Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor - FW Bio 3 - Perm - 2026-06852

Posting number: 2026-06852

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 (PSSU) Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor

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.

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 Team WDFW!

Aerial survey conducted to count fishing boats over the Marine Areas of Puget Sound – Photo Credit: WDFW

The Puget Sound Sampling Unit Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor is a key leadership role within the Fish Program’s Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU). This position manages fisheries data collection, analysis, and reporting while leading sampler support operations that are critical to monitoring Puget Sound fisheries.

In this role, you’ll oversee fisheries sampling projects, including Chinook and Coho salmon monitoring, halibut assessments, commercial catch evaluations, and other special studies. You’ll manage complex fisheries databases, develop fisheries estimates, supervise support staff, and collaborate with agency staff and Tribal Co-Managers to ensure high-quality data informs fisheries management decisions.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the PSSU Data Manager & Sampler Support Supervisor will,

Data Coordination and Management for the Puget Sound Sampling Unit (PSSU):

• Coordinate and manage all recreational and commercial fisheries data used to support Puget Sound salmon, halibut, and other fisheries.
• Analyze and interpret biological and fishery monitoring data to produce in-season and post-season catch, effort, and harvest estimates.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate fisheries data, identify trends, prepare reports, tables, figures, and recommendations that inform fisheries management.
• Ensure data quality by reviewing sampling procedures, coordinating quality control efforts, and integrating tribal and non-tribal fisheries data.
• Coordinate fishery sampling activities, calendars, biological studies, and resource assessments across Puget Sound.
• Coordinate the scheduling and completion of aerial surveys.
• Conduct 20% or more of aerial surveys, as needed.
• Ensure agency flight policies and established protocols are followed.
• Facilitate annual training for staff conducting aerial surveys to ensure compliance with established flight protocols.
• Coordinate with pilots and complete flight plans for all aerial surveys.
• Ensure all flights are fully staffed, including designated backup staff.

Supervise Sampling Support Staff and Oversee Unit Operations:

• Supervise Sampler Support staff by providing leadership, training, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Coordinate daily operations, staffing, scheduling, and communication to ensure efficient support for fisheries sampling activities.
• Oversee administrative functions including hiring, onboarding, position descriptions, evaluations, purchasing, payroll, travel, inventory, fleet, and records retention.
• Monitor staff spending and financial processes, working with agency staff and vendors to resolve purchasing and accounting issues.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, ensure compliance with agency policies, and continuously improve business processes.