Openings- Two (2)
Title- Juvenile Salmonid Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length – Four (4) months – August 1, 2025-November 30, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Salmon Recovery Science Team
Duty Station- Twisp, Washington – Okanogan County

The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position will assist with an ongoing study investigating the overwinter habitat use of ESA-listed juvenile spring Chinook in the Methow River basin. As a member of this team, you will assist with the capture and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging of juvenile ESA listed salmonids via electrofishing, minnow trapping, and the operation and maintenance of two rotary screw traps (smolt traps). 

This position will require the accurate recording and management of data collected during field surveys. Additional duties may include angler creel surveys and habitat surveys. 

We are seeking a candidate who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE). 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Juvenile Salmonid Sampler will,

• Function as part of a team performing routine monitoring activities (rotary-screw trap operation, electrofishing, minnow trapping, and netting) to inform population estimates of target species within the study area. 
• Accurately collect and record biological (species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, genetics, etc.) and environmental data (GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, survey length, etc.). PIT tag juvenile salmonids. 
• Drive work vehicles in inclement weather conditions. 
• Regularly communicate and update Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed. 
• Provide input to maximize project efficiency.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work at all hours in inclement weather; hiking up to six (6) miles on rugged uneven terrain in remote locations independently; lifting up to 75 lbs. (5-gal buckets of water and fish and holding tanks). Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (AQUI-S and MS-222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol) is required. Employee will regularly endure long hours of adverse weather and wet conditions with minimal shelter. Must safely and efficiently hike and/or raft four to ten miles of rugged, low-order river terrain daily and be comfortable working regularly in a swift, whitewater river environment. This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to a water environment.                                                         

Schedule: The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, but days worked will vary by week. Workdays will range from 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on workload. During peak work periods, working nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Travel Requirements: Travel is required to field locations throughout the watershed to accomplish project duties. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, training, or gather supplies from distant locations.

Tools and Equipment: PIT tagging gear, rotary-screw traps, electrofishing equipment, vehicles, trailers, waders, boots, pontoon boats, pumps, generators and various power and hand tools, computers, GPS units, CWT wands, safety equipment (e.g., PFDs, gloves).

Customer Interactions: Frequent interaction with the public and recreational anglers during creel surveys. Occasional contact with the public and other agencies during other duties. Employee may interact with those who have differing opinions regarding the objectives and activities of WDFW.

Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 year of high school science and two (2) 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.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and?training availability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: 

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

Experience in/with: 

• Handling, sampling, and tagging juvenile salmonids.
• Rotary screw traps, electrofishing, mark-recapture methods, and study design.
• Hiking long distances while carrying heavy sampling equipment in rough, slippery terrain.
• Experience with pit tagging data collection application P4, and Microsoft Office software.

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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