Job Description

Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Ridgefield, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-09053
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 12/18/2025
Closing Date: 1/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- District Wildlife Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program

Southwest Region 5 - District 10 - Counties Served - Cowlitz, Lewis, and Wahkiakum

Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington - Clark County

Please Note- This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
Learn more about being a member of !
WDFW Biologist using telemetry to locate a dropped GPS collar on the Klickitat Wildlife Area - Photo Credit: WDFW
As our District Wildlife Biologist , you'll play a key part in supporting healthy and diverse wildlife population and ensuring Washingtonians can continue to enjoy the many opportunities these resources provide.
As the senior biologist for the district, you'll take the lead on wildlife resource assessment and management efforts. You'll independently carry out inventory and monitor work, track population changes, and collaborate closely with partners to support and manage both game and non-game wildlife populations.
You'll also supervise staff and volunteers while serving as a key point of contact for the public, Tribes, and various agencies on a wide range of wildlife issues, from how to coexist with wildlife, wildlife protection and management to habitat restoration.
Come join our team and help shape recommendations for wildlife management conservation and recreation, and contribute to tribal co-management harvest agreements that guide responsible wildlife stewardship throughout the district!
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the District Wildlife Biologist will,
Inventory and Monitor Diverse Wildlife Populations:

• Conduct assigned wildlife surveys as part of statewide efforts.
• Develop or co-develop, plan, and lead field surveys for game and non-game species using established and emerging monitoring techniques (e.g., aerial surveys, camera traps, acoustic monitoring, spotlight surveys, mark-recapture, telemetry).
• Collect biological samples (e.g., DNA, tissues, disease samples) to inform population health assessments.
• Estimate wildlife population size, distribution, recruitment, survival, and mortality using statistical models and data analysis tools.
• Investigate, monitor, and manage disease occurrence in various species.

Measure Population Changes within the District:

• Evaluate population trends and identify factors influencing population change over time (e.g., predation, harvest, disease, habitat alteration).
• Compile and analyze population data and prepare written reports.

Develop Recommendations for Wildlife-Related Recreation Opportunities:

• Apply knowledge of population status, trends, demographic parameters, habitat conditions, and ecology to recommend harvest regulations.
  Recommend changes to hunting regulations.

Supervise Staff:

• Assign and direct work of staff while leading work teams in carrying out assignments and ensuring deadlines are met.

Implement Actions Advancing Species Recovery and Management:

• Conduct population augmentation, capture, and translocation activities.
• Recommend appropriate management/recovery actions for wildlife populations.

Provide Input on Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation:

• Evaluate habitat quality and quantity and assess population responses to habitat changes.
• Make recommendations for habitat restoration and restore habitats.
• Provide input on habitat altering actions such as forest management, energy development, urban expansion

Engage and Communicate with the Public, Government, Tribal, and Non-Governmental Partners:

• Communicate data and present options, verbally and in writing, to partners and public groups to enhance understanding of wildlife issues.

Work with Private Lands/Conflict Program in Region 5:

• Work with Private Lands staff to facilitate recreational access to private lands.
• Coordinate with Wildlife Conflict Specialists to establish hunting seasons and permit levels to help control damage.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work occurs in office environments and extensive field settings across terrestrial, aerial, and marine environments which includes operating a variety of equipment, including watercraft in both fresh and saltwater, conducting aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and hiking alone through rugged terrain, including stream crossings.
• Fieldwork may involve inclement weather and navigating difficult or uneven terrain, requiring walking, bending, and stooping, sometimes while frequently carrying up to 40 pounds of field gear (e.g., scopes, capture backpack).
• Frequent capture and handling of wildlife, including close proximity to a wide range of species, with some duties requiring the use of firearms and the handling of biological materials that may pose exposure risks.
• 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 position, 40 hours per week. Work schedules may include occasional evening or weekend hours and may vary based on business needs, time of year, and weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

• Regular travel occurs within the assigned district, with occasional travel outside the area, including out-of-state travel for specialized training or professional development.
• Field assignments or training may require overnight or extended stays.

