Aquatic Invasive Species Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Non-Permanent - 2026-04288

State of Washington•Franklin County – Pasco, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention team and conduct impactful fieldwork to protect state waters. Picture yourself surveying high risk bodies of water to collect samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) throughout Washington state. In this role you will perform early detection monitoring of Zebra and Quagga mussels, ensuring all data is accurately recorded and reviewed, and serve as the lead watercraft operator for the Pasco team.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science And Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science And Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
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 or environmental science classes.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Boat operation knowledge and experience.
Connecting and towing trailers up to 25 feet in length.
With Microsoft Windows and other electronic devices, such as smart phones, electronic tablets, and laptops.
Safely operating vehicles and motorized watercraft (at least 15 feet in length) in freshwater or marine areas.
Maintaining public service and developing partnerships effectively through community outreach and education.
CPR/First Aid/AED.
Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II.
WDFW Motorboat Operator Training Certification (MOTC) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Conduct Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring: Survey high-risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods including collecting horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows, monitoring artificial substrates, conducting visual shoreline surveys, collecting water quality measurements using hydrolab and calcium collection techniques, collecting substrate samples using a Petite Ponar grab, and collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
Follow Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
Identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling.
As the lead watercraft operator on the Pasco team: Safely operate a watercraft in Washington’s biggest rivers and lakes.
Train new team members on complex monitoring methods and decontamination procedures.
Recommend new or modified monitoring methods and sites.
Interact with the public about the AIS work being conducted.
Perform Office Work: Follow protocols to review and accurately record AIS data into databases.
Organize, file, and summarize data.
Maintain and update schedule and calendars, complete time sheets, and complete order payment form submissions in a timely manner.
Education and Outreach: Train WDFW staff on routine invasive species management protocols.
Provide AIS education and outreach to constituents at public meetings, fishing clubs, sport shows, fairs, and fishing tournaments.
Maintain Equipment: Maintain vehicle, watercraft, trailer, electronic tablet, laptop, smart phone, eDNA backpack water filtration system, and mobile water quality laboratory in a safe and working order.