Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 4 months – December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Forks, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

These are opportunities to build hands-on field experience in fisheries monitoring within the Queets and Quinault river basins, two of the most dynamic systems in WDFW’s District 16.

Envision yourself gathering essential catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species through interviews and drive-around effort counts that support real-time management decisions.

As part of our team, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, collect field data, and engage directly with anglers to assess catch rates and understand on-the-water conditions. You’ll also operate motorized vehicles and field equipment safely while maintaining positive relationships with the public, private landowners, and Co-managers.

Your work will directly support sampling programs and field studies that provide the biological data needed for effective fisheries management, advancing WDFW’s mission to protect wild fish while supporting sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Freshwater Monitoring Technicians will,

Conduct Creel sampling:

• Conduct angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts on non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries. 
• Perform surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle. 
• Contact anglers on foot along river access points and monitor boat ramps to interview returning boat groups.
• Provide feedback about sampling protocols, and accurately records data in iPad application (iForm), paper data sheets and on scale and tissue sample card paper forms. 
• Ask standardized questions regarding trip details, target species, and catch/harvest.
• Identify salmonids by species and sex; collect biological samples from salmonids (scales, fork length CWT scans, and snout recoveries when applicable). 
• Measure dorsal height on retained hatchery steelhead and document any hatchery or research marks. 
• Provide accurate sport fishing regulation information to the public and report observed fishery violations to the regional supervisor. 

Data:

• Accurately record and enter data into electronic devices. 
• Perform preliminary QA/QC before syncing data. 
• Summarize and provide requested data to supervisors or management as needed.

Maintenance:

• Operate and maintain all equipment including sampling equipment, waders or other wearable gear, and vehicles. 
• Perform basic vehicle checks, including oil, fuel, and washer fluid levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily field-based and often performed in adverse weather and challenging environmental conditions.
• Regular exposure to noise, odors, and physical demands such as repetitive hand movements, extended periods of sitting, squatting, or walking through dense vegetation and uneven terrain near streams and rivers to conduct angler interviews. 
• Duties include climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon on board, and rarely carrying or lifting fish containers weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. 
• Work may also involve kneeling, working in confined spaces, and handling fish in conditions involving blood, slime, and slippery surfaces. 
• Fieldwork may include exposure to biting or stinging insects and requires safe use of knives and other sampling tools. 
• Transport agency staff and equipment using state vehicles. 
• Contacting anglers often requires driving or hiking to remote areas via state, federal, county, and private roads. 
• May hike up to five miles or float via pontoon or raft up to ten miles of stream per day—sometimes in slippery or uneven conditions—to conduct interviews and assist with tie-in counts. 
• 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. These positions operate on a randomized 4/10 schedule, and weekend work and flexibility are required. Work hours may be assigned at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements: These positions require considerable travel, often involving extensive driving on state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private logging roads. May have to shuttle state vehicles between Forks, Montesano, and Olympia as part of regular duties.

Tools and Equipment: iPad, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wand, knives, forceps, paper forms, labels, scales, tissue sample cards, writing utensils, scissors, personal protective equipment (PPE), measuring tape, WDFW apparel, rain gear, boots, personal flotation devices (PFDs), waders, and wading boots. Copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals are provided for reference and guidance. 

Customer Interactions: Frequently interact with WDFW staff, co-managing Tribal partners, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection, providing general 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 staff regarding observed fishery violations. 

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 may substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the coursework 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 mandatory, job-related training and/or certification—such as safety, equipment operation, fieldwork procedures, and/or emergency management—may be required as a condition of employment, depending on position responsibilities, supervisory direction, and training availability.
• Employees may also be required to participate in safety courses, committees, or groups, and complete recertification as needed to support the safety of the agency and its personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

One (1) year or more of professional experience in the following: 

• Sampling adult salmonids for marks and tags, including scanning fish for coded wire tags (CWTs). 
• Using iPads for data collection. 
• Identifying saltwater and river-stage adult salmonids to species. 
• Identifying sex of adult salmonids. 
• Conducting creel surveys.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-08375.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram