Evening Aerial Survey Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06852
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time / PermanentWDFW Program- Fish Program - Puget Sound ManagementDuty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- This position may include telework options at the discretion of the supervisor.
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.
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Aerial survey conducted to count fishing boats over the Marine Areas of Puget Sound - Photo Credit: WDFW
The Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor is a key leadership role within the Fish Program's Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU). This position manages fisheries data collection, analysis, and reporting while leading sampler support operations that are critical to monitoring Puget Sound fisheries.
In this role, you'll oversee fisheries sampling projects, including Chinook and Coho salmon monitoring, halibut assessments, commercial catch evaluations, and other special studies. You'll manage complex fisheries databases, develop fisheries estimates, supervise support staff, and collaborate with agency staff and Tribal Co-Managers to ensure high-quality data informs fisheries management decisions.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the PSSU Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor will,
Data Coordination and Management for the Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU):

• Coordinate and manage all recreational and commercial fisheries data used to support Puget Sound salmon, halibut, and other fisheries.
• Analyze and interpret biological and fishery monitoring data to produce in-season and post-season catch, effort, and harvest estimates.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate fisheries data, identify trends, prepare reports, tables, figures, and recommendations that inform fisheries management.
• Ensure data quality by reviewing sampling procedures, coordinating quality control efforts, and integrating tribal and non-tribal fisheries data.
• Coordinate fishery sampling activities, calendars, biological studies, and resource assessments across Puget Sound.
• Coordinate the scheduling and completion of aerial surveys.
• Conduct 20% or more of aerial surveys, as needed.
• Ensure agency flight policies and established protocols are followed.
• Facilitate annual training for staff conducting aerial surveys to ensure compliance with established flight protocols.
• Coordinate with pilots and complete flight plans for all aerial surveys.
• Ensure all flights are fully staffed, including designated backup staff.

Supervise Sampling Support Staff and Oversee Unit Operations:

• Supervise Sampler Support staff by providing leadership, training, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Coordinate daily operations, staffing, scheduling, and communication to ensure efficient support for fisheries sampling activities.
• Oversee administrative functions including hiring, onboarding, position descriptions, evaluations, purchasing, payroll, travel, inventory, fleet, and records retention.
• Monitor staff spending and financial processes, working with agency staff and vendors to resolve purchasing and accounting issues.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, ensure compliance with agency policies, and continuously improve business processes.

Develop Reports, Manuals, and Technical Guidance:

• Lead the development, maintenance, and annual publication of fisheries sampling manuals, protocols, and administrative guidance.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation that communicate sampling methods, data analyses, and fisheries monitoring results.
• Collaborate with agency staff, tribal co-managers, and leadership to ensure documentation remains accurate, current, and supports effective fisheries management.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is primarily in an office setting (90%). Work also occurs in float planes and occasionally on-board boats during inclement weather. Repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, and keyboarding, long periods of sitting. Properly wear a PFD at all times on or near water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:
24/7 with weekend and evening work required, including for aerial surveys and evening meetings and travel.
Travel Requirements:
Operate an agency owned vehicle with occasional overnight travel.
Customer Interactions:
Interact with all PSSU staff, treaty tribes, agency biologists and managers, field technicians, WDFW Human Recourses, Business Services, Financial Services, Information Technology, Capital Asset Management, Fish Program administrative staff and managers, and the public.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Option 2 - All of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 3 - All of the following:

• A Master's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 4 - All of the following:

• A Doctorate's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 5:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

For the options above, the following experience is also required and may be gained concurrently:

• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Fisheries harvest management, including methods for biological data collection, interpretation, and presentation.
• Analyzing data, interpreting results, and selecting appropriate statistical tests.
• Database design and management.
• Developing study designs and research strategies.
• Technical writing and editing.
• Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Completion of WDFW Basic Aircraft Safety Training and Standard Operating Procedures before working aboard small aircraft within first six (6) months of hire.
• Completion of WDFW Aircraft Ditching, Underwater Egress and Sea Survival before working aboard single engine aircraft with floats within first six (6) months of hire.

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

• Working knowledge of computer programming in the "R" computing environment (creating, updating, and running the programming code).
• Familiarity with life histories of salmon, steelhead, and other marine and shellfish in the Puget Sound.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing regulations, methods, and gear.
• Ability to work independently, proactively solve problems, and complete projects accurately while meeting established deadlines.

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 or email , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06852.
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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 (in