Job Description

Salary: $5,642.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly
Location : Columbia County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06957
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Adult Salmonid Trapping and Evaluation Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Science Division Duty Station- Dayton, Washington - Columbia County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station during field work seasons.
Learn more about being a member of !
Chinook salmon - Photo Credit: WDFW
As the Adult Salmonid Trapping and Evaluation Biologist, you'll play an important role in monitoring and evaluating Snake River summer steelhead, with a primary focus on work at Lyons Ferry Hatchery and in the field throughout Southeast Washington.
This is an opportunity to conduct biological monitoring, evaluation, and research and help develop and implement trapping, sampling, and spawning protocols. You'll coordinate the collection, analysis, and sharing of summer steelhead data with co-managers and partners throughout the Snake River basin.
This position is an important part of WDFW's efforts to support healthy and sustainable summer steelhead populations in the Snake River basin. You'll work collaboratively with public, tribal, and state partners to manage hatchery and naturally spawning steelhead as a single population while helping minimize potential impacts of hatchery production on population productivity.
Your work will help support sustainable steelhead fishing opportunities, contribute to a healthy and diverse steelhead population, and advance WDFW's mission and responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act.
What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Adult Salmonid Trapping and Evaluation Biologist will,
Serve as a lead adult salmonid trapping biologist for Lower Snake River Compensation Plan's ( LSRCP) Monitoring and Evaluation of Lyons Ferry Hatchery Complex:

• Maintain and proof trapping databases for summer steelhead, spring Chinook, and bull trout handled and processed at Lyons Ferry Hatchery, Tucannon Fish Hatchery Weir, Cottonwood Acclimation Pond, and Dayton Adult Trap.
• Prepare the LSRCP Summer Steelhead annual report and assist with the adult trapping components of the LSRCP Spring and Fall Chinook annual reports.
• Direct and lead crew members in collecting biological samples and measurements, including fin clips, otoliths, scale samples, coded-wire tag extractions, and other samples collected during steelhead spawning at Lyons Ferry Hatchery.
• Assist, as needed, with developing LSRCP Statements of Work and Budgets and implement work plans as specified in the LSRCP contract.
• Develop and write research and project proposals and solicit external funding.

Serve as a WDFW technical representative to the LSRCP summer steelhead program and support other internal and external groups:

• Serve as a primary data contributor for Summer Steelhead spawned and sampled for broodstock at Lyons Ferry Hatchery.
• Collaborate with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) on basin-wide steelhead run reconstruction efforts for adult steelhead returns to Lower Granite Dam.
• Participate in weekly conference calls with co-managers and other agencies during the steelhead season to provide updates on PIT tag forecasts, trapping, and broodstock collection.

Provide supervision and mentoring of technical staff:

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and mentor up to one permanent and one to three temporary technical-level staff to support an effective and motivated team.
• Set goals and objectives, develop strategies for implementation, and establish performance measurements and standards to ensure individual and program objectives are met.
• Monitor and inspect work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of assignments.
• Develop Performance Development Plans for assigned employees; create or update position descriptions; monitor and document employee performance; provide ongoing feedback; and conduct timely, meaningful employee performance evaluations.
• Develop and implement staff training and development plans, including cross-training, job-related training, and other opportunities that promote staff flexibility and professional development.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:

Work primarily occurs in an office setting using a computer. Field work involves strenuous physical activity and may require repetitive lifting of fish, 5-gallon buckets of water, and woody debris that may weigh at least 50 pounds. Field duties include conducting spawning surveys on local rivers, including the Tucannon and Touchet; sampling at Lyons Ferry Hatchery; directing M&E data collection efforts during spawning and juvenile releases; and conducting PIT tagging of hatchery fish at several locations, primarily at the hatchery. Field work may include walking four-five miles per day in a flowing stream. 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 - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements:

Travel is required several times a year to attend meetings and may be necessary to maintain current Safety Training requirements. Additional travel may be required to support program activities at various locations.
Tools and Equipment:

PIT Tag readers and tagging equipment, laptops, tablets, boots, and waders.
Customer Interactions:

Occasionally interact with landowners regarding access to walk stream surveys.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

• A Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, or a closely related field.

AND

• Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 2:

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note:

• A Master's Degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

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:
Experience with the following:

• Microsoft Office Products and R.
• Writing technical reports and giving presentations.
• Publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Collecting, entering, proofing data, and generating graphs and tables for reports and presentations.
• Anadromous salmonids in the Snake River and the importance of these stocks in determining downstream/ocean fisheries.
• Applying statistical analysis to acquired data.
• Installing, operating, and maintaining IPTDS (PIT Tag arrays).
• Downloading data from RMIS (Coded-Wire Tag Data) and PTAGIS (PIT Tag Data) from the internet.
• Supportively working with outside agencies.

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.

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: 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 [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 #2026-06957.
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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 01-07-2026
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. This includes both vocational and college education. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.)
05

Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 - 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 - 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 - 7 years of this experience.
• I have 7 or more years of this experience.

06

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

Please select the options below if you have experience with the following. (Select all that apply):

• Applying statistical analysis to acquired data
• Collecting, entering, and proofing data
• Generating graphs and tables for reports or presentations
• Using the R programming language
• None of the above

08

Please briefly describe your professional experience writing technical reports and delivering presentations. Include the types of reports and presentations you have prepared and the audiences you have presented to. If you have authored or co-authored peer-reviewed publications, please include the title(s). ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09

Please briefly describe your experience with anadromous salmonids in the Snake River. Include the types of species, programs, or projects you have worked with and your understanding of the importance of these stocks to downstream and ocean fisheries. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10

Do you have experience installing, operating, and maintaining IPTDS (PIT Tag arrays)?

• Yes
• No

11

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)

12

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, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Summer work, Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift

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