Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Perm -5 Openings -*04949-25
Title- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Five (5)
Appointment Length- 4.5 months – August 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Multiple Locations, Eastern Washington
Apply to one (1) or all locations by submitting one (1) application.
One (1) Position – Clarkston Washington, Asotin County*
Two (2) Positions – Colville, Washington – Stevens County*
Two (2) Positions – Walla Walla, Washington – Walla Walla County*
*On-site living accommodations (Travel Trailer) including utilities are available
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This position is an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on field experience while supporting the Department’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance program.
Imagine yourself working at hunter check stations, collecting CWD samples, and engaging directly with the public to gather vital data that informs wildlife health and conservation efforts.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Chronic Wasting Disease Technician will,
Collect, organize, and ship biological samples:
- Work collaboratively with WDFW staff to collect CWD samples at hunter check-stations, from taxidermists and meat processors, at drop-off locations with sample collection receptacles, and opportunistically from road-killed deer.
- Collect medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes and teeth for aging using knives, scalpels, forceps, and other appropriate biological sampling tools.
- Assist with training of staff and volunteers on proper collection, labeling, preservation, and shipping of biological samples.
- Manage biological samples including proper organization, storage, and shipment to approved labs
Data collection and management:
- Collect sensitive data in a timely manner using data collection applications such as ArcGIS and Survey123.
- Perform routine reviews of data to ensure data quality and troubleshoot data inconsistencies.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: The job is primarily field-based work collecting biological samples, sometimes in inclement weather including cold temperatures and precipitation. Occasional work will occur in a laboratory or office setting to organize and ship samples and manage data. Will handle biohazardous waste and contaminated sharps.
Schedule: Monday - Sunday, 40 hours per week. Specific work schedule will be variable and dependent of sampling needs, but at times, will include working on weekends, and occasionally working more than 8 hours per day.
Housing: Housing is not provided, however, on-site living accommodations (travel trailers) are available for use. These accommodations are free of charge, and utilities are included. The trailers are equipped with electrical and propane hookups to power heating and cooking appliances. Please note that several trailers will need to be operated without running water ("run dry"), but water and restroom facilities will be available on-site.
Travel Requirements: Several days will be spent traveling in and around the CWD surveillance area to collect samples from hunters, taxidermists, meat processors, along roadways, at head collection sites, and DOT carcass disposal sites. Occasional travel across Eastern Washington may be necessary to obtain samples outside the primary duty station. Overnight travel may be required, with lodging provided at different duty stations.
Tools and Equipment: 4x4 pickup truck, trailers, personal protective equipment (PPE), sampling tools, data recording software, GPS, smartphone, laptop computer, hand tools, contaminated sharps (knives, scalpel blades, needles) and other medical waste.
Customer Interactions: Frequent interactions with the public and hunters. Communicate current federal/state hunting regulations and regulatory actions such as carcass transport restrictions directly related to CWD management on a regular basis.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, zoologist, or veterinarian.
Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester hours or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience with:
- Biological sample collection and/or processing wild game animals and/or performing necropsies.
- Collecting, processing, storing, and shipping diagnostic specimens.
- Smart Forms such as ArcGIS and Survey123
- Conducting disease surveillance, collect, record, and compile data
- Hauling small cargo trailers
- Recognize clinical signs and gross lesions associated with CWD.
- Principles and procedures of disease surveillance
- Standard laboratory and field methods
- Identification of wildlife species, specifically cervid species
- CWD epidemiology, ecology, and management
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Time management, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and communication
Your application should 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04949.