Autofish System Operator - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-09319

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

About The Position

The Autofish System Operator supports salmon conservation efforts across Washington by operating automated and manual mass-marking and coded-wire-tagging mobile wet labs at hatcheries statewide. The role plans and conducts coded wire tag experiments and analyzes tagging data used to determine contribution rates, allocation, broodstock identification, escapement, and the effects of mark-selective fisheries. The operator works independently and may oversee up to 11 contract employees. The position includes training staff, ensuring scientific sampling methods are followed, monitoring work quality and fish health, diagnosing and repairing advanced wet-lab systems, and maintaining tagging equipment. The operator also compiles, quality-checks, analyzes, and summarizes data in coordination with other WDFW units, preparing reports and analyses for review and distribution. The position is full-time and permanent, based in Olympia, Washington, with extensive travel to hatcheries statewide. Work takes place in mobile wet labs and hatchery environments, including outdoors in all weather conditions. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with extensive overtime expected during the peak marking season, typically February through November; occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Option 1: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a closely related field, and one year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
Option 2: One year of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.
Closely related qualifying experience may substitute for required education on a year-by-year basis.
A master’s degree or higher in an applicable science may substitute for one year of required experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel and drive extensively, potentially up to five days per week for as many as nine months per year.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, stand for extended periods, and routinely lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass-marking mobile wet lab.
Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment.
Experience supervising or directing employees.
Experience using hand tools to perform general repairs on mechanical equipment.
Experience analyzing data and contributing to publication of research findings.
Knowledge of the coded wire tag system.
Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.

Responsibilities

Independently operate automated or manual coded wire tagging and mass-marking mobile wet labs at locations statewide.
Oversee up to 11 contract employees performing coded wire tagging and/or mass-marking activities.
Train new employees, provide hazard communication training, monitor work product, and assist in training WDFW staff on tagging and marking techniques.
Ensure scientific random sampling methods are followed to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
Diagnose and repair automated marking and tagging mobile wet-lab systems, including robotic systems, video imaging systems, and software.
Monitor work product and fish health to support sound scientific results.
Analyze coded wire tag recoveries using the RMIS coded wire tag database to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement.
Collaborate with the HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab to compile, quality-check, and analyze data as directed by a Biologist 3 or 4.
Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses for review by a Biologist 3 and distribution to the requesting unit.
Maintain automated and manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs.
Remove and repair mechanical devices annually to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
Re-home and verify operation of six stepper motors.
Recalibrate the video imaging system by removing and cleaning optics and infrared sensors.