Salary: $6,229.00 - $8,374.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05841
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Fish Passage & Water Infrastructure Engineer
Classification- Environmental Engineer 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) - Engineering Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Learn more about being a member of !
Fish passage restoration - Photo Credit: WDFW
Join our team as an Environmental Engineer and help support projects that directly advance WDFW's mission to protect and preserve Washington's fish, wildlife, and ecosystems.
This position provides environmental engineering support for the restoration of existing facilities and the design and construction of new infrastructure that supports fish supplementation, water distribution, fish passage, wildlife viewing, recreational water access, and other department needs.
In this role, you will apply your engineering knowledge and technical skills to develop preliminary and final designs, cost estimates, feasibility studies, plans, and specifications. You will use civil, structural, hydraulic, and environmental engineering principles to design and support the construction of hydraulic structures and infrastructure projects that help improve habitat, enhance public access, and advance conservation efforts across Washington.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Passage & Water Infrastructure Engineer will,
Design/Manage Engineering Projects:
- Under direction of a licensed Professional Engineer, prepare preliminary engineering designs, cost estimates, feasibility studies, final engineering designs, plans and specifications utilizing technical design and analysis skills in civil, structural, hydraulic and environmental engineering to support the Department's mission.
- Review and approve detailed engineering plans and specifications, site plans, engineering reports and operation and maintenance of environmental systems.
- Provide engineering expertise to the review and evaluation of proposal or existing environmental permits and permit applications.
Manage Public Works (PW) Contracts and Architects/Engineers (A/E) Contracts:
- Administer and act as the Department's representative for PW Contracts for construction and A/E contracts for design of Department capital construction projects.
Create and Manage Budgets:
- Develop and monitor project budgets.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
This position is approximately 70% office-based and 30% field-based. Field work may occur in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, or snow. Work in rough terrain, along riverbanks, on slippery slopes, and across uneven surfaces. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:
Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work hours may occasionally exceed the standard schedule, particularly during the construction season.
Travel Requirements:
Approximately 30% of travel is required. Travel may include trips to field locations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1 - All of the following:
- An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
- Bachelor's degree in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.
- Two (2) years of engineering experience.
Option 2 - All of the following:
- An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
- Master's degree in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.
- One (1) year of engineering experience.
Option 3 - All of the following:
- An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
- Six (6) years of professional engineering experience in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.
Note: Please upload a copy of your current, valid Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate with your application. Please omit or redact any personally identifiable information (e.g., Social Security number).
Qualifying engineering experience must include work in the following areas:
- Applying the principles and practices of engineering.
- Applying physical and biological sciences as related to engineering.
- Interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing environmental issues.
- Evaluating technical engineering data and computations.
- Developing designs involving engineering theory and judgment.
- Planning, promoting, and administering engineering projects.
- Writing engineering reports.
Certifications/Licenses:
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
- Knowledge of or experience with open and closed channel flow hydraulics, including hydraulic analysis and design of water conveyance systems.
- Experience applying project management principles, including managing project scope, schedules, and budgets
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.
- A copy of your current, valid Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate. Please omit or redact any personally identifiable information (e.g., Social Security number).
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- WFSE:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.
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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 #2026-05841.
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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 h