Title- Fisheries Monitoring & Research Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Thirty-one (31)
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
*Duty Station- Region 5 – Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties
Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until July 2, 2026. First review of applications will take place June 11, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

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

*Multiple locations in Western Washington and a variety of anticipated appointment lengths – apply for one (1) or all the positions by submitting one (1) application. 

For a more detailed description of each position, please visit the following link: Scientific Technician 2 - Position Details

Supplemental questions are provided for you to indicate your preference regarding location and anticipated appointment length.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

What to Expect:
Positions filled through this recruitment will vary in the duties required. Typical duties may include:

• Conduct spawning ground surveys on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries, identifying and enumerating adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds.
• Assist with the daily operation and maintenance of the Grays River, Elochoman River adult fish weirs
• Collect biological data and perform marking of adult salmonids.
• Interview sport anglers and record catch by species, fishing effort, and biological data including collecting biological samples from salmon, trout, and sturgeon
• Implement electronic data collection using iPads, digital tablets or other handheld devices.
• Monitor and observe commercial fisheries and research test fisheries
• Capture, identify, count, handle, and tag and/or mark adult salmonids for mark-recapture programs and distribution monitoring
• Assist with the installation, maintenance, operation and removal of a temporary resistance board salmon weirs and fish traps on Germany Creek and Grays Rivers and other locations as directed

Working Conditions:
Positions filled through this recruitment will vary in the working conditions required. Typical working conditions may include:

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Approximately 85% of this position is performed in a non-office, field environment and the remaining 15% of work is performed in an office setting and/or laboratory setting. 
• Fieldwork may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions and is frequently performed on wet, uneven, and slippery surfaces. Walk up to 3-6 miles per day.
• May lift large live or fish carcasses, typically up to 30 pounds and occasionally over 100 pounds with or without assistance and repetitively carrying loads up to 70 pounds over short distances across rough terrain. 
• May assist with spawning ground surveys conducted on foot or by cataraft in whitewater conditions (Class I–III). Float up to 10 miles per day conduction stream surveys to collect spawning ground data
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Work may be performed on small vessels, sometimes in adverse weather conditions

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The work schedule requires flexibility - may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements: Most duties are conducted in the field away from the duty station. Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations is required with either a departmental issued vehicle or (rarely) a personal vehicle. Overnight travel on rare occasions but may be required

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand and carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, motorized and non-motorized watercraft, 4x4 vehicles including the ability to tow vehicles, 200’ beach seines, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, coded wire tag (CWT) detectors, GPS units, weighing scales, handheld data loggers, personal digital assistant (PDA), and computers.

Customer Interactions: Interact with WDFW staff, personnel from other agencies, commercial fishers and the public

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: 

• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.
• 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. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of training and/or certification may be required based on position responsibilities, supervisory direction, and training availability. Employees may be required to attend specialized multi-day training courses that involve overnight travel. Course topics may include wilderness first aid training, navigating swiftwater environments, and oar-based craft training. 

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

License/Certifications: 

• Completion of a basic CPR and First Aid course.

Experience, knowledge or ability in the following: 

• Resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs. 
• Fish marking, handling and tagging protocols.
• Fishery monitoring, observation and sampling techniques
• Commercial fishing gear types and fishing methods.
• Basic operations of motorized vessels
• Operating coded wire tag (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detectors.
• Identification of salmonids and other fish species during juvenile and adult life stages.
• Identification of salmonid redds. 
• Conducting spawning ground surveys
• Collecting biological data and completing data entry in both written and electronic formats.
• Rowing non-motorized, oar-framed boats such as catarafts in whitewater conditions and Class I-III rapids.
• Operating handheld iPads, Garmin InReach devices, GPS units and data loggers in off-trail or logging road environments
• Basic computer operation including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Basic carpentry skills. 
• Aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting.

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 ElizabethBullard@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 ElizabethBullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04609.

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