Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 7 Months – June 2, 2025 – December 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit Division
Duty Station- Pasco, Washington – Franklin County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit to support early detection monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels. This position plays a vital role in protecting state waters by conducting field surveys at high-risk water bodies across Washington, collecting samples using various techniques such as plankton tows, eDNA filtration, and water quality testing. The incumbent will safely operate and tow watercraft, maintain field equipment, enter and review data, report potential AIS sightings, and engage with the public about the importance of AIS prevention. As the lead watercraft operator for the Pasco team, this role includes training new staff, assisting the senior level biologist with administrative tasks and recommending improvements to monitoring strategies.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,

• Be MOTC or similarly qualified to operate a vessel on the water, and tow watercraft in a safe manner to collect monitoring samples.
• Survey high risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods such as: collect horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows, monitor artificial substrates, conduct visual shoreline surveys, collect water quality measurements using hydrolab and calcium collection techniques, collect substrate sample using petite Ponar grab and collect environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system. Data collected will be throughout Washington. 
• Follow AIS mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
• Identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling methods listed above.
• Interact with the public about the AIS work being conducted.
• Lead Pasco team watercraft operator.
• Safely operate a watercraft in Washington’s biggest rivers and lakes
• Trains new team members on complex monitoring methods and decontamination procedures. 
• Recommends new or modified monitoring methods and sites.
• Maintain and update schedule and calendars, complete time sheets, complete order payment form submissions, and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Maintain vehicle, watercraft, trailer, electronic tablet, laptop, smart phone, eDNA backpack water filtration system, and mobile water quality laboratory in a safe and working order.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Approximately 90% field and 10% office. Outdoors on water and land in inclement weather, mostly as a team, but may work independently in remote locations, day and night, walk up to five miles on uneven ground, must be able to lift 75 pounds, and pack 50 pounds. Safely transport and operate large equipment up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers. Chemical use must be in accordance with labels and handled in a safe manner. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be able to conduct euthanasia on animals on rare occasions, only during rapid response actions for detections of adult invasive mussels.

Schedule: Workweek will be Monday to Thursday 4/10s but will be required occasionally to exceed these hours. Incumbent may work outside of the normal workweek during holidays, weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.  

Travel: This position requires weekly statewide travel and overnight stays up to five days at times.

Tools: Complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices. Employee will transport and operate large equipment up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

Customer interaction: Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork. Occasionally confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four years of experience as a Scientific Technician.  

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and four 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 the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• State Boater Education Card or equivalent (Must be obtained within one month of hire)
• HSI Certified CPR/First Aid/AED certification (Must be obtained within one month of hire)
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will have experience in one or more of the following: 

• Boat operation knowledge and experience, WDFW motorboat operator’s certification or equivalent.
• Connecting and towing trailers up to 25’ in length.
• Computer and other electronic devices operational knowledge.
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Communicating orally and in written communications effectively.
• Developing and holding interpersonal relationships based on integrity and honesty.
• Working independently and in a team.
• Maintaining excellent public service and develop partnerships effectively through outreach and education.
• Using Microsoft Windows, smart phones, electronic tablets, PC, and laptops.
• Operating vehicles and motorized watercraft at least 15 feet in length in fresh water or marine areas.
• Towing trailers/boats

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

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram