Title- Willapa Bay Smolt Trapping Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 3.5 months – March 2, 2026-June 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Ecology Life Cycle Monitoring Unit
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to juvenile abundance studies as a part of the Ecology Life Cycle Monitoring Unit. The purpose of this position is to collect data that shows population estimates, productivity, and diversity of natural origin salmonids in the Willapa basin. The incumbent will be working on a five-foot rotary screw trap located on the North River in the Willapa basin.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Technician will be responsible for,

Operate juvenile salmon traps. 

• Assists with the installation/removal, operation and maintenance of a 5’ rotary screw trap. 
• Check traps daily, enumerating, and sub-sampling juvenile salmonid catch.
• Collect and record related biological and environmental data as assigned by supervisor. 
• Use various marking/ tagging techniques. 
• Maintain trap integrity during high flow events and make repairs if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris or vandalism. 
• Organize and maintain all trap related gear, sampling equipment and data forms.
• Enter and error check field data into agency database.
• Maintain data integrity- ensure data entry is complete and accurate.

Data Entry

• Data entry and QA/QC. 
• Organize and enter data into agency databases.
• Check data for errors and irregularities.
• Ensure data entry is complete and accurate.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 100% of this position is field work. 

During peak migration or periods of high flow and heavy debris, the employee must be able to work long hours, as needed, until all the fish are processed, to ensure that they are released in good condition. Maintaining traps requires a person to be in good physical condition, and able to work for extended periods of time. Technicians will regularly transport 5-gallon buckets of water in slippery conditions on uneven terrain. Work sites are exposed, meaning work may be conducted in rain, wind and cold conditions, during all hours of the day. Processing fish requires prolonged exposure of hands in cold water. To ensure the fish are handled with minimal stress, they are anesthetized with MS-222. The process of marking fish involves using sharp objects. 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: Daily travel from duty station to field locations using agency vehicle. Some navigating on gravel logging roads with a 4x4 truck.

Tools and Equipment: 4x4 trucks, water pumps, power tools, hand tools, filet knives, scissors, scalpels. PIT tagging equipment, and other sampling equipment. Tough pads and laptop computers.

Customer Interactions: Work will be conducted alongside fellow technicians. Interactions with the public can be common. Less common interactions are with personnel from private companies, tribes, federal, state, and local agencies.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science and two 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 years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

Note: Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience. 

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Six (6) months or more of experience in/with:

• Identifying juvenile salmonids by species.
• Entering data into computer files and spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access) software.
• Salmon life history and proper fish-handling techniques.
• Juvenile salmon trapping techniques.
• Fish marking and tagging protocols. 
• Basic construction and use of hand & power tools.

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 diana.humes@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