Title- Steelhead Weir/Smolt Trap Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Openings
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 5.5 Months – January 5, 2026 – June 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Science Division
Duty Station- Clarkston, Washington – Asotin County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career.

As part of the Salmon Recovery Science Unit, you will assist the Lower Snake River Steelhead Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) project by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data relevant to an Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed steelhead population.

Your work in assessing fish population trends and recovery efforts will directly support Washington state conservation efforts.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Steelhead Weir/Smolt Trap Technician will,

Perform Adult and Juvenile Salmonid Weir/Trap Construction, Installation, Maintenance, and Data Collection:

• Conduct daily adult and juvenile trap checks.
• Assist with trap repair, construction, installation, and removal.
• Collect and record accurate biological data and field observations.
• Make trap operation decisions based on environmental conditions.
• Safely handle and anesthetize adult and juvenile ESA-listed salmonids and other fish species.
• Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging of adult and juvenile salmonids.
• Prep and maintain field gear for daily use.

Data Entry and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of Juvenile and Adult Trapping Data:

• Perform electronic data entry in PIT Tag Information System’s (PTAGIS) P4 program and Microsoft Access forms.
• Review data daily for accuracy.
• Ensure timely data management for up-to-date field summaries.
• Oversee data backup and upload to PTAGIS website.
• Upload and manage juvenile PIT tagging files from P4 to PTAGIS.
• Assist the lead biologist with summarization and graphical presentation of juvenile data.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily work outdoors in all weather conditions. Walk on slippery stream substrate, in cold water, and work around adult and juvenile fish traps. Frequently work in extreme temperatures and physically demanding conditions. This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, 40 hours per week, with non-standard hours during peak field seasons. Work hours may vary depending on business needs, time of year, and weather conditions, and may occasionally include working evenings or weekends.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel is required from the duty station to the field sites using agency vehicles.

Tools and Equipment: Handheld power tools, 4-Wheel Drive trucks, smolt traps, weirs, PIT Tag readers, and other common tools of the fisheries field.

Customer Interactions: May infrequently interact with the public or landowners during routine field trap checks.

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, fisheries, natural resources, 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 agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

The following trainings will be provided and/or facilitated by the WDFW:

• First Aid/CPR/AED Training and Certification
• Swiftwater Awareness

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

Experience with:

• Multiple types of fish weirs and rotary screw traps.
• Spawning ground surveys.
• P4 and Microsoft Access for recording and managing data.
• Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging adult and juvenile steelhead and other salmonids.

Certifications:

• First Aid/CPR/AED Training and Certification, Health and Safety Institute (HSI) curriculum preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid Certification, HSI curriculum preferred.
• Swiftwater Rescue, American Canoe Association (ACA) curriculum preferred.

Competencies:

• Ability to safely handle and anesthetize adult and juvenile life forms of ESA-listed salmonids.
• Accurately identify juvenile and adult salmonids and other fish species of southeast Washington and the Lower Snake River basin.
• Proficiency and creativity in computer skills related to data entry, manipulation, and word processing.
• Basic construction skills.

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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07600.

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