Description

Title- Predator Control Technician (Pikeminnow)
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Seasonal
Number of Vacancies- Five (5)
Season Length- 6 months – April 16 – October 15
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Closing Date- 3/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Multiple locations in Washington – apply for one (1) or all the positions listed below by submitting one (1) application!

Clarkston, Washington – Asotin County – One (1) position
Pasco, Washington – Franklin County – One (1) position
Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County – Three (3) positions

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program (NPSRF) plays a critical role in protecting salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River System. Since its inception, the program has removed more than 5.9 million Northern Pikeminnow as the primary fish predator of juvenile salmonids within the program area and removals to date have resulted in up to 40% reduction in predation compared to pre-program levels.

These positions are an essential part of that success. In these roles, you’ll oversee two or more Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery registration stations while ensuring high-quality data collection and providing field leadership as you work directly with anglers and fellow technicians.

Beyond data collection, these roles are highly interactive and hands-on. You’ll provide information to the angling public, maintain and operate mobile registration stations, manage field equipment and supplies, and safely travel between sites. 

These are dynamic field positions for individuals who enjoy fisheries science, working outdoors, engaging with the public, and contributing directly to salmon conservation efforts in the Columbia River Basin.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Predator Control Technicians will,

Set up and staff mobile field registration stations in support of the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery Program: 

• Complete angler registration forms and payment vouchers.
• Conduct angler exit creel surveys to determine Northern Pikeminnow eligibility and document other angler catch.  
• Collect and record biological data from all Northern Pikeminnow and other fishes kept.  
• Examine all Northern Pikeminnow for spaghetti and other external tags.
• Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and quality through careful review and proofing.
• Organize field vehicles and/or office spaces and maintain appropriate supplies for field operations.
• Utilize iPads and paper data collection forms to record relevant angler catch data according to program protocols.

Individually scan all Northern Pikeminnow using a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader:

• Scan fish for PIT tags to detect previously tagged Northern Pikeminnow or consumed juvenile salmonids.
• Accurately record PIT tag data, proof data logbook, and report all tag recoveries.
• Process fish with PIT tags per program protocols and assist with fish dissection and tag recovery as directed.

Inform and assist the public regarding participation in the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery:

• Clearly explain Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery rules of participation, relevant angling regulations, fishing techniques, and when, where, and how to catch Northern Pikeminnow.
• Compile daily and/or weekly data summaries and provide year-to-date harvest and effort totals by registration station, as well as historical peak harvest information.
   

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily conducted out of a vehicle in the field at boat launches and parks in adverse weather.
• May encounter noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, and may transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
• Carry, kneel, and perform daily lifting of containers of fish weighing up to 40 lbs. unassisted, including lifting ice chests from the ground into vehicles for transport.
• 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. The standard work schedule includes four (4) 10-hour shifts that will include weekends and holidays. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Driving is required between office and stations as well as between stations.

Tools and Equipment: Cargo vans, pickup trucks, ice chests, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag scanners, knives, iPads, and computers.

Customer Interactions: Frequent public contact, mainly fishermen participating in the program.

Requirements

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:

• Experience identifying Northern Pikeminnow and other Columbia River fish species, including adult and juvenile salmonids. 
• Knowledge of biology and life history of Northern Pikeminnow and other Columbia River fishes.  
• Familiarity with recreational angling gear and methods.
   

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.