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Fish Biologist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... Fisheries Biologist to to support NMFS West Coast Region in evaluating Hatchery and Genetic ... This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ...

Senior Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

... Fisheries Biologist to to support NMFS West Coast Region in evaluating Hatchery and Genetic ... This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ...

Fisheries Science Analyst

Seattle, WA · On-site

$58K - $99K/yr

This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ... Ability to articulate biological and policy information on technical findings to both technical and ...

This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ... Ability to articulate biological and policy information on technical findings to both technical and ...

Fisheries Science Analyst

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$58K - $99K/yr

This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT ... Ability to articulate biological and policy information on technical findings to both technical and ...

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Fish Biologist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$38.3K

$80K

$128.5K

How much do fish biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fish biologist in Seattle, WA is $79,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fish biologist do?

A Fish Biologist studies fish and their habitats to understand their biology, behavior, and ecology. They may conduct field research, collect and analyze data, and work to conserve fish populations and aquatic environments. Fish Biologists often collaborate with government agencies, environmental organizations, and fisheries to develop management strategies and ensure sustainable practices. Their work helps protect aquatic ecosystems and supports healthy fish populations for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fish biologist?

To thrive as a Fish Biologist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and fisheries science, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, GIS tools, and data collection methods is important, along with any relevant certifications like SCUBA for field research. Strong observational, analytical, and communication skills help you work effectively with teams and present research findings. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective resource management, and impactful conservation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by fish biologists when conducting field research?

Fish biologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need to adhere to strict environmental regulations during field research. Additionally, capturing and monitoring aquatic species can be physically demanding and requires specialized equipment and safety precautions. Collaboration with local agencies, landowners, and other scientists is also essential to ensure research is conducted ethically and effectively. Overcoming these challenges is key to collecting accurate data and advancing conservation efforts.

How much does a fish biologist make?

A fish biologist's salary varies by experience, location, and employer, but the median annual wage in the field is around $60,000 to $70,000. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn over $80,000 annually.

What can you do with a fish biologist degree?

A fish biologist degree prepares individuals for careers in research, conservation, and management of aquatic ecosystems. Fish biologists often work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or research institutions, conducting field studies, data analysis, and environmental assessments. Skills in biology, ecology, and the use of tools like GIS and sampling equipment are essential for these roles.

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

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

Infographic showing various Fish Biologist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,952 per year, or $38.4 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

126th 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.

Employment Type: OTHER

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