Description

Working Title- Chehalis River Salmonid Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 3.5 Months – March 15, 2026 – June 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Closing Date- 1/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations?

Embrace this role to participate in salmonid production and marine survival evaluation projects within the Fish Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit.

With your experience, you will assist with installing, maintaining, operating, and removing juvenile and adult salmonid traps.

WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Operate and maintain juvenile salmon traps while ensuring complete and accurate data collection and entry to maintain data integrity.

• Assist with installation, removal, daily operation, and maintenance of juvenile fish traps.
• Monitor traps daily; enumerate and sub-sample juvenile fish catch following protocol.
• Collect and record biological and environmental data under supervisor direction.
• Apply various marking and tagging techniques such as fin clips, CWT, and PIT tags.
• Enter and error-check data in agency databases and on paper forms.
• Fill out accurate scale and DNA cards and daily data sheets as required.
• Organize and maintain all trapping gear, sampling equipment, and associated data records.

Maintain trap integrity.

• Drive agency vehicles to and from work sites as directed, including trailering and off-road conditions.
• Conduct repairs to traps and facility infrastructure as needed.
• Build equipment or structures as directed to support field or facility operations.
• Perform grounds maintenance including clearing tree limbs, filling potholes, and removing fallen trees or other debris to ensure safe access and operation.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is conducted primarily outside in the field.  Inclement weather conditions, including high river flows, swift water, water temperatures down to 0°C, and air temperatures below 0°C and above 35°C; sometimes will work in cold water for hours at a time; heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs. unassisted); working in confined spaces. 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, working 40 hours per week. This position does not have a standard work schedule, but the incumbent may be required to occasionally work evenings or weekends as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Minimal overnight travel may be required.

Customer Interactions: Infrequent interactions with public and landowners.

Requirements

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 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• At least six months of experience operating juvenile and/ or adult salmon traps.
• Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories.
• Knowledge of safe live fish handling techniques.
• Experience identifying juvenile and adult salmonids, and other incidental catch.
• Knowledge and ability to operate, maintain, and repair fish traps.
• Demonstrated ability to collect high quality biological data and complete data entry/summarization into program spreadsheets & databases and QA/QC of same data.
• Proficient using of a variety of hand tools, power tools and small engine machinery including generators, pumps, and outboard motors.
• Incumbent must be capable of accomplishing the above duties and tasks while maintaining a safe and healthy work environment and adhering to WDFW workplace safety policies.
• Valid first-aid and CPR training card.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.