Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Non-Permanent -2026-04954

About the Department

Title- Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 4.5 months – July 16, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Electronic Data Collection – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments throughout the lower Columbia River. 

Envision yourself in the field, monitoring and managing all operations at the Germany Creek and Grays River resistance board weir sites. You will also lead fall Chinook broodstock collection and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events at Beaver Creek Hatchery.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist will,

Lead field operations of the adult resistance board weirs operated on Germany Creek and Grays River:

• Coordinate daily weir operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Implement study designs following prescribed guidelines and conduct complex data collection in the field in a manner to ensure a high-quality dataset.
  • Examine, enumerate, and identify species, run type, and origin all adult salmonids caught in the weirs. 
  • Collect complex biological data (fork length, marks, gender, sexual maturity) and biological samples (scales, DNA tissue) from all or a proportion of fish caught in the trap. 
  • Apply marks and tags into live fish for mark recapture abundance studies.
• Operate hand power tools and pneumatic tools for installation, operation and removal of resistance board weirs
• Operate fork-lift to assist with lifting, installation and removal of heavy materials and equipment at certain weir sites. 
• Gather data in rivers by snorkeling to identify, count, collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.
• Snorkel in rivers to observe fish presence and observe seining gear being deployed and to monitor weir operations. 

Lead implementation of fall Chinook broodstock collection for the Conservation Hatchery programs at Beaver Creek Hatchery and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events at Beaver Creek Hatchery:

Manage field data, biological samples, and equipment under the general guidance of the project leader:

Supervise technicians:

• Plan, assign, and review the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads. 
• Assesses training needs of staff and arranges for or provide instruction. 
• Manage personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, performance issues.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards:

• Lift, carry and load equipment up to 70 lbs (pontoon rafts, seine nets, buckets, electrofishing equipment and field gear)
• Operate boats in rivers with fast flowing/whitewater conditions under all weather conditions.
• Sample spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors.
• Climb in and out of boats and safe towing and operation of a research vessel up to 14’ in length.        
• Drive agency owned/leased vehicles without restrictions.
• Snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions for up to six (6) miles per day.  
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Sunday - Saturday, 40 hours per week between the hours of 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Weekend and holiday work may be required due to weather, stream conditions, and project demands. This position operates on a highly variable schedule.

Travel Requirements: Some local and regional travel may be necessary to attend training sessions, meetings, or pickup/drop-off gear. Overnight travel is rare. Expected to drive agency owned/leased vehicles. 

Tools and Equipment: Vehicles, power boats, basic hand tools, forklift, knives, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag wands backpack electro-fisher, citizen band (CB) radios, GPS units, handheld data-loggers.

Customer Interactions: Frequent interaction with landowners, members of the public, and personnel from state and federal agencies. Fieldwork may also involve encounters with landowners’ pets and wildlife.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

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

And all the following (may be gained concurrently):

Please Note: A Master’s degree or Ph.D, degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year 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: 

Knowledge of: 

• Salmonid life histories

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: 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 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 #2026-04954.

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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

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov