Western Gray Squirrel Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Non-Perm - Two (2) positions - 2026-02407

Full Job Description

Title- Western Gray Squirrel Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)

Positions- Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- Four (4) months – May 4, 2026-August 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Diversity Division
Duty Station- White Salmon, Washington – Klickitat County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption Western Gray Squirrels – Photo Credit WDFW

We are seeking an experienced scientific technician to assist in researching Threatened and Endangered Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need, primarily western gray squirrels.

In this role you will work both independently and as a part of small teams to perform field data collection to support recovery, conservation, monitoring, and research projects.

Our ideal candidate has the ability to develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers, collaborators, and the public while collecting data accurately and effectively.

What to Expect-

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

• Implement regional Western Gray Squirrel and Species of Greatest Conservation Need survey and monitor protocols
• Deploy devices (e.g., camera traps, autonomous recording units, hair tubes) to effectively detect species of interest
• Coordinate specific daily assignments (e.g. deploying devices on private property) in collaboration with conservation partners.
• Conduct data entry, data quality assessment, and quality control
• Identify species using audio and visual characteristics
• Facilitate data management in preparation for analyses

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed outdoors during species- and habitat-specific field seasons, with periodic office work.

The work environment is fast paced, with changing priorities and occasional conflicting deadlines.

Duties require working in remote and backcountry settings, over rough terrain, for extended periods (8–12 hours per day and multiple consecutive days), in highly variable weather conditions.

Must be able to navigate to, from, and within field sites. Motor vehicles and off-road vehicles are used in field situations.

Requires the physical capacity to walk over rough terrain for short distances (= 1 mile) on a regular basis and occasionally longer distances (several miles, up to 10 miles per day).

Employee will drive a vehicle to conduct field reviews of project sites and safely load, transport, and operate field equipment.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): The position is expected to be scheduled within a typical 40-hour work week, generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Extended hours may be required to meet business demands and deadlines.

When extended hours are necessary, the incumbent is expected to communicate with the supervisor and team and adjust their schedule as needed, in partnership with the supervisor for prioritization and reasonable adjustments.

Travel Requirements: Periodic - Statewide or regional travel and occasional attendance at evening meetings required

Tools and Equipment: Motor vehicles and off-road vehicles are used in field situations. Incumbents will safely load and transport equipment and gear. Field equipment is associated with field biology (e.g., binoculars, phone, map and compass, wildlife capture equipment).

Customer Interactions: Interacts with hunters, wildlife viewers, other wildlife enthusiasts, private landowners, and the public. Represents the agency in a professional manner during field and regulatory activities.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 year of high school science and two (2) years of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

In addition to the qualification pathways above, candidates must have six (6) months of experience in the following:

• Implementing principles and procedures of biological research; standard laboratory and field methods; wildlife ecology.
• Use of standard laboratory and field equipment
• Performing a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.
• Utilizing technology including Windows computers, Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Access), iOS handhelds/apps(iPads), GPS, etc.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

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

One-year professional experience in/with:

• Field research.
• Western Washington flora and fauna.
• Field surveys for squirrels or other small mammals.
• Operating common electronic and scientific equipment to collect data.
• Data management including collection, recording, compiling, and summarizing
• Quality control methods to evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency, and comparability with other data.
• Collecting data according to established protocols and make independent judgments in the field in the absence of the Supervisor or other lead staff.
• Principles and procedures of biological research; standard laboratory and field methods; wildlife ecology.
• Using standard laboratory and field equipment; perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.
• Performing routine and repetitive work in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Following oral and written directions and consistently apply excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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 and reference job #2026-02407

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