Non-Native Fishery Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - Six Openings - 2026-02190

Full Job Description

Title- Non-Native Fishery Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Six (6)

Appointment Length- 5.5 months – April 15, 2026 – September 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Chehalis Smallmouth – Photo Credit: Nick VanBuskirk

This is an opportunity to gain hands on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while contributing to the sustainability of Washington’s fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities.

In this role, you will support targeted suppression and monitoring of non-native Bass fish populations within the Chehalis Basin.

Envision yourself working on foot or operating rafts to collect harvest and biological data as well as habitat metrics.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Non-Native Fishery Technician will,

Conduct predatory fish sampling:

• Collect predatory fish for biological and diet sampling and collect habitat metrics.
• Conduct predatory fish removal within the Chehalis watershed, targeting all bass species.
• Utilize boat and raft electrofishing equipment safely, including night-time operations, to capture bass.
• Collect biological data, including habitat metrics, fish measurements, and samples for diet and genetic analysis.

Stream temperature monitoring:

• Use equipment to measure stream temperature at various spatial and temporal scales.
• Assist in the fabrication of temperature logger housing, deploy temperature logger in the field, collect data throughout the season, and maintain temperature logger sites throughout the season.

Sample processing:

• Process all collected biological samples, including tissue, eDNA, diet, and otolith samples, following established protocols.
• Dissect gastrointestinal contents for diet analysis, ensuring sterile techniques and accurate sample labeling.

Equipment maintenance:

• Maintain all research and field equipment, ensuring operational readiness for field and lab work.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day. Adverse weather conditions (rain and river flows) may result in work schedule variability. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day. Potential non-conventional hours (overnight electrofishing 8pm – 2am) are to be expected.

Travel Requirements: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend training. Overnight travel is extremely rare.

Tools and Equipment: Rafts, pontoon boats, electrofishing equipment, seine nets, fishing rods, dissection equipment, hand tools, power tools, generators, outboard motors, radio telemetry tracking devices, various types of tags and tagging equipment, global positioning units, stadia rods, measuring tapes, computers, and computer tablets.

Customer Interactions: Interaction with landowners will occur.

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 will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the 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 one or more of the following:

Six (6) months of experience with the following:

• Handle fish and collect biological information
• Manage and maintain computer files and using spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
• Electrofishing, especially by boat
• Operate outboard motors and generators
• Towboats with trailers
• Navigate rivers in watercraft
• Digital data entry servers such as iForms or Survey123

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02190.

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