Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07469

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Natural Resources, Wetlands, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Summary

WDFW recruitment banner

Working Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Forks, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

View of a fish under water

Photo Caption – Coho salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to assist with creel monitoring programs for fall salmon, winter steelhead, spring chinook, and summer steelhead and coho fisheries.

With your experience, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, collect field data, and interview anglers to assess catch rates of salmon and steelhead.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Creel sampling.

• Conducts angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts to non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Performs surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle or game camera.
• Provides feedback about sampling protocols, and accurately records data into iForms application, paper data sheets, on scale card paper form, and tissue sample blotter sheets.
• Samples all Chinook, coho salmon, and steelhead with electronic CWT detection devices.
• Classifies, sorts, and enumerates marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
• Uses a knife to remove snouts from CWT positive fish, which are used to assess stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
• Samples salmon catch to obtain stock composition (DNA taken with scissors), age structure (scales taken with forceps), fish length (length taken by measuring device), and hatchery and natural-origin proportions (mark-status).
• ID salmonids to species and sex.
• Observe and record hatchery or research marks on the fish.
• Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public.

Data Entry and Analysis.

• Accurately enter data to electronic devices (iPad or phone), legibly recording by hand if electronic devices are not available.
• Review and tabulate data.
• Enter data to existing spreadsheets and databases in Excel, Access, Fish Apps, or other apps.
• Quality Control data already entered into databases using the DFW Fish Apps online data portal as needed to assist the lead biologist.
• Summarize, prepare, write, text, call in, or email data requested by supervisors or other WDFW management staff.

Spawning Ground Surveys.

• Use established procedures to conduct steelhead redd count surveys by accurately recording observed redds and live and dead fish counts within selected stream reaches of Clallam and West Jefferson counties.
• Maintain accurate field records.
• Sample fish carcasses on spawning grounds or hatchery. Collect snouts for CWT, tissue for genetic samples, scales, and otoliths, in addition to biometric data such as sex, length, mark status (fin clip).
• Contact private landowners, ONP and DNR for permission to gain access to land and acquire gate keys to gain access to survey sections.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is primarily conducted in the field. Adverse weather and environmental conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, and walking through vegetation and in uneven terrain in and near streams and rivers to obtain angler interviews and conduct redd counts, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. Contacting anglers requires driving and hiking to fishing areas or driving to creel locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district using a state vehicle. Staff may need to hike up to 5 miles or boat up to 10 miles of stream over slippery and uneven terrain to reach anglers and conduct redd surveys. Boating may include navigating up to class III whitewater and staying on the water in uncomfortable conditions (cold, wet, etc.).

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening, early morning, late night, or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Considerable driving is required via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private (logging) roads. May have to shuttle state vehicles between Forks, Montesano, and Olympia. May have to give rides to contractors for tie-in surveys.

Customer Interactions: Interactions with co-workers from WDFW and co-managing Tribes, recreational anglers; interacts with the public during data collection, and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, as well as agency programs and activities. Interactions with contractors during tie-in floats. Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public. Includes possible contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated. Provides a high level of customer service to anglers and the public. Liaison to regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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 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 one or more of the following:

• Experience sampling adult salmonids for marks and tags, including scanning fish for coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.
• Experience using computers or mobile devices for data entry and writing to produce accurate and timely work products.
• Working knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Ability to identify river stage adult salmonids to species.
• Ability to identify sex of adult salmonids.
• Experience conducting creel surveys.
• Experience operating non-motorized watercrafts in rivers and streams and navigating white water.
• Familiarity with North Coast river systems and common navigational hazards.

Your application must 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.

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.

yesvets.org logo

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 Cheri.Potter@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.

WDFW diversity logo

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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07469.

Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!

Follow us on social media:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

cp