OPT Biologist Jobs
Biologist roles in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and government research agencies regularly hire F-1 OPT students, and many qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under SOC codes 19-1020 and 19-1029. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your EAD start date, so targeting employers with active E-Verify enrollment is non-negotiable from day one.
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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.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Olympic Torrent Salamander – Photo Credit: WDFW
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.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist will,
Plan, coordinate, and implement data collection and data management in support of habitat and wildlife research projects:
- 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.
Data interpretation, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and summarization:
- 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.
Supervise non-permanent field staff during the field season (May – September):
- 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 field staff in project implementation/field data collection:
- 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.
Working Conditions:
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 dense vegetation and woody debris. Wood and streams may be slippery. Operate trucks and drive on logging roads on private forestlands throughout western Washington. May use CB radios to communicate with oncoming traffic. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: During the field season, extensive travel within western Washington and regular overnight travel is required. Overnight travel will typically require camping near vehicles at established campgrounds and at primitive dispersed sites.
Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) that are to be driven on paved and dirt roads, field safety and communication equipment (such as high-visibility clothing and Garmin inReach), and data collection equipment (such as iPad, monitors and sensors, and a laptop).
Customer Interactions: Interact with landowners and members of the public en route to study sites and to facilitate landowner access agreements.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following options. All requirements within an option may be gained concurrently.
Option 1:
- A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
- One (1) year of professional experience in/with:
+ Biological field research relating to fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.
+ Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
+ Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
+ Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.
- Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
+ Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
+ Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
+ Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.
Option 2:
- Two (2) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
- Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
+ Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
+ Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.
+ Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
+ Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
+ Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
+ Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:
- Stream-associated amphibians or headwater streams.
- Stream ecology, water quality, or physical monitoring.
- Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
- Creating maps in GIS.
- Statistical analysis software.
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 professional references with current contact information.
Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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 RCW 73.16.010 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
- 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: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07878.
Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!
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Description
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.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Olympic Torrent Salamander – Photo Credit: WDFW
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.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Headwater Stream Habitat Biologist will,
Plan, coordinate, and implement data collection and data management in support of habitat and wildlife research projects:
- 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.
Data interpretation, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and summarization:
- 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.
Supervise non-permanent field staff during the field season (May – September):
- 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 field staff in project implementation/field data collection:
- 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.
Working Conditions:
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 dense vegetation and woody debris. Wood and streams may be slippery. Operate trucks and drive on logging roads on private forestlands throughout western Washington. May use CB radios to communicate with oncoming traffic. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: During the field season, extensive travel within western Washington and regular overnight travel is required. Overnight travel will typically require camping near vehicles at established campgrounds and at primitive dispersed sites.
Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) that are to be driven on paved and dirt roads, field safety and communication equipment (such as high-visibility clothing and Garmin inReach), and data collection equipment (such as iPad, monitors and sensors, and a laptop).
Customer Interactions: Interact with landowners and members of the public en route to study sites and to facilitate landowner access agreements.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following options. All requirements within an option may be gained concurrently.
Option 1:
- A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
- One (1) year of professional experience in/with:
+ Biological field research relating to fish, wildlife, and/or stream ecology.
+ Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
+ Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
+ Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.
- Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
+ Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
+ Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
+ Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.
Option 2:
- Two (2) years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
- Six (6) months of professional experience in/with:
+ Pacific Northwest amphibian research.
+ Sampling forested headwater stream habitats.
+ Leadership/supervisory duties, including the coordination of scientific field staff.
+ Collecting field data using a mobile device or downloading field data from instruments.
+ Data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC).
+ Data summarization, including familiarity with using R.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
Two (2) years of professional experience in/with:
- Stream-associated amphibians or headwater streams.
- Stream ecology, water quality, or physical monitoring.
- Navigating on logging roads and off-trail in managed timberlands.
- Creating maps in GIS.
- Statistical analysis software.
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 professional references with current contact information.
Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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 RCW 73.16.010 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
- 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: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07878.
Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!
Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
See all 42+ OPT Biologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Biologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biologist
Verify your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Check your job title against the STEM Designated Degree Program List using O*NET before accepting an offer. Biologist roles under SOC 19-1029 typically qualify, but job descriptions framed around general lab technician duties can disqualify you.
Target E-Verify enrolled research employers
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify on your extension start date. Filter your search to federal labs, NIH-funded universities, and biotech firms that already run Form I-9 verification through E-Verify.
Use OFLC Wage Search to validate offer salaries
Before signing an offer, look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and work location using OFLC Wage Search. Employers sponsoring H-1B visa later must meet this threshold, and starting below it complicates future petitions.
Request your employer file the I-983 early
The I-983 training plan must be signed by both you and your employer before your DSO can recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS. Build at least two weeks into your timeline for internal HR approvals before your submission deadline.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before expiration
USCIS allows you to apply up to 90 days before your OPT EAD expires. Filing early triggers an automatic 180-day cap-gap extension of work authorization, protecting you against USCIS processing backlogs common for biology-field petitions.
Use Migrate Mate to identify H-1B sponsoring employers
When your OPT window is closing, you need employers with active H-1B filing history in biological sciences. Use Migrate Mate to filter companies that have sponsored roles matching your SOC code, so you're not guessing at sponsorship willingness.
Biologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Biologist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most Biologist positions qualify if your degree is in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related STEM field on the official Designated Degree Program List. The role must also fall under an eligible SOC code, typically 19-1020 or 19-1029. Your DSO confirms eligibility before recommending the extension in SEVIS, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
Can I work at a federal research agency like the NIH or USDA on OPT?
Yes, federal research agencies hire OPT students, but hiring timelines are often longer than private sector employers and some positions require security clearances that take months to process. Confirm that the specific agency office is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer, since STEM OPT extension requires verified employer enrollment on your extension start date.
What happens to my OPT if my biotech employer does a layoff or closes?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new qualifying position, transfer to a new visa status, or depart the U.S. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends. Any days of unemployment count against your total allowable unemployment limit, which is 90 days on standard OPT and 150 days on STEM OPT.
How do I find Biologist employers that will sponsor an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Look for employers with a documented history of filing H-1B petitions for biological sciences roles rather than relying on promises made during the interview process. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with active H-1B sponsorship history filtered by role and SOC code, so you can prioritize companies that have already navigated the process for candidates in your field.
Does contract or per diem research work count as valid OPT employment?
Contract and per diem roles can qualify as valid OPT employment if the work is directly related to your degree field and meets USCIS requirements for authorized OPT work. However, employment through staffing agencies adds complexity to the I-983 training plan required for STEM OPT. Your DSO needs to confirm the arrangement is structured correctly before you begin.