Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-06851

Posting number: 2026-06851

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Parks and Beaches, Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Wetlands, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Summary

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Title- Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Puget Sound Management
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework-  This position may include telework options at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

WDFW catch sampling unit – Photo Credit: WDFW

As a senior-level biologist, you will supervise and oversee the collection of dockside recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Marine Areas 5 through 13. 

Working closely with the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager, play a key role in the planning and developing of biological research and coordinating data collection to support stock assessment and fisheries management.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Biologist will,

Supervise Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU) Dockside Fisheries Sampling Operations:

• Directly supervise creel and biological data collection conducted dockside for recreational and commercial fisheries in Marine Areas 5 through 13.
• Provide technical guidance to field supervisors on biological sampling problems and issues to ensure compliance with established sampling methods, techniques, and plans.
• Coordinate seasonal and weekly fisheries sampling schedules, including halibut and summer and winter salmon fisheries.
• Coordinate sampling efforts within and across geographic areas in the unit to ensure consistent and complete fisheries sampling activities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee employee training and onboarding processes for dockside sampling positions.
• Coordinate with Sampler Support staff to ensure field staff have access to programs and systems needed for biological data collection and administrative processes, including iForms, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, TotalTime, Outlook, and TEMS.
• Review and approve administrative paperwork submitted by field supervisors and their staff, including timesheets, travel vouchers, p-card logs, Order Payment Forms, personal reimbursements, and other purchasing documents.
• Provide field supervisors with resources, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Coordinate and assist field supervisors with hiring, training, and evaluation of dockside sampling staff across South Sound (Olympia), the Peninsula (Port Angeles), North Sound (Bellingham) and Central Sound (Edmonds).
• Provide timely, confidential, and professional guidance on personnel issues and seek assistance from supervisor, chain of command, or Human Resources as appropriate.

Coordinate Human Resources (HR) Activities for Dockside Sampling Positions:

• Serve as the primary coordinator for HR activities affecting dockside sampling positions, including position descriptions, recruitments, HR actions, appointments, separations, promotions, reallocations, and organizational changes.
• Track staffing needs, personnel actions, appointment timelines, and recruitment activities to ensure adequate staffing for fisheries sampling operations.
• Review and coordinate HR documents and processes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements and timelines.
• Maintain current personnel records, staffing spreadsheets, organizational charts, and other workforce information.
• Provide guidance to field supervisors and staff on HR and payroll policies, processes, systems, forms, and timelines, including online HR processes through the HR Service Portal.
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