Aquatic Biodiversity Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Non-Permanent - Three Positions - *02467-25
Positions- Three (3)
Title- Aquatic Biodiversity Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-permanent
Appointment Length- Four (4) months – June 16, 2025-October 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Inland Fish Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Join WDFW as a field technician in the Inland Fish Program, contributing to the conservation of native freshwater fish and mussels across Washington. These non-permanent positions support a statewide study during the spring and summer months, gathering essential data to help guide conservation and recovery efforts.
As part of a dedicated team, you will collect environmental DNA samples in wadeable streams, conduct field surveys to identify fish and mussel species using a variety of sampling gear, and document habitat conditions with precision and accuracy. Your work will directly support WDFW’s mission by providing critical information to managers working to protect and sustain Washington’s freshwater ecosystems.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the aquatic biodiversity technician
- Collects water samples that are analyzed for eDNA following established protocols to ensure high quality, uncontaminated samples.
- Follows established protocols to collect habitat data, including, but not limited to, measuring bankfull width, depth, substrate type, and flow.
- Follows established freshwater mussel and freshwater fish survey protocols. Observes, identifies, and enumerates freshwater mussels and fishes while snorkeling, using aqua scopes, electrofishing, or other techniques.
- Enters clear and concise data into digital field forms.
- Conducts special projects and research as requested by supervisor, such as collection of biological samples and data QA/QC.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: The aquatic biodiversity surveys are conducted in multiple watersheds across the state during summer low flow conditions. To access locations, hiking down and up steep slopes while carrying field gear will be required. Collection of biological and habitat data as well as eDNA sampling will occur in a field setting. Snorkeling will occur in both upstream and downstream directions in moving water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Job duties require working long hours in a team setting in dry suits or waders. Work Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions for up to 15 miles, and long exposure to adverse weather conditions, such as warm temperatures, is expected. Job duties require frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting. Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days): With the possibility of adverse weather conditions (warm temperatures, rain, and river flows) the work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. Infrequent work outside of Monday-Thursday may be required. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.
Travel Requirements: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Regional travel, including overnight travel and staying near field sites (e.g., Monday-Thursday), is necessary to access filed sites and complete sampling. Infrequent travel outside of Monday-Thursday may be required.
Tools and Equipment: Work requires safe use of hand tools and power tools is required. Proper use of global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to complete job requirements.
Customer Interactions: Interactions with landowners will occur throughout the season.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
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 course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
- WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and renewal expected annually.
- Incumbents must have an up to date First AID/CPR. If the incumbent does not have this certification prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience in/with:
- Collecting environmental DNA samples
- Collecting stream habitat data
- Using electronic field forms
- Identifying and handling native freshwater fish and mussel species
- Using handheld GPS units
- Managing and maintaining computer files and using spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
- Using computer tablets for data collection
- Hiking long distances
- Working as part of a team in remote field conditions
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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov