Fisheries Research Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - *01301-25
Title- Fisheries Research Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Hatchery-Wild Interactions Division
Duty Station- Dayton, Washington – Columbia County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This role plays a vital part in WDFW’s mission by supporting the Fall Chinook Program, Steelhead Program, and the Tucannon River Endemic Steelhead Evaluation Project through data collection, analysis, and reporting on ESA-listed steelhead and fall Chinook populations.
Directly contribute to WDFW’s 25-year Strategic Plan and conservation principles (Policy 5004) by promoting sustainable fish populations and informed management decisions.
As a key team member, this role fosters a collaborative and inclusive workplace while advancing critical monitoring efforts to support Washington’s fisheries.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Research Technician will,
Assist with the Fall Chinook Program – Snake River Lab:
- Participate in weekly spawning activities at Lyons Ferry Hatchery (LFH) during fall chinook spawning.
- Identify fish species and collect biological data at the Lower Granite Dam fish trap.
- Conduct spawning ground and carcass surveys in the Lower Tucannon River.
- Perform data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), reconciliation, and summarization.
- Pick eggs, coded wire tag (CWT) retrieval and reading, and scale and otolith sampling.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and collaborate with partner agencies such as NOAA, Nez Perce Tribe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Anchor QEA.
Assist with the Steelhead Program – Snake River Lab:
- Participate in spawning activities at LFH and satellite facilities for summer steelhead spawning.
- Assist with broodstock collection at trapping facilities.
- Conduct pre-release sampling of hatchery groups.
- Perform summer steelhead spawning ground surveys.
Additional Duties:
- Conduct spawning ground surveys for spring Chinook and summer steelhead.
- Participate in hook-and-line sampling of residual hatchery steelhead.
- Enter and verify data across multiple platforms.
- Format, upload, and download Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag data to regional databases.
- Support Fish Science, Fish Management, and Hatcheries Division projects as assigned (e.g., PIT tag array installations/maintenance, creel surveys).
- Assist LFH staff with egg picking, raceway setup, and other hatchery operations as needed.
- Assist with mass PIT tagging activities at LFH.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- This position involves a combination of office and field duties.
- Fieldwork includes tasks at the Lower Granite Adult fish trap, Lyons Ferry Hatchery, in-stream adult traps and weirs, juvenile rotating screw traps, and stream surveys (3-4 miles in length) in various southeastern Washington streams.
- Potential hazards include slippery conditions at traps and hatcheries, cold water, in/near the stream, working outdoors in extreme weather. There is also a risk of bites or stings from insects, snakes or other wildlife.
- Sampling salmon carcasses may involve exposure to strong odors and various stages of decomposition.
- Field operations may require working irregular and non-standard hours, and varying weather and field conditions.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
- Office work include extended hours on a computer and monitor.
Schedule:
Typically, day shifts of 8-10 hours, including weekends. During peak field season, work may include non-standard work hours (weekends, evenings/nights and/or holidays) and may occasionally exceed 40 hours per week.
Travel Requirements:
Daily travel for juvenile and adult traps, completing field surveys, assisting in spawning activities at Lyons Ferry, Tucannon River, or other locations within SE Washington. No overnight travel is expected.
Tools and Equipment:
Handheld power tools, chain saws, 4-wheel trucks, smolt traps, weirs, passive integrated transponders (PIT) tag transceivers, basic hand tools, knives, coded wire tag (CWT) wand, scales, microscope, and handheld GPS units.
Customer Interactions:
- Possible interactions with private landowner during routine field trap checks and spawning ground surveys.
- Answering questions from visitors and the public during field activities. Fielding calls from the public and directing them to appropriate contacts.
- At Lower Granite, primary interactions are with NOAA Fisheries staff, with occasional contact with the Army Corps of Engineers, Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Additional interactions with landowners while conducting spawning ground surveys, checking traps, or if assisting with PIT tag array maintenance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
OR
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.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Basic biological understanding of salmonid species in Pacific Northwest
- Proficiency in computer skills, related to data entry/manipulations/word processing/Microsoft Office.
- Experience with multiple types of fish weirs and rotary screw traps.
- Experience with spawning ground surveys.
- Experience with P4 and Microsoft Access for recording and managing data.
- Experience Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tagging adult and juvenile steelhead and other salmonids.
- Basic construction abilities.
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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01301.