Salmon Recovery Field Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - Two Openings -*02472-25
Title- Salmon Recovery Field Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 4.5 months - May 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Join a dedicated team working to support salmon recovery in the Wenatchee River Basin while gaining valuable hands-on experience in fisheries research and conservation.
In this role, you will collect critical data to identify factors contributing to high prespawn mortality in ESA-listed spring Chinook.
Picture yourself in the field, tracking radio-tagged fish by land and water, conducting stream surveys, and assisting with juvenile fish monitoring to support vital conservation efforts.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmon Recovery Field Technician,
Assist with spring Chinook radio-telemetry study:
- Function as part of a team tracking radio-tagged adult spring Chinook salmon within the Wenatchee River basin.
- Accurately collect and record physical and biological data using a variety of methods. Follow established methodologies and regularly communicate with project leadership to ensure adherence to procedures.
Assist with juvenile fish capture activities:
- Assist with the operation of a rotary-screw trap to monitor juvenile salmon outmigration from the Entiat River.
- Follow established methodologies and common sampling procedures to collect and record biological data from juvenile salmonids.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work may be performed in inclement weather.
- Walk up to six (6) miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently and daily lifting to 75 lbs. (5-gal buckets of water and fish and holding tanks).
- Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (AQUI-S and MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol) is required. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: 24/7 non-scheduled. Weekend and holiday shifts will be required. Work more than 40 hours per week is occasionally required to complete field activities during peak season.
Travel Requirements: Daily travel in WDFW issued vehicles up to 2,500 miles per month.
Tools and Equipment: Juvenile fish traps, pontoon boats, various hand tools, vehicles, boots, waders, electronic tag detectors, GPS and computers.
Customer Interactions: Limited interaction with the public and other customers is expected performing field work.
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 science, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semesters 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:
Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.
Familiarity and working knowledge of rotary smolt trap, electrofishing and mark-recapture methods and study design.
Experience:
- Performing field surveys.
- Identifying juvenile and adult salmonids.
- Applying passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and familiarity with tagging software.
Familiarity with:
- Radiotelemetry tracking methods and equipment.
- Operation of non-motorized boats in riverine environments.
- Life-history and populations of salmonids in the Upper Columbia Basin.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- 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 #2025-02472.