Title- Bingham Creek Juvenile Salmonid Trap Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 3 Months – March 16, 2026 – June 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Elma, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Housing- On-site living accommodations (Travel Trailer) including utilities are provided for the duration of the appointment length.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the conservation and protection of native fish and wildlife? Join our team and gain valuable hands-on experience.

As part of the Fish Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit, you will assist with the installation, maintenance, operation, and removal of salmonid traps in the Chehalis River Basin.

Your work will directly contribute to WDFW’s goal of achieving healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bingham Creek Juvenile Salmonid Trap Technician will,

Operate and Maintain Juvenile Salmon Traps:

• Assist with installation, removal, daily operation, and maintenance of juvenile fish traps.
• Monitor the traps daily; count and sub-sample juvenile fish catch according to established protocols.
• Collect and record biological and environmental data under supervisor direction.
• Apply various marking and tagging techniques, such as fin clips, coded wire tags (CWT), and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
• Enter and error-check data in agency databases and on paper forms.
• Accurately fill out scale, DNA cards, and daily data sheets.
• Organize and maintain trapping gear, sampling equipment, and associated data records.

Maintain Trap Integrity:

• Drive agency vehicles to and from work sites as directed, including trailering and off-road conditions.
• Conduct repairs to traps and facility infrastructure as needed.
• Build equipment or structures as directed to support field or facility operations.
• Perform grounds maintenance including clearing tree limbs, filling potholes, and removing fallen trees or other debris to ensure safe access and operation.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily performed outside in the field, including during inclement weather conditions, swift water, uneven terrain, loud noises, and strong odors. Repetitive movement, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, standing, and kneeling will occur, sometimes while in cold water for hours. Occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds unassisted).
• Work in confined spaces, on slippery surfaces, and in thorny/spiny vegetation. Encounter fish blood and slime, biting and stinging insects, and pollen. Transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Drive agency vehicles to and from work sites as directed, including trailering and off-road conditions. Minimal overnight travel may be required.
Housing: On-site living accommodations (Travel Trailer) including utilities are provided for the duration of the appointment length.

Tools and Equipment: Trucks, boats, outboard motors, trailers, boat dolly, GPS units, compass, temperature loggers, tablets. Sampling equipment (including scale cards, scalpels, and forceps), Mark IV coded wire tag (CWT) tagging unit and quality control device (QCD), CWT wand, V-Detector, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader. Personal floatation device, hand and power tools, pumps, winches, generators, and fish collection gear (including nets, seines, and weirs).

Customer Interactions: Infrequent interactions with the public and landowners.
 

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 health or safety professional, 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:

• Six (6) months or more experience operating juvenile and/or adult salmon traps.
• Experience identifying juvenile and adult salmonids, and other incidental catch.
• Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories.
• Knowledge of safe live fish handling techniques.
• Knowledge and ability to operate, maintain, and repair fish traps.
• Demonstrated ability to collect high quality biological data, complete data entry/summarization into spreadsheets and databases, and quality assurance/control (QA/QC) of same data.
• Proficiency in using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small engine machinery (including generators, pumps, and outboard motors).
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification.

Your application must 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01345.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram