Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2 Openings - 2025-08375

State of Washington•Forks, WA

56d

About The Position

These are opportunities to build hands-on field experience in fisheries monitoring within the Queets and Quinault river basins, two of the most dynamic systems in WDFW's District 16. Envision yourself gathering essential catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species through interviews and drive-around effort counts that support real-time management decisions. As part of our team, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, collect field data, and engage directly with anglers to assess catch rates and understand on-the-water conditions. You'll also operate motorized vehicles and field equipment safely while maintaining positive relationships with the public, private landowners, and Co-managers. Your work will directly support sampling programs and field studies that provide the biological data needed for effective fisheries management, advancing WDFW's mission to protect wild fish while supporting sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.

Requirements

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.
College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Valid driver's license.
Successful completion of mandatory, job-related training and/or certification-such as safety, equipment operation, fieldwork procedures, and/or emergency management-may be required as a condition of employment, depending on position responsibilities, supervisory direction, and training availability.
Employees may also be required to participate in safety courses, committees, or groups, and complete recertification as needed to support the safety of the agency and its personnel.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year or more of professional experience in the following:
Sampling adult salmonids for marks and tags, including scanning fish for coded wire tags (CWTs).
Using iPads for data collection.
Identifying saltwater and river-stage adult salmonids to species.
Identifying sex of adult salmonids.
Conducting creel surveys.

Responsibilities

Conduct angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts on non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
Perform surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle.
Contact anglers on foot along river access points and monitor boat ramps to interview returning boat groups.
Provide feedback about sampling protocols, and accurately records data in iPad application (iForm), paper data sheets and on scale and tissue sample card paper forms.
Ask standardized questions regarding trip details, target species, and catch/harvest.
Identify salmonids by species and sex; collect biological samples from salmonids (scales, fork length CWT scans, and snout recoveries when applicable).
Measure dorsal height on retained hatchery steelhead and document any hatchery or research marks.
Provide accurate sport fishing regulation information to the public and report observed fishery violations to the regional supervisor.
Accurately record and enter data into electronic devices.
Perform preliminary QA/QC before syncing data.
Summarize and provide requested data to supervisors or management as needed.
Operate and maintain all equipment including sampling equipment, waders or other wearable gear, and vehicles.
Perform basic vehicle checks, including oil, fuel, and washer fluid levels.