Job Description

Salary: $3,917.00 - $5,240.00 Monthly
Location : Grant County - Ephrata, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-07961
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Assistant Pygmy Rabbit Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program - Region 2

Duty Station- *Ephrata, Washington - Grant County

*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Pygmy rabbit - Photo Credit: WDFW

In this role, you will assist in the essential tasks on the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Project, one of the largest endangered species reintroduction efforts in Washington State!

In this dynamic role, you will assist in maintaining a semi-wild breeding enclosure program, translocate juvenile rabbits into the wild to establish self-sustaining populations, and conduct field surveys to determine survivorship, abundance, and distribution of free-ranging pygmy rabbits.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Animal capture and translocations.

• Safely capture rabbits within breeding enclosures or in wild populations using traps and nets.
• Handle captured rabbits while collecting biological samples and data.
• Assist in tissue biopsy, pit tagging, and administering medications.
• Translocate rabbits to established release sites in the wild.
• Provide direction to other staff, interns, and volunteers during capture events

Field Surveys.

• Perform intensive transect surveys for pygmy rabbit burrows in cold winter conditions - walking up to 10 miles a day and occasionally using snowshoes, snowmobiles, and tire chains.
• Perform intensive transect surveys for pygmy rabbit burrows in hot summer conditions - walking up to 10 miles a day and occasionally using UTVs.
• Follow established protocols, use GPS device for navigation, collect data on mobile app devices, and collect biological samples at burrow sites.
• Occasionally use drones to survey for pygmy rabbit activity and burrows
• Utilize ARC GIS software and GPS units during survey efforts.

Infrastructure maintenance and animal husbandry.

• Construction and repair of breeding enclosures, acclimation pens, with use of hand tools.
• Setting up fencing materials at field sites involves lifting materials (up to 50 lbs) and carrying them up to 300m in uneven ground and dense vegetation.
• Disease monitoring: regular fecal sample collection, laboratory preparation and microscopy analysis, and data recording following protocols.
• Provides supplemental feed and disease treatment as needed in breeding enclosures.

Data Management.

• Organizes, enters, and edits field data in mobile data apps, spreadsheets, and databases (Excel and Access).
• Enters and manipulates spatial data with use of GPS units and GIS software (ArcGIS, ArcOnline, Survey123 mobile app).
• Summarizes data as needed.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Mostly outdoor (60% of time) in arid shrubsteppe habitat, with temperature/weather extremes (below freezing/snow in winter to 90+ degrees during summer). Fieldwork includes heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking up to 10 miles a day in rough terrain, and bending/stooping.
Schedule: 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday, regular early morning or late evening hours during summer and occasionally throughout the rest of the year. Weekends on rare occasions.
Travel requirements: Occasionally for trainings, meetings and/or for field work.
Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with project partners, volunteers, students, and occasionally private landowners. A couple times a year, this position will be in the presence of media personnel covering the work being done.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Option 2:

Equivalent education/experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Option 3:

Four (4) years of experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
For ALL options above:

License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• At least 2 years of experience in wildlife-related field.
• At least 6 months of wildlife survey or capture/handling experience.
• Experience leading crews in field setting, comfortable in large groups.
• Skilled use of GPS units and GIS software (working knowledge level).
• Able to handle remote field conditions, navigation, and strenuous hiking/snowshoeing.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with snowmobiles and UTVs.

Your application must include the following:

• A COMPLETED online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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
• 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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email , 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 [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-07961 .
Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!
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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 (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 (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 , 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

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
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Which option best describes your experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have 4 years or more of this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07

Which option best describes your experience operating snowmobiles and/or UTVs?

• None - never used them.
• Beginner - used one or both of them a couple of times.
• Skilled - used one or both of them often, comfortable in mild terrain.
• Expert - used both of them for many years, comfortable in all terrain.

08

Which option best describes your professional-level experience in a wildlife management-related field or other allied field?

• I do not have this type of experience.
• I have less than 12 months of experience.
• I have 1 to 2 years of experience.
• I have more than 2 years of experience.

09

Select the option that best describes your experience as a crew or team leader.

• Never had the opportunity.
• Occasionally lead small groups in fieldwork.
• Informal crew leader- no official designation but often took lead of a group during fieldwork.
• Official position- previous job required leading groups regularly in fieldwork.

10

What best describes your level of proficiency using GIS software?

• Beginner - little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn.
• Developing - working knowledge.
• Skilled - working knowledge, uses software frequently.
• Expert - exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user.

11

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

12

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Summer work, Internship, Seasonal work, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Early shift

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