Predator/Prey Fish Field Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - 2026-01899

Full Job Description

Title- Predator/Prey Fish Field Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Hatchery Wild Interactions Unit
Duty Station- Pasco, Washington – Franklin County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Walleye – Photo Credit: WDFW

Columbia River Walleye Sunrise – Photo Credit: Dan Walker

This position plays a key role in preserving and protecting fish populations along the mid-Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Working as part of a team, the Predator/Prey Fish Field Technician helps gather critical data on how non-native predatory fish affect native salmonid populations.

The information collected by this role supports WDFW’s efforts to assess impacts on Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species and other fish, and contributes to important programs such as the Columbia River Coded Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Program, WDFW’s Salmon and Steelhead Stock Assessment, and CWT reporting.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Predator/Prey Fish Field Technician will,

Non-native fish monitoring and sampling (Columbia and Snake Rivers):

• Angle from boats for Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pikeminnow; assist with day and night boat electrofishing and trap netting.
• Identify fish to species, measure, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag, and collect diet contents from Columbia River fishes.
• Tow, launch, retrieve, and operate 18’ to 21’ agency boats (propellor, jet pump, tiller drive, and electrofishing boats).
• Maintain vessel logs, fuel records, and receipts.
• Collect salmon carcasses from boat or shore, scan for coded wire tags (CWT), and remove snouts when tags are detected.

Conduct creel surveys on the Columbia River:

• Conduct angler creel surveys at assigned locations on the mid-Columbia River following prescribed data collection protocols.
• Professionally interact with anglers to collect data.
• Maintain daily operation logs and enter data into prescribed database.

Tagging and Radio Tracking:

• Assist with capturing, tagging, and tracking Walleye in the Columbia River using angling, boat electrofishing, or fish salvage at the dams.
• Locate tagged Walleye using radio tracking antennae and download receiver data via boat, vehicle, or on foot.
• Conduct surgery on fish including cutting fish open, inserting tag, and suturing wound.
• Hold and monitor fish post-surgery and record information about health.

Walleye digestion study:

• Feed Walleye and use dissection and/or use gastric lavage to remove stomach contents at assigned digestion intervals.
• Maintain tanks, pumps, and hoses; move fish as needed.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed primarily in field settings in all weather conditions at public access sites and remote locations, including on the Snake River, Columbia River (including Hanford Reach), and Yakima River.

Duties require working from boats during day and night hours, hiking over rough and slippery terrain, and accessing primitive sites without immediate medical services.

Tasks involve prolonged standing, repetitive bending, reaching, kneeling, and frequently lifting (up to 40 pounds), and handling live and dead fish which omit foul odors.

Hazards include water-related risks, operation of boats and vehicles, exposure to chemicals (e.g., ethanol, gasoline, oil), encounters with wildlife such as rattlesnakes, and potential contact with illegal public activity.

Work may also occur in hatchery environments or enclosed trailers containing fish tanks with flowing water.

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

Schedule:

24/7 non-scheduled. May occasionally require work over 40 hours per week. Scheduled days and hours of work will vary and may require work on weekends and potentially on holidays.

Travel Requirements:

Routinely travel to public and primitive access sites along the Snake River, Columbia River, and lower Yakima River.

Travel may involve overnight stays in hotels, cabins, or tents depending on survey location and duration. A state vehicle is assigned.

Surveys routinely require work from boats on the Snake and Columbia Rivers.

Tools and Equipment:

Vehicle, boats, knife, scalpel, sampling and data recording supplies, CWT wand, life jacket, rain gear, boots, gloves, waders, mask, fishing rods/reels/tackle, and machete.

Customer Interactions:

Daily interactions with anglers and the public during creel surveys and biological sampling. Regular coordination with team members and regional staff. Professional communication and sound judgment are required.

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 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 some or all the following:

One (1) year of experience:

• Conducting field sampling on the Columbia River.
• Identifying freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River.
• Entering and managing data in Excel and/or Access databases.
• Operating outboard boats or small watercraft on large rivers with currents.
• Towing, launching, and retrieving vessels.

Knowledge of:

• Life history and angling techniques for Walleye, bass, and other Columbia River species.

Certification:

• Motorboat Operator Course Certification (MOCC).

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01899.

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