Title- Stormwater Biodiversity Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 6.5 Months – February 15, 2026 – August 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join WDFW and contribute to the conservation of Washington’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems through pond surveys, in-water and upland habitat assessments, and data collection.

This is an opportunity to partake in a monitoring project funded by the Stormwater Strategic Initial Lead (SSIL) targeted at evaluating and considering improvements to stormwater pond features to protect fish and wildlife from priority toxics in urban runoff.

In this role, you will assist in studying the impact of 6PPDQ (a chemical that prevents automotive tires from degrading) on amphibians in stormwater ponds and natural wetlands around the Puget Sound region; help understand which design and management conditions allow constructed stormwater ponds to function as habitat for native amphibians; and help establish environmentally relevant baseline 6PPDQ concentrations in stormwater ponds and downstream salmon-bearing waterways across an urban gradient.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Stormwater Biodiversity Technician will,

Conduct data collection and data management in support of fish, wildlife, and habitat research to evaluate how stormwater pond design and management promotes aquatic species abundance and diversity:

• Participate in sampling programs designed to understand species richness, abundance, and survival in stormwater ponds and other wetlands.
• Conduct fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research under general supervision.
• Install and maintain sampling equipment and delineate sample units.
• Use established procedures to characterize wetlands and wetland habitats.
• Monitor water quality, including water temperature and hydroperiod.
• Conduct biological surveys, including for amphibians and fish (diversity, demographics, condition, genetic tissue sample), and their habitats.

Enter, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), and summarize data:

• Ensure accurate and complete data collection.
• Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
• Develop summaries of data collection progress.

Maintain and organize field equipment and supplies:

• Safely operate WDFW equipment and supplies following established policies.
• Perform routine maintenance and ensure equipment is functioning reliably and safely.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in the field, with some office work. Up to 90% of work will occur in the field or preparing to go in the field during the focal field season.

Field work includes navigating and hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense, over steep slopes, along and within wetlands, throughout managed landscapes on foot, over downed trees and wood, and up streams that may be slippery. Navigating along and within streams and ponds and steep terrain is required.  

Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (typically weighing under 40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (such as hand net, iPad, field notebook, instream temperature sensors, measuring tape) and personal supplies (first aid kit, water, lunch, snacks, rain gear), and at times a field laptop. Infrequently carry by hand 5-gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar.

Navigate and drive on state and county roads throughout western Washington. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, Monday–Thursday, 10 hours per day, 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: Field work will be a mixture of daily trips to field sites located within driving distance of the NRB and overnight lodging near study sites.

Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs), field and safety equipment, iPads and other data collection devices, monitors/sensors, and a laptop.

Customer Interactions: Interact with landowners and academic/local jurisdiction project partners. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with project partners and neighbors adjacent to study sites, and provide proof of access permits if requested.

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 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.

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

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as biology, ecology, or wildlife biology).

Two (2) years of professional experience conducting field research or monitoring.

One (1) year or more of experience in/with:

Amphibian Monitoring:

• Monitoring water quality.
• Identifying western Washington amphibians across life stages.
• Working in urban settings, particularly urban ponds and wetlands.

Data Collection and Processing Software:

• Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Summarizing large datasets and tracking work progress for complex projects.
• Collecting GIS information in Field Maps and Survey123.
• Creating maps of study sites and equipment in ArcGIS Online and/or ArcPRO.

Conducting Research Independently and Within a Team:

• Biological research principles, standard laboratory and field methods, and fish, wildlife, and aquatic ecology.
• Collecting data following established protocols and making sound independent field decisions.
• Collaborating with others to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
• Conveying information and ideas orally and in writing to project partners and team members.
• Establishing and maintaining positive, respectful, and productive working relationships with coworkers, collaborators, and local jurisdictions.

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 #2026-00182.

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