Fishery Survey Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 3 Openings - *05114-25
Title- Fishery Survey Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time- Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Three (3)
Appointment Length- 2.5 months – September 2, 2025 – November 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Spokane, Washington – Spokane County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This is an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of native fish populations in Eastern Washington through dynamic, hands-on fieldwork.
Envision yourself in the field conducting surveys to collect critical fisheries and habitat data, while ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fishery Survey Technician will,
- Conduct field surveys to collect baseline fisheries and habitat data.
- Assist with fisheries surveys including but not limited to backpack electrofishing, boat electrofishing, gill netting and creel surveys.
- Collect and record biological data on fish including species identification, total length, fork length, and weight.
- Collect biological samples including ageing structures, genetic tissue and diet samples.
- Check fish for existing tags/marks and uses a variety of techniques to mark fish.
- Maintain equipment and tools to ensure proper function and safety.
- Organize biological samples and prepares them for laboratory analysis.
- Compile field data and enter data into computer using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word) and conduct quality assurance/quality control to ensure data is free of errors and ready for analysis.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed in field, warehouse, and office/laboratory settings and involves extensive vehicle travel, including riding long distances (up to 200 miles per day).
- Duties are carried out in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and prolonged exposure to cold water.
- Fieldwork takes place in remote areas with dense vegetation and in or around swift-flowing water. It may also involve extended hours on boats in large bodies of water, during both daylight and nighttime hours.
- May require repetitive lifting and occasionally carrying equipment weighing 75 pounds or more for short distances and loads up to 50 pounds over longer distances.
- Involves hiking across rough, slippery, and steep terrain while carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife may occur.
- May involve working with chemicals for biological sampling (MS-222, ethanol, Virkon), stream and lake rehabilitation (rotenone), equipment maintenance (solvents) and vehicle operation (gasoline, oil).
- This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Generally, will work 40 hours per week. Workdays may vary and may include nights, weekends and holidays. Ability to work a flexible schedule and regularly work more than 8 hours in a day.
Travel Requirements: Includes extensive travel times within the workday. May require driving or riding in a vehicle greater than 200 miles per day and may include travel on unimproved roads.
Tools and Equipment:
- Power tools (drills, saws), manual hand tools, electronic equipment including balances, handheld GPS, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, personal computers and calculators.
- Staff will operate/utilize 4 X 4 vehicles, boats, fish sampling gear including electrofishing equipment (backpack and boat), dip nets, block nets, gill nets and fish tagging equipment (PIT and Floy). Staff will be required to wear waders and wading boots throughout most days and other personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, personal flotation devices (PFDs), eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators at times to accomplish project objectives.
Customer Interactions: May be required to interact with landowners and inquiring public regarding project.
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, chemist, or zoologist.
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 or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
- Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
- Washington Boater Safety Training (or equivalent) required for incumbent to operate a vessel. May obtain within two (2) weeks of hire to be considered for vessel operation duties (agency provided).
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience with:
- Proficient and safe operation and maintenance of key field equipment, including:
- 4 X 4 vehicles
- Electrofishing equipment (backpack and boat)
- Fish sampling equipment (dip nets, block nets, gill nets)
- Electronic balances
- GPS equipment
- Flow meters
- Fish tagging equipment
- Power tools
- Personal computers
- Calculators
Competencies:
- Workload management
- Problem solving
- Organization and detail orientation
Certification:
- Washington Boater Safety Training (or equivalent)
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 #2025-05114.