Tools and Equipment:

• Field necropsy cutting instruments, GIS and mapping applications, backcountry and field-orientation tools, and a wide range of technical wildlife monitoring and study equipment.
• Vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
• Firearm use may be required for certain biological surveys or animal euthanasia. Dart guns and traps may be used in animal capture.

Customer Interactions:

• Frequent interaction with the public, tribal partners, and various government and non-government organizations.
• Some interactions may involve individuals or groups who may be experiencing frustration or concern.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field AND five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research.
Option 2: Four (4) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
In addition to one of the options above, the successful candidate must also have the following required experience (which may be gained concurrently):

• One (1) year of experience trapping, handling, dispatching, and immobilizing wildlife.
• One (1) year of leadership or supervisory experience - duties must include conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.
• Four (4) years of experience with wildlife population ecology and species relationships for both game and nongame species.
• Four (4) years of experience designing or assisting with wildlife surveys and field sampling methods.
• Four (4) years of experience with wildlife harvest management principles, practices, and implementation.

Please Note:

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A Master's degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A PhD in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm, including performing animal euthanasia as needed.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
• Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys and motorboat operation within 12 months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Four (4) years of professional experience in the following:

• Wildlife habitat relationships and their application to management decisions.
• Wildlife species identification across a broad range (birds, mammals, herpetofauna, invertebrates).
• Effective written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Conducting field surveys and collecting biological data under a range of conditions.
• Analyzing and interpreting data, including biometrics and population modeling for management recommendations.
• Applying wildlife management tools, equipment, and field techniques.

Two (2) years of professional experience in the following:

• Applying environmental rules, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Wildlife damage management and strategies to reduce wildlife-human conflicts.
• Coordinating complex field projects.
• Following prescribed protocols and procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Developing objectives, timelines, and action plans.
• Urban wildlife management concepts and practices.
• Field necropsy, disease investigation, and mortality location investigations.
• Training and mentoring staff, including seasonal or permanent team members.
• Negotiating effectively with partners, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Mediating contentious situations using diplomacy and conflict-resolution techniques.
• Working with Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, including ArcGIS/ArcMap/ArcPro, to produce maps and spatial analyses.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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 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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] 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 [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2025-09053.
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AL
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 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

A background check and drug screening are required for this position - are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am willing to meet this requirement.
• No, I am not willing to meet this requirement.

03

This position requires the ability to legally possess a firearm and the willingness to utilize it for euthanizing animals - are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I am willing to meet this requirement.
• No, I am not willing to meet this requirement.

04

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.

05

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.

06

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. This includes both vocational and college education. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.)
07

Please select the option below that best describes your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 OR your professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research.

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 - 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 - 5 years of this experience.
• I have between 5 - 9 years of this experience.
• I have 9 or more years of this experience.

08

Please briefly describe your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 OR your professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Do you have a total of at least four (4) years of professional experience in any of the following areas? (Select ALL that apply.)

• Wildlife population ecology and species relationships for both game and nongame species.
• Designing or assisting with design and conducting wildlife surveys and field sampling methods.
• Wildlife harvest management principles, practices, and implementation.
• None of the above.

10

Please briefly describe your experience for each area selected above. Include specific examples such as the type of project, your role, duration of experience, and the methods or tools used. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11

Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in trapping, handling, dispatching, and immobilizing wildlife?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have at least one (1) year of leadership or supervisory experience? (Duties must include all of the following: training and developing staff, planning and assigning work, evaluating performance, and resolving workplace conflicts).

• Yes
• No

13

Please select the option(s) below in which you have one (1) or more years of experience. (Select ALL that apply.)

• Disease ecology.
• Aerial surveys.
• Biological sampling.
• Necropsy of wildlife in the field.
• Wildlife capture (trapping and/or immobilizing and handling wildlife).
• Radio telemetry.
• Field experience in rugged terrain.
• Field experience in extreme weather conditions.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software.
• None of the above.

14

Please briefly describe your work experience speaking to, informing and/or interacting with the public, private and public landowners, governmental, and non-governmental agencies. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
15

Please briefly describe any work experience you have in using snowmobiles, motorized boats, fixed-wing aircraft or rotary-wing aircraft. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
16

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
• Hydraulic Institute
• 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
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

17

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, Work experience placement, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift,

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