Full Time Freshwater Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,653.00 - $4,300.00 Monthly
Location : Grays Harbor County - Montesano, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-06584
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions
Working Title- Recreational Creel Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 5.5 Months -September 16 - February 28
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington - Grays Harbor County
If you are interested in being considered for a similar position that is career seasonal, please submit a separate application for that recruitment. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for each position.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption - Creel survey - Photo Credit: WDFW
In this position, you'll gain hands-on field experience as a recreational creel technician and learn sampling techniques.
In this role, you'll perform scientific work, independently following both established and new sampling protocols to collect data from recreational fisheries.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Collect freshwater recreational fisheries data for salmon and steelhead to monitor catch, species composition, and marked/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead. If necessary, collect coded-wire tags (CWT) to determine stock origin and biological data. Duties conducted outdoors during all weather conditions at public boat launches and on gravel bars used by recreational anglers along rivers in Grays Harbor County.

• Collect data from the freshwater recreational fishery through angler interviews by following sampling protocols and accurately recording data electronically on iPads and iForms. Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon species and steelhead. Record the mark type (presence or absence of an adipose fin) for all coho, Chinook, and steelhead.
• Sample all retained coho, Chinook, and steelhead.
• Review and maintain accurate records for daily submission to supervisor. Informs supervisor daily regarding project progress and issues affecting data collection and work schedules.

Operate and maintain assigned field equipment, vehicles, and other gear.

• Daily inspect and clean all gear, vehicles (interior and exterior), and other equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Inform supervisor in a timely manner of issues affecting the daily use of gear, vehicles, or other field equipment.

Other duties as assigned to assist District 17 Grays Harbor projects.

• Depending on project needs may assist:
  • As an on-board observer for commercial fisheries monitoring.
  • Hatchery staff at facilities.
  • Other field projects such as spawning ground surveys.

Working Conditions:
Work setting: The primary work environment occurs outdoors during all weather conditions and can be physically demanding. During recreational fishery monitoring, work hours are spent standing, walking, bending, traversing slippery boat ramps, slippery riverine gravel bars, and muddy, slippery forest trails. Lifting, handling, and manipulating fish up to 40 pounds. Lifting equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Safely using a serrated knife to remove fish snouts. On-board commercial fishery monitoring work hours are spent boarding gillnet boats from department boats or public boat launches and standing for long periods of time (up to 12 hours) observing the commercial fishery during all weather and water conditions. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. The standard work schedule requires flexibility. May be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period.
Travel requirements: Travel to rivers within the Chehalis River Basin.
Customer Interactions: Includes some interactions with angry, distraught, or frustrated public individuals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.
License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Background in basic biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification.
• At least 6 months of experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Familiarity with WA State freshwater sport fishing regulations.
• Strong inter-personal communication skills to work effectively with the public, state, and federal agencies. Resolve potentially contentious situations involving disgruntled anglers or public where listening, patience, empathy, and self-control skills are vital.

Experience in:

• Collecting electronic field data on an iPad and iForms in an accurate manner.
• Completing biological data forms (e.g., scale cards) in an accurate and legible manner.
• Reporting fishery violations to supervisor when observed in the field.
• Communicating in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) and providing basic information regarding current sport fishing rules.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologist.
• Reviewing information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
• Working with numbers; understanding how numbers are related, combined, and estimated.
• Accurately performing arithmetical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Basic knowledge of Google Maps and GPS mapping skills.
• Reporting accidents or critical incidents to supervisor in a timely manner.

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 (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: 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 360-902-2278 or email , 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 (855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06584.
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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 o