Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-02776

Full Job Description

Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- Seven (7) Months – May 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Skagit River – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and participate in sampling and field studies that collect biological data to support fisheries management.

This is an opportunity to collect catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species via interviews and drive-around effort counts within the Samish, Skagit, and Nooksack River basins.

In this dynamic role, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, collect field data, and interview anglers to assess catch rates of salmon and steelhead.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freshwater Monitoring Technician will,

Conduct Creel Sampling:

Data Collection and Review:

Maintenance:

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily conducted in the field, including in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Spend long periods of time sitting, squatting, and walking through vegetation and uneven terrain in/near streams and rivers to obtain angler interviews. May encounter biting and stinging insects.

Climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, occasional heavy lifting (such as containers of fish, weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted), and working in confined spaces.

Encounter noise, odors, and fish blood and slime. Experience repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, and the 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: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Typically, 8-10 hours per day between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM, to include most weekends. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions

Travel Requirements: Travel around the North Puget Sound area. No overnight travel is required, but long drives may be assigned to collect equipment.

Tools and Equipment: Sampling equipment such as iPad, coded wire tag (CWT) detector, knives, scale cards, measuring board, and scissors.

Customer Interactions: Interact with co-workers from WDFW, co-managing Tribes, and recreational anglers.

Regularly interact with the public during data collection and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, sport fishing regulations, agency programs, and agency activities.

May encounter individuals experiencing anger or frustration. Liaison to regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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 may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided 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:

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 professional references with current contact information.

Additional 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: 2026-1234 – 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 #2026-02776.

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