$4,201.00 – $5,642.00 Monthly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Thurston County \u2013 Olympia, WA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Full Time – Permanent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Flexible\/Hybrid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2026-07381<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
09\/02\/2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
9\/13\/2026 11:59 PM Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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- DESCRIPTION<\/a><\/li>\n
- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n
- QUESTIONS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n- \n
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Description<\/h2>\n<\/dt>\n
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![\"WDFW](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/20260129112943_Recruitment%20banner%20032725.png\")
<\/p>\nWorking Title-<\/strong>\u00a0Senior Riverine Ecology Field Technician<\/p>\n
Classification-<\/strong>\u00a0Scientific Technician 3<\/p>\n
Job Status-<\/strong>\u00a0Full-Time\/Permanent<\/p>\n
WDFW Program-<\/strong>\u00a0Fish Program \u2013 Science Division<\/p>\n
Duty Station-<\/strong>\u00a0*Olympia, Washington \u2013 Thurston County<\/p>\n
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.<\/p>\n
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n
\n![\"2](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/20260902155829_fish_survey_20100616.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPhoto Caption \u2013 Fish survey \u2013 Photo Credit: WDFW<\/em><\/p>\n
With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will perform complex scientific duties and organize field programs for ecological studies important for conserving and protecting native freshwater fish species.<\/strong><\/p>\n
This is an opportunity to<\/strong> collect data that is used to understand factors impacting freshwater survival of native fish populations.<\/strong><\/p>\n
WHAT TO EXPECT –<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:<\/p>\n
Implement and conduct freshwater ecological surveys, organize biological field sampling programs, and maintain data.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Assists with planning weekly schedules, lead daily crew activities, and use established procedures and protocols to conduct non-native fish surveys within selected stream reaches. Uses best judgement and exercises discretion to modify survey protocols and\/or schedule surveys based on weather and river conditions.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Conduct non-native fish surveys using motorized and non-motorized boats, electrofishing equipment, telemetry, and other fisheries sampling techniques (e.g., seining, fyke nets, minnow traps, hook and line, snorkel).<\/li>\n
- Collect environmental DNA samples according to established protocols.<\/li>\n
- Processes biological samples\u2014including tissue, eDNA, diet, and otolith samples\u2014and conducts fish dissections in accordance with established protocols. Install, maintain, and monitor stream temperature monitoring gages in selected sites. Fabricate apparatus for temperature monitoring as needed.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Assist with training efforts for all sampling techniques and protocols and recommend new or modified sampling techniques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Leadership & administrative tasks.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Assists recruiting process of lower-level non-permanent technicians.<\/li>\n
- Provides leadership and guidance to crews of Scientific Technician 2 staff.<\/li>\n
- Plans daily field operations, assigns tasks, and ensures adherence to safety protocols.<\/li>\n
- Ensures agency vehicles are maintained and mileage is reported monthly.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Ensures purchases are properly recorded, OPFs and purchasing card logs are submitted to fiscal on time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Data management.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Leads data entry and QA\/QC for survey data. This may include documentation, summarization, tabulation of data. Organize and catalog collected biological samples and prepare for analysis.<\/li>\n
- Maintains accurate and timely field records and assists with the preparation of data to meet project deliverables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Working Conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Work setting:<\/strong> This role involves work in Coastal Washington watersheds, spanning diverse flow conditions. Accessing locations demands hiking on steep slopes with field gear. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Proficiency in rafting or using pontoon boats is essential. Boat electrofishing requires generators and outboard motors. The job entails working in various weather conditions and performing tasks like bending, kneeling, and climbing. Heavy lifting (50-100 lbs) is required and includes transporting fish, sampling gear, and equipment. Precision and acute vision are necessary, especially for biological sample collection. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing\/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.<\/p>\n
Schedule:<\/strong> This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is typically Monday \u2013 Thursday, 10 hours per day, however it includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and\/or weather conditions.<\/p>\n
Travel requirements:<\/strong> 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 trainings. Overnight travel may be required.<\/p>\n
Customer Interactions:<\/strong> Interactions with landowners will occur.<\/p>\n
QUALIFICATIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Required Qualifications:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Option 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and<\/strong> four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.<\/p>\n
Option 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and<\/strong> four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.<\/p>\n
Option 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Equivalent education\/experience.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
License:<\/strong> Valid driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n
Preferred Qualifications:<\/strong><\/p>\n
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- First Aid and CPR Certified.<\/li>\n
- 3 years of experience handling freshwater fish and collecting biological information.<\/li>\n
- 3 years of experience operating outboard motors and generators.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience electrofishing (boat preferred).<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience towing boats with trailers.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience navigating rivers in watercraft.<\/li>\n
- 2 years of experience managing and maintaining computer files and using spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel).<\/li>\n
- 1 year experience leading a crew or supervising.<\/li>\n
- 1 year experience hiking long distances.<\/li>\n
- 1 year experience using digital data entry servers such as iForms or Survey123.<\/li>\n
- 6 months of experience processing fish diet samples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nYour application m<\/u>ust include the following:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n
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- A COMPLETED<\/strong> online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.<\/li>\n
- An up-to-date resume.<\/li>\n
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.<\/li>\n
- At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n
In addition to pay<\/a> and other special employee programs<\/a>, there are other benefits<\/a> that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the \u201cBenefits\u201d tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.<\/p>\n
\nImportant Note:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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: \u00a0https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-9-central\/form-i-9-acceptable-documents<\/a><\/p>\n
\nUnion – WAFWP:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"yesvets.org](\"https:\/\/secure.neogov.com\/images\/AgencyImages\/jobposting\/1924\/jobpostings\/image\/20260129114508_yesvets1.png\")
\nVeteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Per RCW 73.16.010<\/a> 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:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at\u00a0Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Veterans only \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.\n
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- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse\/veteran (example: 2024-1234 \u2013 Biologist 1 \u2013 Veteran).<\/li>\n
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/p>\n
\nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
As part of WDFW\u2019s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. \u00a0 Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly\u00a0<\/em>and respectfully. \u00a0All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. \u00a0We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. \u00a0Women, 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.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nRequest an accommodation:\u00a0<\/strong>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<\/a>, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.<\/p>\n
\nTechnical Difficulties:\u00a0<\/strong>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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nOther questions:\u00a0<\/strong>If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov<\/a> and reference job #2026-07381<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nKnow someone who would like to volunteer?\u00a0<\/strong>WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
- Veterans only \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.\n
- A COMPLETED<\/strong> online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.<\/li>\n
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- BENEFITS<\/a><\/li>\n