Title- Fish Science Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Three (3)
Appointment Length- 4 months – August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Twisp, Washington – Okanogan County

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing study investigating the overwinter habitat use of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed juvenile spring Chinook within the Methow River Basin.

Envision yourself in the field, assisting with the operation of rotary-screw traps and performing electrofishing surveys to capture and mark juvenile salmonids to elucidate a critical life-stage and improve upon regional salmon recovery efforts.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Science Technician will,

• Function as part of a team to perform fish capture activities using rotary-screw traps and conducting electrofishing surveys to meet study objectives.
• Accurately collect and record biological data including species identification, length, weight, marks, scales, genetics, and environmental data such as GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length. 
• Mark captured juvenile salmonids with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Fieldwork environment including working in inclement weather conditions. 
• Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol).
• Walk 4 - 6 miles of rugged, low-order river terrain daily and work regularly in swift river environments. 
• Occasionally lift up to 75 lbs. during fish transport from collection sites to tagging stations.  
• This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to a water environment. 

Schedule: Typically, 40 hours per week. Scheduled workdays may vary from week to week with hours ranging between 8 – 12 hours depending on operational needs.  Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required to facilitate work during peak periods.

Travel Requirements: Local travel to field locations is required to accomplish project duties. Occasional travel of longer distances and overnight stays may be required to attend meetings or training.

Tools and Equipment: Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging gear, rotary-screw traps, electrofishing equipment, vehicles, trailers, waders, boots, pumps, generators, various power and hand tools, computers, GPS units, coded wire tag (CWT) wands and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Customer Interactions: Occasional contact with the public is expected when performing work tasks.  

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 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 one or more of the following:

Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife, environmental, or natural resource sciences.

Experience with:  

• Handling, sampling, and PIT tagging juvenile salmonids.
• Rotary-screw trap operation and maintenance, electrofishing surveys, and mark-recapture methods.
• Microsoft Suite.

Your application must 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 #2026-04989.

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