Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Two (2) openings - *04534-25
Title- Freshwater Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
*Appointment Length- Two (2) months – August 25, 2025 – October 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Skagit County
*This position has the potential to get extended through November 30, 2025.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
These positions offer valuable opportunities to gain hands-on field experience in fisheries management within the Samish, Skagit, and Nooksack River basins. As part of our team, you will collect crucial catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species by engaging directly with anglers. Your role will include conducting biological sampling, gathering field data, and assessing catch rates - efforts that directly support sampling and field studies essential to effective fisheries management.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freshwater Monitoring Technicians will,
Conduct 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.
- Perform surveys to assess angling effort by counting angler vehicles and trailers at designated river locations via motor vehicle.
- Record data using iPad app and scale card paper.
- Sample Chinook and coho salmon using electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices.
- Classify, sort and count marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
- Access stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling by removing snouts from Chinook and coho salmon with CWTs.
- Sample salmon catch for stock composition (DNA), age (scales), length, and origin (hatchery or natural).
- Conduct creel interviews to gather information from anglers about their fishing activity and catch; interview bank anglers on foot at river access points and monitor boat ramps.
- Identify salmonids by species and sex, noting hatchery or research marks.
- Operate and maintain agency vehicle and sampling equipment.
Gathering & Recording Data:
- Accurately record and enter data into electronic devices.
- Review, tabulate, and proof data using DFW Fish Apps online data portal.
Maintenance of Equipment:
- Operate and maintain all equipment, including sampling equipment, waders, and vehicles.
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance (oil checks, monitor fuel and washer fluid levels).
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions. Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slim, biting/stinging insects. Repetitive hand movements, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, and walking on uneven terrain in and near streams and rivers and climbing in and out of boats. Lifting up to 40 lbs. unassisted a couple of times per week; carrying, kneeling, and heavy lifting of containers of fish. Working and standing in confined spaces on slippery surfaces and using knives. Driving agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: All days during the week, including weekends and holidays with overtime required, as assigned. Shifts may vary, lasting up to 12 hours, including early morning and late nights. Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours between 5 AM and 11 PM.
Travel Requirements: North Puget Sound area. No overnight travel requirements, but long drives may be assigned to collect equipment.
Tools and Equipment: iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear and rubber boots/waders/hip boots.
Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with WDFW co-workers, co-managing Tribes, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection, providing information on fisheries, agency programs, and sport fishing regulations. Must deliver excellent customer service, even when dealing with individuals who may be frustrated. Serve as a liaison to regional supervisors and enforcement regarding observed fishery violations.
Qualifications:
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 will 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.
Licenses: Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all 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 personal computers or mobile devices for data entry and producing accurate, timely work products.
- Working knowledge of Excel and Word.
- Ability to identify saltwater and river stage adult salmonids to species.
- Ability to identify sex of adult salmonids.
- Experience conducting creel surveys.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- 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
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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