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Posted: April 3, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Adult Trapping and Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-02837

State of Washington

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$3,581 - $4,771

per month

Closes

April 12, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This short-term job involves trapping adult fish like salmon and steelhead at dams and hatcheries in Washington state, collecting samples and measurements to monitor fish populations, and entering the data into databases.

It's a hands-on role in a river basin focused on protecting and managing fish through science-based methods.

A good fit would be someone with outdoor fieldwork experience, attention to detail, and a passion for wildlife conservation who doesn't mind travel and physical tasks.

Key Requirements

  • Experience in field biology or fisheries monitoring, including data collection on fish populations
  • Knowledge of salmonid species (e.g., salmon, steelhead) and their life cycles
  • Ability to accurately collect biological samples such as scales, DNA, and morphometric measurements
  • Proficiency in using tools like ultrasound for sex determination and PIT tagging for fish identification
  • Skills in data entry, management, and quality control using software like Microsoft Access and PTAGIS
  • Comfort with outdoor work in remote areas, including travel to multiple hatchery sites
  • Strong communication skills to update supervisors and follow established protocols

Full Job Description

WDFW recruitment banner

Working Title- Adult Trapping and Monitoring Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3 Months – May 17, 2026 – August 17, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatchery/Wild Interactions Division

Duty Station- Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County


Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


Several sockeye swimming in shallow waters.

Photo Caption – Sockeye – Photo Credit: WDFW



Are you passionate about ensuring fish populations are protected, restored, and enhanced?


This is an opportunity to ensure that salmonid hatcheries, and the products produced, are managed using scientific principles.


With your experience, you will conduct data collection activities essential to inform monitoring and evaluation of the hatchery programs in the Wenatchee River basin.



WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:


Adult Trapping and Monitoring Activities.

  • Perform routine monitoring activities associated with natural and hatchery origin Upper Columbia salmon and steelhead populations in accordance with the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for PUD Hatchery Programs.
  • Assist with the operation of Tumwater and Dryden Dam adult trapping facilities and collect relevant biological data.
  • Accurately collect and record biological data including morphometric measurements, tissue samples (i.e. scales, DNA), sex (using ultrasound), origin, identification of internal or external marks or tags.
  • PIT Tag adult salmonids and work with established software to record and upload essential data (e.g., PTAGIS P4, Microsoft Access).
  • Assist with the management of surplus hatchery-origin steelhead and spring Chinook salmon at Tumwater Dam including the collection of CWT tissue samples (e.g. cutting and collecting snouts).


Aquaculture Monitoring.

  • At hatchery facilities throughout the upper Columbia River Basin, collect and record biological data including morphometric measurements, tissue samples (i.e. scales, DNA), sex (using ultrasound), origin, identification of internal or external marks or tags.
  • Enter data into established databases and perform quality control checks.
  • Regularly communicate and update Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure established procedure and logistics are being executed.
  • Travel to multiple hatchery facilities for broodstock collections and pre-transfer sampling.


Data Processing and Management.

  • Assist in database entry of collected field data. Ensure data is properly stored, organized and proofed for errors.
  • Conduct routine updates with Senior Technician and Project Lead to ensure all established protocols and standards are being followed.


Collaborates with colleagues to achieve project objectives.

  • Attend and assist in making contributions to Supplementation Team trainings, classes, project development meetings, protocol updates, and safety needs.
  • Assist in performing tasks essential to Team operations and functions.



Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work at all hours in inclement weather; lifting 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.

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, 40 hours per week. Night, weekend, split, holiday and on-call shifts will be required. Work more than 40 hrs. per week is occasionally required to complete field activities during peak season.


Travel requirements: Will travel locally with possible overnight travel required for trainings.


Customer Interactions: Maintains and fosters professional working relationships during all interactions. This position may work interact with PUD, tribal, and/or hatchery staff.



QUALIFICATIONS:


Required 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.


Please note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural science, or closely allied field will substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semesters or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.


License: Valid unrestricted 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 Fisheries Science or other similar field of study.
  • Experience identifying juvenile and adult salmonids.
  • Familiarity with the life-history and populations of salmonids in the Upper Columbia Basin.
  • Experience applying PIT tags and familiarity with tagging software.
  • Basic computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office software.


Your application must 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 (3) 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.


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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 Cheri.Potter@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.


WDFW diversity logo


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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02837.


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Posted on NEOGOV: 4/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/4/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5296452