Senior Deer Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $123,552.00 Annually
Location : Snohomish County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06637
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title - Regional Wildlife Program Manager - Region 4
Classification - WMS Band 2
Job Status - Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program - Wildlife Program Duty Station - Stanwood, Washington - Snohomish County
North Puget Sound Region 4 Counties Served - Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom.
Remote Employment - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until September 7, 2026. First review of applications will take place August 20, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Family of Four Otters - Photo Credit: Todd Tallman
As the Regional Wildlife Program Manager for North Puget Sound Region 4, you will lead a multidisciplinary team while providing strategic direction and executive oversight to advance WDFW priorities and deliver effective wildlife conservation and recreation outcomes.
Provide leadership and direction to regional Wildlife Program staff to accomplish work aligned with the agency's strategic goals, program directives, and division objectives. Foster accountability, collaboration, communication, and team effectiveness across the program.
Serving as the link between agency administration and field operations, you will oversee four divisions (Game, Wildlife Diversity, Landowner Services, and Lands) and support staff across Region 4. This includes setting clear expectations, ensuring consistency in program delivery, and maintaining accountability across all staff, three Wildlife Area Complexes and over 100 Water Access Areas.
You will contribute to policy development, program planning, and implementation of new initiatives, while supporting staff through complex and sometimes sensitive issues related to wildlife conflict, lands management, and threatened and endangered species.
Photo Caption: Black Tailed Deer - Photo Credit: Chad Morrison
What to Expect -
In this role, the Regional Wildlife Program Manager provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington's wildlife populations in North Puget Sound, Region 4, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Supervise regional Wildlife Program staff to accomplish tasks that address Agency Strategic Goals, Program initiatives, and Division objectives.
• Participate as a member in regular meetings for Agency Senior Management Team, Wildlife Program Leadership Team, and Regional Management Team.
• Supervise regional Wildlife Program staff to accomplish tasks that address Agency Strategic Goals, Program initiatives, and Division objectives.
• Develop policies included in species plans and recreational hunting programs that will have regional and statewide significance.
• Manage the Region 4 Wildlife Program budget.
• Negotiate with the public, Indian Tribes, organized constituents' groups, other state, county, city and federal agencies regarding wildlife management policies, recreation access, hunting recreation and wildlife protection.
• Oversee management of Department-owned land based in Region 4.
• Direct biological survey efforts to protect threatened and endangered species and to assess game species status.
• Act as the Wildlife Program contact for legislators and other elected officials in Region 4.
• Develop hunting season recommendations for the region for statewide participation.
• Provide wildlife information to the public and to private entities for personal, legal, and contractual obligations.
• Identify statewide and Region-specific research needs.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in an office setting.
Schedule: Work hours are flexible but are expected to occur between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - may need to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs, including working additional hours and attending occasional evening meetings.
Travel Requirements: Approximately 25% of the time will be spent traveling throughout Region 4 and occasionally outside of the region.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a related field.
AND all of the following professional experience (may be gained concurrently):
Five (5) years of professional experience in/with:

• Applying advanced principles and techniques of wildlife management, including the biology and ecology of regional wildlife species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Implementing recognized methods and standards for habitat and land management.
• Navigating regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic processes related to wildlife management, conflict management, and/or land management activities.
• Working with private landowners and/or agricultural producers to address wildlife conservation.

Three (3) of professional experience in/with:

• Supervising or managing staff, including providing guidance, training, conflict resolution, work planning, performance management, and evaluation.
• Building a strong team dynamic across dispersed locations.
• Managing priorities and activities across multiple divisions and sections within a Wildlife Program.
• Communicating, verbally and in writing, technical information to diverse audiences.
• Building and maintaining relationships with constituents and stakeholders with diverse interests, including engaging in processes that influence political and policy outcomes.

One (1) year of professional experience in/with:

• Managing budgets, grants, or contracts and effectively allocating resources across multiple projects.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience working with tribal governments, local communities, nonprofit organizations, or other stakeholders to build consensus and support for wildlife management objectives.
• Three (3) years of professional experience with data collection, GIS mapping, wildlife population modeling, or other technical tools to support management decisions.

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 professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06637.
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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