboats, pontoon boats, hand tools, generators, and cable winch systems.
Customer Interactions: Some private landowner interactions are required to complete surveys, and to secure sites for rotary screw traps. General interaction with public is limited.
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, or environmental science.
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 a related field will 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 or more of the following:
- Knowledge of the habitat requirements and life-histories of Columbia River salmonids.
- Ability to organize large data sets, think conceptually, analyze data using appropriate statistical procedures, identify key relationships, and observe and interpret biological trends.
- Ability to communicate findings using clear scientific writing.
Experience:
- Installing, operating, maintaining, and removing rotary-screw traps.
- Marking juvenile salmonids with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags.
- Using P4 software for data collection.
- Performing fish capture surveys using backpack electro fishers, seins, and minnow traps.
- Operating and maintaining instream PIT tag detection equipment (transceivers and antennas).
- Operating motorboats.
- Operating pontoon boats in swift water conditions.
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: [click to reveal website 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 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: 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] 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-XXX.
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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 current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current 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. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05
Select the option below that best describes your experience with fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
- No experience
- 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
06
Please briefly describe your experience with 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
Select the option(s) below if you have experience with the following. Select all that apply.
- Installing, operating, maintaining and/or removing rotary-screw traps.
- Marking juvenile salmonids with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags.
- Using P4 software for data collection.
- Performing fish capture surveys using at least one (1) of the following - backpack electro fishers, seins or minnow traps.
- Operating and maintaining instream PIT tag detection equipment (transceivers and antennas).
- Operating motorboats.
- Operating pontoon boats in swift water conditions.
- None of the above
08
Please briefly describe your fish sampling experience. In your response include the types of method(s) used (e.g. rotary screw traps, electrofishing) and any experience with fish tagging and detection equipment. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09
Please briefly describe your watercraft experience. Include the types of watercraft you have operated (e.g. motorboats, pontoon boats) and types of water conditions you have navigated. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
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
- 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
11
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question