Non-Native Fish Research Technician - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm - Two

Title
- Non-Native Fish Research Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Appointment Length- 7 months – March 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption:
Upper Chehalis River – Photo Credit: WDFW

Play a key role in the Chehalis River non-native fish suppression study, supporting a research initiative focused on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted suppression strategies for non-native bass species within the basin.

In this role, you will lead field operations and provide oversight and guidance to Scientific Technician 2 staff supporting field data collection.

Responsibilities also include conducting species harvest, collecting biological data and managing data entry.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Non-Native Fish Research Technician will, the following:

• Predatory Fish Suppression:
• Conduct predatory fish removal within the Chehalis watershed, targeting all bass species.
• Operate boat electrofishing equipment safely, including night-time operations, to capture bass.
• Employ additional fish collection methods as needed, including seining, hook-and-line, and backpack electrofishing.
• Collect biological data, including habitat metrics, fish measurements, and samples for diet and genetic analysis.
• Implement tagging of captured fish using PIT, Floy, VIE, or other approved tags. Track tagged fish using handheld telemetry receivers and download data from fixed receivers.
• Maintain and troubleshoot all field and sampling equipment to ensure proper functionality.

• Crew Lead:
• Provide supervision and guidance to a crew of Scientific Technician 2 staff during predatory fish suppression operations.
• Plan daily field operations, assign tasks, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

• Sample Processing:
• Process all collected biological samples, including tissue, eDNA, diet, and otolith samples, following established protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of all samples processed, including chain-of-custody, storage location, and data entry.

• Equipment Maintenance:
• Maintain all research and field equipment, ensuring operational readiness for field and lab work.

Work setting, including hazards:

• Work in Coastal Washington watersheds, across a range of flow conditions. Accessing locations may require hiking on steep slopes with field gear.
• Proficiency in rafting or operating motorized boats. Boat electrofishing duties involve use of generators and outboard motors.
• Work in inclement weather, including bending, kneeling, climbing and lifting heavy loads (50-100 lbs) such as fish, sampling gear, and other equipment.
• This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, shifts are 10 hours, Monday – Thursday. Work schedule may vary due to adverse weather conditions. Non-standard hours, such as overnight electrofishing from 8:00 P.M – 2:00 A.M., are to be expected.

Travel Requirements: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel is extremely rare.

Tools and Equipment: Rafts, pontoon boats, electrofishing equipment, seine nets, fishing rods, dissection equipment, hand tools, power tools, generators, outboard motors, radio telemetry tracking devices, various types of tags and tagging equipment, global positioning units, stadia rods, measuring tapes, computers, and computer tablets.

Customer Interactions: Interactions with landowners will occur.

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science, and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Option 2: 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.

Please…