Summary

This short-term job involves working outdoors to monitor and trap young salmon and steelhead in Washington rivers, tagging fish to track their populations, and collecting data to help protect these species.

It's perfect for someone who loves nature, doesn't mind getting wet and cold, and has a basic understanding of fish biology or fieldwork.

The role runs from mid-February to late May and is based near Auburn.

Key Requirements

Experience operating rotary screw traps or similar field equipment for fish sampling
Knowledge of salmonid identification by species, age, and marks
Skills in PIT tagging juvenile fish and managing tagging data
Ability to collect biological samples like lengths, weights, scales, and fin clips
Proficiency in recording, entering, and verifying field data in databases
Comfort working in boats and monitoring river conditions for safety
Strong communication skills for reporting issues and coordinating with teams

Full Job Description

Working Title- Green River Fish Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3.5 Months – February 16, 2026 – May 31, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division

Duty Station- Auburn, Washington – King County

Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Screw trap – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about preserving fish populations and enjoy working outdoors?

Embrace this role to be part of the evaluation of Green River salmon and steelhead production within the Wild Salmon Production Evaluation Unit (WSPE)!

This is an opportunity tooperate a rotary screw trap on the Green River to estimate juvenile abundance and PIT tag juvenile Chinook salmon.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

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

Operate juvenile salmon Screw Trap.

Perform trap checks, primarily in the Green River from Mid-February thru May. Assist in operations at other locations when needed such as the Cedar, Bear, and Nisqually traps.
Operate or ride in power boat to access trap.
Identify juvenile salmonids and enumerate by species, age, and mark type.
Mark a portion of the catch and release above the trap to estimate trap efficiency.
Collect biological data and samples from a subsample of the catch, such as length, weight, scale samples, and fin clips. Lethally sample a small number of fish for otolith extraction.
Assist in collaborative studies investigating survival, habitat use, or other research.
Monitor river flow and weather predictions and disable or move the trap into protected area when conditions indicate.

Coordinates PIT tagging project on juvenile Chinook salmon.

Conduct PIT tagging operations for juvenile Chinook on the Green River.
Tag juvenile Chinook captured in the screw trap and collected from Soos Creek hatchery.
Manage PIT tag data produced by tagging studies.
Coordinate with King County biologist regarding tagging projects.
Maintain tagging equipment, computer, and gear for tagging studies.

Data management and communication.

Record and verify field data for accuracy.
Enter data into computer databases and assist in data analysis.
Report any problems regarding safety, gear, protocols, public interaction, or working conditions as soon as practical.
Provide weekly written or oral summaries to project biologist.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is primarily conducted in the field on boats or floating platforms. Duties occur in and around deep, swift-moving water and may involve the risk of accidental immersion.

Field activities may expose the incumbent to potentially hazardous conditions, including inclement weather (hot, cold, wet, and windy).

Trapping activities require frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and handling of buckets containing live fish weighing more than 50 pounds, as well as prolonged exposure of hands and fingers to cold water (approximately 40–50°F).

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to aquatic environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule will include weekend work and standby to respond to trap stoppages in evenings. Schedules may vary based on fish migration, stream flow, and/or weather conditions, with the possibility of overtime and work on holidays.

Travel requirements: Minimal travel is required to other WSPE trapping locations, the WDFW headquarters in Olympia, and other locations for training.

Customer Interactions: Regular interaction with sport fishers, WDFW hatchery staff, private landowners, Tribal members and staff, and employees of King County, Tacoma Water, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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.

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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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

PIT tagging juvenile salmonids and working with PIT tag data.
Operating a jet powered boat.
Live fish handling techniques.
Operating screw traps in large rivers.
Identifying fish including salmonids, lamprey, and exotic and non-game fish species.
Data collection and entry into databases.
Using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small engine machinery.

Possess:

Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics.
Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
Good communication skills with the public, co-workers, and supervisors.

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 (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.

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.

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 number/title from the top of this posting.

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Green River Fish Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-00474

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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