Hunting and Wildlife-Biologist

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Job Announcement

Open:                  October 26, 2026                       Close:                November 9, 2026

Job Title:          Biologist                                    Department:    Hunting and Wildlife

Reports To:      Director                                    Hours:                40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary:               Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits                    Requisition: 968               

*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Position Summary:        

Advises Tribal Council, Hunting and Wildlife Director and Hunting Committee on wildlife resource related issues.  Serves as the policy liaison/ spokesperson managing Tribal wildlife priorities focused on sustainable wildlife population management. Collects and analyzes harvest data and conducts wildlife surveys.  Collaborates on Multi-agency wildlife monitoring efforts within the Medicine Creek Treaty Area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists in drafting the Annual Hunting Regulations and the Hunting Ordinance.
2. Print Annual Hunting Regulations Pamphlet.
3. Assists Tribal hunters in locating Hunter Safety Training classes.
4. Collects and evaluates harvest data and provides accurate and timely management of the harvest database.
5. Attends Inter-Tribal Wildlife Committee meetings and provides advice on wildlife technical and policy related issues.
6. Attends and represents Tribe at Inter-Tribal Workgroup meetings on Recreational Impacts to Treaty Tribal Resources.
7. Attends and represents Tribe at Tribal meetings with Multi-agency land managers to address Recreational Impacts to Treaty Tribal Resources.
8. Drafts wildlife surveying proposals for submittal to funding agencies, which often requires working closely with other tribes and governmental agencies.
9. Organizes Hunting Committee meetings.
10. Prepares and presents annual harvest data and wildlife survey data to Hunting Commission.
11. Facilitates improvement on harvest data techniques.
12. Provides technical wildlife advice to other Medicine Creek Treaty Tribes.
13. Surveys wildlife species within the Puyallup Tribe’s reservation boundary.
14. Organizes and routes paperwork for Ceremonial and Designated Hunts.
15. Plans and seeks funding for wildlife research projects which include:  review of current research literature, methods and equipment.  Compiles extensive grant proposals for funding.
16. Plans and implements all aspects of large projects such as elk captures including the coordination, management and training of volunteers and contractors on elk capture projects and elk surveys.
17. Obtain UAS (Drone) pilot license.
18. Operate UAS to collect wildlife data.
19. Coordinate and plan habitat improvement projects with governmental agencies.
20. Coordinate and plan wildlife surveys with governmental agencies.
21. Participate in Multi-agency forest carnivore monitoring efforts for rare and endangered species.
22. Recruit and train tribal interns to learn and assist on wildlife projects.
23. Research best scientific methods for surveying deer and elk populations and work to develop and implement those methods.
24. Compiles annual elk population and herd mortality estimates.  Makes regulation recommendations based on research and analysis to Medicine Creek Treaty Tribes and WDFW.
25. Plan and seek funding for wildlife habitat connectivity projects within the MCT area.
26. Participate in outreach, education and sample collection to monitor wildlife diseases.
27. Presents program activities at Annual Regional Meetings such as the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society meetings.
28. Submit research papers for publishing to scientific journals.
29. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelors (BA) or equivalent in Biology, Natural or Environmental Resources or other related field, or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and database applications required for reporting duties associated with the position.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Licenses or Certificates

Valid Washington State Drivers License, and must be insurable. 

Drug Enforcement Administration Certification. 

UAS Pilot License

Other Skills and Abilities

Experience with flying in various non-pressurized aircraft.  Ability to identify most locally occurring animals and to read and interpret a map.  Must be able to travel on behalf of the employer.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
2. Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
3. Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
4. The employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee is also required to vigorously hike long distances over rough and steep terrain.
5. The employee frequently is required to stand. 
6. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
7. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level is usually moderate.
2. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and outside weather conditions. 
3. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. 
4. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock. 

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

Online Application Tips:

1.         If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari.

2.         Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.

3.         Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.

4.         Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov

5.         To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page.

6.         When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $)

7.         After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.

*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.

If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863

or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.

3001 Puyalupabsh, Tacoma, WA 98404