Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Non-Permanent - 2026-09091

About the Department

Title- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 8 months – November 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
WDFW Program- Fish Program – AIS Division – Prevention Unit
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*Standby- This position may be required to be on standby

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Invasive Species Monitoring – Photo Credit: WDFW

 

Are you passionate about aquatic conservation and protecting Washington’s lakes, rivers, and waterways? Join WDFW’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division as an AIS Biologist!

 

In this senior-level role, you’ll lead critical early detection efforts to identify invasive zebra and quagga mussels before they can become established and cause lasting environmental damage. You’ll help shape statewide monitoring plans, lead complex field operations, manage scientific data, and collaborate with agency partners to strengthen Washington’s response to aquatic invasive species.

 

If you’re an experienced biologist who enjoys combining science, fieldwork, leadership, and collaboration to make a meaningful environmental impact, this is your opportunity to help protect Washington’s aquatic ecosystems for generations to come!

 

 

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist will,

Early Detection Invasive Freshwater Mussel Monitoring Operations Leadership:

• Serve as the unit expert supporting field operations.
• Support the development and implementation of an annual statewide methods plan.
• Develop and implement statewide schedules for five two-person field teams.
• Lead training for staff and partners on proper procedures for conducting complex sampling methods.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; support development of conclusions and recommendations for management, research, and mitigation needs; and prepare reports.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews of all collected data to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Serve as a lead watercraft operator.
• Operate and tow trailered hot-water pressure washers, cargo trailers, and other trailered equipment for training and field operations.
• Obtain permission to conduct monitoring activities on private and public property.
• Conduct monitoring activities as needed.
• Procure, track, and inventory a wide variety and quantity of equipment.
• Maintain all equipment in safe and proper working condition.

Supervision and Mentoring:

• Supervise five Scientific Technician 3s and five Scientific Technician 2s stationed in Spokane, Ephrata, Pasco, Yakima, and Ridgefield.
• Mentor technical and professional-level staff to foster an effective, motivated, and collaborative team.

Working Conditions: 

 

Work Setting, including hazards:

Approximately 30% fieldwork and 70% office work. Work outdoors on land and water, sometimes independently in remote locations and occasionally during inclement weather, during both daytime and nighttime hours. Requires walking up to five miles over uneven terrain and frequently lifting up to 75 pounds. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Safely operate and transport 15- to 20-foot watercraft, motor vehicles, winches, flatbed trailers, cargo trailers up to 25 feet in length, and complex trailer-mounted hot-water pressure-washing equipment.

Schedule:

Typically, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, but will exceed these hours when needed or work outside of normal business hours during holidays and weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.

*Standby:

• This position may require standby. For this position, standby means the employee is responsible for remaining available by cell phone to complete safety check-in and check-out processes during non-core business hours.
• Standby may include full days (e.g. Saturday-Sunday) or intermittent standby times (such as 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm) several times per week.
• Standby shifts will be scheduled in advance, unless there is an emergency, and will be divided equally with the senior biologist, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.

Travel Requirements:

Frequent statewide travel is required, including overnight stays of up to five (5) days at a time.

Tools and Equipment:

Desktops, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, electronic software forms, and satellite messengers. Standard field sampling gear, complex mobile water quality laboratory, eDNA, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices. 15- to 20-foot watercraft, large equipment up to a 25-foot cargo trailer, flatbed trailers, winches, motor vehicles, and complex trailer-mounted hot-water pressure-washing equipment.

Customer Interactions:

Frequently interact with the public while conducting monitoring activities, outreach and educational events, and presentations. Occasionally encounter members of the public who are uncooperative or noncompliant.

 

 

Qualifications:

 

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: 

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

Option 2: 

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

AND 

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

 

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.
• Professional equivalent experience in aquatic invasive species, fish, wildlife, or natural resource management may substitute for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

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:

• Three (3) years of experience in a natural resources-related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in the aquatic invasive species (AIS) field.
• One (1) year of experience performing leadership or supervisory duties, including conflict resolution, staff training and development, work planning and assignment, and performance evaluation.
• One (1) year of experience conducting zebra and quagga mussel monitoring.
• Experience working with stakeholders and participating in public education and outreach events.
• Extensive experience preparing and delivering public presentations.
• Experience preparing comprehensive written reports.
• Experience with database development, management, and routine data analysis.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species (AIS) management principles and practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety when operating four-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicles, watercraft, hot-water pressure washers, and towing trailers under varying weather conditions.
• Knowledge of and ability to develop, implement, and manage statewide biological studies and management activities.
• Ability to promote public service, build partnerships, and foster collaborative relationships.

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.

Other Qualifications

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

 

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 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 [email protected].  
• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected]. 

 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-09091.

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Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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

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Agency Information

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