Lead Aquatic Biodiversity Technician - Scientific Tech 3 - Non-Perm - Two Positions - 2026-01699

Full Job Description

Positions: Two (2)

Title- Lead Aquatic Biodiversity Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-permanent

Appointment Length- 6.5 Months – April 16, 2026 – October 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Inland Fisheries section
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Bull Trout – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join WDFW’s Native Aquatic Species Unit as a Lead Field Technician, supporting conservation efforts for Washington’s freshwater fish and shellfish.

This role involves coordinating and managing field surveys across multiple watersheds, collecting environmental DNA samples, conducting fish and mussel surveys using electrofishing and *snorkeling, and gathering habitat and water quality data.

*Please note that snorkel duties are NOT currently being performed, but may be assigned during the season

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Field Technicians will,

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards: Work requires hiking over rough terrain and steep slopes in remote areas while carrying field gear.

Field work is conducted under varying environmental conditions—long exposure to adverse weather conditions, such as rainy weather or warm temperatures is expected.

Field work will be conducted in small teams and overnight camping in the field is required. Snorkeling will occur in both upstream and downstream directions in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater.

Job duties require long hours with frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting, often while wearing waders or a drysuit.

Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples.

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, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period.

Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. During portions of the field season, employees will be scheduled to work on an 8 on/6 off work schedule.

Travel: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Regional travel, including overnight travel and staying near field sites (potentially one week or more at a time), is necessary to access field sites and complete sampling.

Tools and Equipment: Hand tools, power, tools, global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to complete job requirements.

Customer interactions: This position will be responsible for reaching out to landowners in pre-season planning to secure access to land as well as communicate with those landowners when accessing land during the season.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Option 3: Equivalent education/experience.

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 or environmental science classes.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special requirements:

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience using spatial software programs to develop sampling plans (e.g., Google Earth, ArcGIS)
• Experience collecting environmental DNA samples
• Experience collecting stream habitat data
• Experience using computer tablets and electronic field forms for data collection
• Experience identifying and handling native freshwater fish and mussel species
• Experience working in and around wadeable and non-wadeable streams and rivers
• Experience electrofishing
• Experience using handheld GPS units and other resources to navigate in remote areas
• Experience managing and maintaining computer files and using spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel).
• Experience hiking long distances with sampling gear

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

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