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

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.

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.

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

• 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, Total Time, 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.
• Coordinate regularly with HR Recruitment, HR Operations, and HR Data Team and advise the Puget Sound Sampling Unit Manager on staffing and HR-related issues.

Ensure Quality and Completion of Fisheries Data and Documentation:

• Oversee the timely review, editing, and quality control of recreational dockside fisheries data in coordination with PSSU data manager in the unit's online portal.
• Develop, review, and implement fisheries sampling protocols, procedures, and sampling goals in coordination with unit staff and tribal biologists.
• Evaluate fisheries data and assist with developing procedures and approaches to meet program sampling needs.
• Support fisheries studies and special data collection projects, including planning, study design, and…