Openings- Two (2)
Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician 
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-permanent
Appointment Length- Six (6) months – May 15, 2025 – November 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Freshwater Monitoring Technicians are responsible for collecting catch and angler effort data for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species in the Samish, Skagit, and Nooksack River basins (WDFW District 14) through interviews and drive-around counts. Working both independently and collaboratively, the technicians conduct biological sampling, gather field data, and engage with anglers to assess catch rates. The role requires safe operation of vehicles and equipment, as well as fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and resource co-managers. 

This position supports fisheries management through field studies and data collection, aligning with WDFW’s mission to protect wild fish populations while promoting sustainable recreational fishing.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freshwater Monitoring Technician,

• Conducts angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts to non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Performs surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle.
• Records data into iPad application and on scale card paper form.
• Samples all Chinook and coho salmon with electronic CWT detection devices.
• Classifies, sorts, and enumerates marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
• Uses a knife to remove snouts from Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs, which are used to assess stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
• Samples salmon catch to obtain stock composition (DNA taken with scissors), age structure (scales taken with forceps), fish length (length taken by measuring device), and hatchery and natural-origin proportions (mark-status).
• Contact anglers to conduct creel interviews, traveling by foot to contact bank anglers at river access points and monitoring boat ramps for groups of returning boat anglers. 
• During interviews ask predetermined questions about an angler’s fishing experience (e.g., trip length, target species, and catch and/or harvest).
• ID salmonids to species and sex.
• Observe and record hatchery or research marks on the fish.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions. Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slim, biting/stinging insects. Repetitive hand movements, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, and walking on uneven terrain in and near streams and rivers and climbing in and out of boats. Lifting up to 40 lbs. unassisted a couple of times per week; carrying, kneeling, and heavy lifting of containers of fish. Working and standing in confined spaces on slippery surfaces and using knives. Driving agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: All days during the week, including weekends and holidays with overtime required, as assigned. Shifts may vary, lasting up to 12 hours, including early morning and late nights. Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours between 5 AM and 11 PM.

Travel Requirements: North Puget Sound area. No overnight travel requirements, but long drives may be assigned to collect equipment. 

Tools and Equipment: iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear and rubber boots/waders/hip boots. 

Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with WDFW co-workers, co-managing Tribes, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection, providing information on fisheries, agency programs, and sport fishing regulations. Must deliver excellent customer service, even when dealing with individuals who may be frustrated. Serve as a liaison to regional supervisors and enforcement regarding observed fishery violations.  

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. 

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 

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

• Experience sampling adult salmonids for marks and tags, including scanning fish for coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
• Experience using personal computers or mobile devices for data entry and writing to produce accurate and timely work products.
• Working knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Ability to identify saltwater and river stage adult salmonids to species.
• Ability to identify sex of adult salmonids.
• Experience conducting creel surveys.

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

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