Title- Smolt Trap Technicians
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Openings- Three (3)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- Three (3) months – March 2, 2026-May 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatchery-Wild Interactions Unit
Duty Station- Dayton, Washington – Columbia County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position plays a hands-on role in the installation, maintenance, and operation of juvenile rotary smolt traps used to collect essential biological and outmigration data for ESA-listed salmonids. The work directly supports efforts to estimate natural production of imperiled salmon populations in rivers across southeastern Washington. By contributing to these critical monitoring efforts, this position helps advance the agency’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish - and supports the Department’s broader goal of conserving and safeguarding native fish and wildlife for future generations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Smolt Trap Technicians will,

• Assist in the operation of rotary screw traps.
• Sample juvenile salmonids by safely using MS-222 (anesthesia) to enumerate the number of fish by species, collect length and weight samples on captured salmonids, and collect scale samples for age analysis.
• PIT tag salmonids.
• Enter collected data into computer database and ensure data accuracy.
• Sampling hatchery fish by collecting lengths and weights and checking for tag retention.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily conducted in the field.  May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, may transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Travel to trapping sites will be required.

Tools and Equipment: Smolt traps, coded-wire tag and PIT tag scanning equipment, chain saws, come-alongs, and winches.

Customer Interactions: Interaction with the public is limited but may occur.

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 school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

Please Note: College coursework 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 in the operation of smolt traps, identification of juvenile salmonids, and PIT tagging fish.

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

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram