Fisheries Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Non-Permanent - *03438-25
Title- Fisheries Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Four Months – June 16, 2025 – October 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit
Duty Station- Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Program – Science Division is seeking a field technician to join the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit’s Supplementation Research Team in the Wenatchee River basin. This position supports the Juvenile Monitoring Component of hatchery program research, contributing to efforts that manage salmonid hatcheries using ecosystem-based scientific principles. Responsibilities include operating fish collection infrastructure, conducting fish counts, collecting biological samples, recording data, and assisting with database management. The role is field-based and involves working outdoors with a team of biologists and technicians on large-scale projects essential to salmonid conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Technician will,
- Function as part of a team performing routine monitoring activities (rotary smolt trap and electrofishing) to inform population estimates of target species within the study area.
- Accurately collect and record biological (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental data (GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length, etc.).
- Drive work vehicles in inclement weather conditions.
- Regularly communicate and update Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed.
- Assist in field duties, data collection, and labor needs for other projects in the Hatchery/Wild Interactions Unit (e.g. Spawning ground surveys, broodstock collection, Fish Ladder Operation).
- Assist in database entry of collected field data. Ensure data is properly stored, organized and proofed for errors.
- Conduct routine updates with Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure all established protocols and standards are being followed.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work at all hours in inclement weather; walking up to 6 miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently; 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 (i.e., hours and days): Night, weekend, split, holiday and on-call shifts will be required. Work more than 40 hrs. per week is occasionally required to complete field activities during peak season.
Travel: Will travel locally with possible overnight travel required for trainings.
Tools & Equipment: Rotary screw traps, electrofishing equipment, PIT tagging equipment, pumps, generators, various hand tools, trucks, boats, rafts, GPS and computers.
Customer interactions: Position will largely be working with internal agency staff and occasionally have interactions with the general public.
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 high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Required for both options above:
- Basic knowledge of fish and shellfish anatomy, habitats, and reproductive systems.
- Experience conducting fieldwork, laboratory tests, or biological sampling.
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 semester or nine 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 one or more of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
- Experience with rotary smolt trap, electrofishing, mark-recapture methods, and study design.
- Experience identifying juvenile and adult salmonids.
- Experience with the life-history and populations of salmonids in the Upper Columbia Basin.
- Experience applying PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software.
- Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.
- Experience operating, trailering, and transporting boats or other field research equipment.
- Experience with fish passage assessments, or hatchery/wild fish identification.
- First Aid/CPR certification
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