Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist - Project

Title
- Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist Classification
- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status
- Full-Time/Project

Anticipated Project Length: 3 Years – November 2, 2026 – October 31, 2029

WDFW Program:
Habitat Program – Science Division

Duty Station:
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Please Note: Work duties during the field season (May – October) are performed throughout western Washington and require regular overnight travel. Additional information in "Working Conditions" below.

Join WDFW and contribute to the conservation of Washington’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Imagine yourself navigating on logging roads through public and privately-owned timberlands to access rugged headwater streams during the field season. Acting as a field supervisor, you will conduct biological monitoring for research projects and coordinate study implementation.

The work you perform will support studies surrounding headwater stream habitats and stream-associated amphibians in managed timberlands for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (WA DNR) Forest Practices Adaptive Management Program, in addition to other projects focused on monitoring stream habitats.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist will,

• Track project progress and prioritize tasks to achieve project objectives.
• Deploy instream water temperature loggers.
• Collect stream and riparian habitat measurements (wetted and bankfull widths/depths, substrate, depth, canopy cover measurements, and mapping surface water extent).
• Conduct stream-associated amphibian surveys to assess occupancy and abundance.
• Review field forms and tabulate data.
• Collect spatial data and reference photographs.
• Support site selection and study implementation using GIS and coordinate study site access with landowners.

• Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
• Assess data to ensure data quality and completeness.
• Develop summaries of data;
  Analyze and interpret data using established research procedures.
• Draft technical report sections for review by Principal Investigator.

• Plan and organize interviews.
• Identify, hire, and onboard staff.
• Identify safety trainings and ensure staff are up to date on all trainings.
• Provide supervision and direction, including identifying and assigning tasks.

• Lead staff in field data collection, ensuring data is collected in a manner that is consistent with study design and research methods.
• Ensure staff have the necessary equipment and supplies, and follow established guidelines, to be safe, efficient, and effective.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding staff locations and project status.

Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is a combination of field and office work. Up to 90% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field during the field season (May – October). During other periods, work will primarily be office-based.

While in the field, hike and use a GPS to navigate off-trail through dense vegetation and managed forest landscapes, up and down steep slopes, and along/within steep, shallow streams. Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (weighing under 40 pounds) containing sampling equipment, personal supplies, and sometimes a field laptop. Infrequently carry by hand a 5-gallon bucket, dip nets, and rebar.

Bend, duck, balance, and navigate through, under, and over…