Job Description

Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Ridgefield, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-06681
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Closing Date: 10/[click to reveal phone number]7/2025 11 :59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 (Bio4)

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- FishProgram - Region 5 Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington - Clark County

Hybrid/Telework- Up to 2 days/week
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Hatchery Spawning Activities - Photo Credit WDFW
This senior-level biologist role leads the Hatchery Monitoring and E valuation (M&E) team at the Regional Hatchery Complex, reporting directly to the Regional Hatchery Operations Manager. Serving as both a scientific expert and team leader, this position ensures that hatchery practices are guided by sound science within an ecosystem context-helping protect, restore, and enhance salmon and steelhead populations. By aligning with WDFW's mission and strategic plan, the role contributes to sustainable conservation and utilization outcomes that benefit both fish populations and the communities that depend on them.
As head of the M&E program, the biologist oversees data collection across hatcheries and watersheds, ensuring standardized protocols are followed and results are scientifically robust. The position is responsible for analyzing and integrating findings, then translating them into actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers. In this way, the role directly shapes hatchery management decisions, research efforts, and broader strategies to sustain Washington's iconic fisheries.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Lead will:

• Serve as a hatchery complex M & E team leader, ensuring the Statewide Hatchery M & E Plan is developed and implemented in accordance with agency plans and policies.
• Consult with Science Division staff as required to ensure consistency and scientific rigor across the region and between westside regions. Also work directly with Fish Management and Hatchery Division staff to ensure data quality and quantity meet the requirements of the hatchery M & E Plan.
• Refine, develop, coordinate, and perform activities in accordance with the hatchery M & E Plan. Responsible for the successful development and execution of monitoring activities to evaluate the efficacy of salmon and steelhead hatchery programs.
• Coordinate with Regional team and Headquarters Science team to formulate, adapt, and modify existing programs and mathematical models for use in estimating and forecasting fish abundance and population levels.
• Build effective workgroups within the hatchery M & E Team, with focus on professional development of subordinates
• Collaborate with regional fish management, hatchery and science division staff to support and find efficiencies with existing monitoring work being conducted in the region (i.e., VSP monitoring) with the goal of avoiding duplicative work.
• Provide scientifically defensible analysis and recommendations to WDFW lead scientists, managers, and/or policy makers regarding salmon and hatchery management, research studies, fish population status, or other related issues.
• Provide "best available science" such that WDFW decisions and policies are supported by science.
• Develop annual work plans and budgets, complete hiring, supervising, and training of staff and assign work. Manage the performance and efficiency of the M & E team
• Attend training as described in PDP.
• Ensure that hatchery M & E staff comply with departmental safety and training requirements as per agency and state policies.
• Develop, design, conduct, and manage research studies focused on key uncertainties associated with hatchery programs in consultation with Science Division and Regional management staff.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, evaluate, report, and publish in areas of research related to hatchery program management and effectiveness.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards: Work is primarily in an office setting. Some field work may be required, including walking streams, wading, working at hatcheries, and working outdoors in inclement weather. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. Leave requests and approvals will be processed as outlined in agency policy and the effective Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Travel: Travel will be required to visit hatchery facilities, assist with fieldwork, to attend conferences, training, or other activities.

Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment, personal computer, some field equipment such as knives, PIT tag needles, CWT and PIT tag detectors.

Customer interactions: Interacts with the general public when in the field, and at times in the hatchery environment. Some office interactions occur.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

Option 1: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, data management, environmental science or related field and five (5) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research; data management; or another closely related field.
Option 2: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 and Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Note: A Master's degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, or natural resource science may substitute for required experience. Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
License: Valid driver's license
Special Requirement/Condition of Employment: Successful completion of agency training and/or certification dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience:

• Two (2) years' experience leading large research teams addressing complex issues related to hatchery and wild salmon and steelhead.
• Two (2) years' experiences training and mentoring biologists and other personnel.
• Two (2) years' experience managing large contracts and tracking budgets.
• Two (2) years' experience in data analysis and statistical methodology.
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing, publishing manuscripts, and oral presentations.
• Experience representing agency issues and positions in technical forums and informal meetings.
• Experience collaborating with researchers and stakeholders from diverse organizations.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of policy and regulatory implications of research results, with the ability to contribute to necessary changes.
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest fishes, including species life history, population dynamics, habitats, and fish identification.
• Strong understanding of ecological interactions (theoretical and demonstrated) and mechanisms of positive and negative interactions within and between species.
• Thorough knowledge of domestication selection theory and its impacts on natural and artificial salmonid production.

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 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 RCW [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal email address] RecruitmentTeam@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: [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]800-833-6388 .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
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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 holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number]357-31-165 .

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Which of the following best describes your professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research; data management; or another closely related field?

• Less than three (3) years
• 3-5 years
• 5-7 years
• 7-9 years
• More than nine (9) years
• No experience

06

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research; data management; or another closely related field. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07

Which of the following best describes your supervisory experience?

• Less than two (2) years
• More than two (2) years
• No experience

08

Please select all of the following with which you have at least two (2) years of experience.

• Leading large research teams addressing complex issues related to hatchery and wild salmon and steelhead.
• Training and mentoring biologists and other personnel.
• Managing large contracts and tracking budgets.
• Data analysis and statistical methodology.
• Technical writing, publishing manuscripts, and oral presentations.
• Representing agency issues and positions in technical forums and informal meetings.
• Collaborating with researchers and stakeholders from diverse organizations.

09

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

10

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift, 2 days per week,

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