Headwater Stream Lead Sampling Technician - Sci Tech 3 - Non-Perm - Five Openings - 2026-02996

Full Job Description

Title- Headwater Stream Lead Sampling Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Number of Vacancies- Five (5)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3.5 Months - June 1, 2026 – September 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Please Note: The duty station for this position is located in Thurston County. Work duties are performed throughout western Washington and may include northwestern Oregon. Additional information in "Working Conditions" below.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Olympic Torrent Salamander – Photo Credit: WDFW

As a lead field technician, you will support biological monitoring for research projects through data collection, planning and organizing complex scientific duties, including modifying research techniques and conducting data quality checks.

Imagine yourself navigating on logging roads through public and privately-owned timberlands to access rugged headwater streams.

You will collect data at previously unvisited sites to evaluate suitability of potential study sites for inclusion in research evaluating headwater streams on managed timber lands.

With your experience, you will characterize remote headwater streams by sampling habitat, deploying temperature loggers, and surveying for stream-associated amphibian presence in remote field sites throughout western Washington.

Photo Caption: Headwater Stream Amphibian Survey – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Headwater Stream Lead Sampling Technician will,

Lead field data collection in support of fish, wildlife, and habitat research and monitoring projects evaluating headwater stream habitats and species:

Field data collection and project organization:

Data entry, quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and summarization:

Maintain and organize field equipment and supplies:

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in the field, with some limited office work. Up to 95% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field during the field season.

Hike and navigate off-trail through dense vegetation and managed forest landscapes, up and down steep slopes, and along/within small, headwater streams.

Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (weighing under 40 pounds) containing sampling equipment, personal supplies, and sometimes a field laptop.

Infrequently carry by hand a 5-gallon bucket, dip nets, and rebar.

Bend, duck, balance, and navigate through, under, and over dense vegetation and woody debris. Wood and streams may be slippery.

Operate trucks and drive on logging roads on private and state forestlands throughout western Washington. May use CB radios to communicate with oncoming traffic.

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, Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day. 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: Extensive travel within western Washington and northwestern Oregon is required. Fieldwork may include a mixture of day trips and overnight stays near study sites.

Overnight travel will typically require camping near vehicles at established campgrounds and at primitive dispersed sites.

Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) that are to be driven on paved and dirt roads, field safety and communication equipment (such as high visibility clothing and Garmin inReach), and data collection equipment (such as iPad, monitors and sensors, and a laptop).

Customer Interactions: Interact with landowners, non-profit, tribal, and local jurisdiction project partners.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science

And

Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science

And

Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, physical scientist, 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:

Professional experience:

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 #2026-02996.

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