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Field Biologist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Wetland Biologist/Ecologist role is part of a multidisciplinary team to support projects with ... Support field visits to wetland and stream Critical Areas, and Shorelines of the State * Prepare ...

The Wetland Biologist/Ecologist role is part of a multidisciplinary team to support projects with ... Support field visits to wetland and stream Critical Areas, and Shorelines of the State * Prepare ...

The Wetland Biologist/Ecologist role is part of a multidisciplinary team to support projects with ... Support field visits to wetland and stream Critical Areas, and Shorelines of the State * Prepare ...

Senior Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Responsibilities Duties of the Senior Fisheries Biologist will include the following: * * Draft ESA effects evaluation and determination documents for HGMPs * Prepare NEPA Environmental Assessments ...

Senior Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Duties of the Senior Fisheries Biologist will include the following: * * Draft ESA effects evaluation and determination documents for HGMPs * Prepare NEPA Environmental Assessments and Environmental ...

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Field Biologist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$25.6K

$69.6K

$120.1K

How much do field biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for field biologist in Seattle, WA is $69,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $79,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a field biologist?

A field biologist is a scientist who studies organisms and their environments in natural settings, rather than in laboratories. Their work often involves observing and collecting data on plants, animals, and ecosystems to better understand ecological relationships and the impact of environmental changes. Field biologists may work in diverse habitats, from forests and oceans to deserts and wetlands, and often contribute to conservation efforts, wildlife management, and environmental research.

What does a field biologist do?

As a field biologist, your job is to study wildlife in its natural environment. This involves using both biology and botany knowledge to research living things in the wilderness instead of a laboratory. One of the most important aspects this job is studying how living things interact with each other in a complex ecosystem. Using this information, you support wildlife management, habitat improvement, environmental landscaping, and the enforcement of environmental regulations. Facilities like power stations often use field biologists to ensure the facility's operations aren't harming nearby wildlife.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a field biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Field Biologist, you need a solid background in biology or environmental science, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and experience with field research techniques. Familiarity with tools such as GPS devices, data collection software, and sometimes specialized certifications like wildlife handling permits is common. Strong observational skills, adaptability, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help field biologists excel in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. These skills are essential for collecting accurate data, collaborating with research teams, and contributing meaningful insights to ecological studies and conservation efforts.

What are some common challenges a field biologist might face during fieldwork, and how are they typically addressed?

Field Biologists often encounter unpredictable weather, remote locations, and logistical challenges such as transporting equipment and samples. Working in varying terrains can require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Safety protocols, thorough planning, and teamwork are essential to address these obstacles, ensuring both data quality and personal well-being. Collaborating closely with local guides, other researchers, and conservation organizations is also common to facilitate access and enhance research outcomes.

What is the difference between Field Biologist vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectField Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related field; often requires fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, research sites, nature reserves
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for fieldwork roles in ecology and conservation

While both roles involve outdoor work and environmental knowledge, a Field Biologist typically conducts research, data collection, and ecological studies, often requiring higher education and specialized skills. A Wildlife Technician may focus more on supporting field activities, habitat management, and data recording, often with less emphasis on research design. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

Is it hard to become a field biologist?

Becoming a field biologist typically requires a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in biology, ecology, or environmental science, along with practical experience through internships or research projects. The job can be physically demanding and often involves irregular hours and outdoor work, but success depends on dedication, skills in data collection, and knowledge of ecological systems.

What jobs can you get with a field biologist degree?

A degree in field biology can lead to careers such as wildlife biologist, environmental consultant, conservation scientist, or research technician. These roles often involve fieldwork, data collection, and environmental analysis, and may require knowledge of GIS tools and ecological principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Field Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Field Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Field Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Field Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Field Biologist jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Field Biologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Field Biologist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,616 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Fish Biologist/Statistician (Biology)

US Department of Commerce

Seattle, WA • On-site

$79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Science and Technology (OST), with one vacancy in Anchorage, AK; La Jolla, CA; Miami, FL; Woods Hole, MA; Silver Spring, MD; or Seattle, WA.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position may be filled with series 0482 (Fish Biology)/1530 (Statistician). Each series requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience or a substitution of education for experience (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 0482 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: major in biological science that included:

  • At least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and
  • At least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)

OR
B.Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
To qualify for the 1530 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: That included 15 semester hours in statistics (or in mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education, or engineering; or in the social sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, etc. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as tests and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Assisting with analyzing ongoing surveys; and
  • Assisting with coordination of communications and activities with state, federal or non-federal partners.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower level may be combined with experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
  • Coordinating or planning projects based on parameters such as overall objectives, milestones, expected results, and constraints;
  • Managing the collection, evaluation and reporting of marine recreational statistics for internal or external stakeholders; and
  • Developing questionnaires, quality control methods, reporting methods, or outreach and educational activities.
Education:

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

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