Smolt Trap Technicians - Scientific Tech - Non-Perm - Three

Overview

Title- Smolt Trap Technicians

Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)

Openings- Three (3)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- Three (3) months – March 2, 2026-May 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatchery-Wild Interactions Unit
Duty Station- Dayton, Washington – Columbia County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption PIT Tagging Juvenile Salmonids – Photo Credit WDFW

This position plays a hands-on role in the installation, maintenance, and operation of juvenile rotary smolt traps used to collect essential biological and out migration data for ESA-listed salmonids. The work directly supports efforts to estimate natural production of imperiled salmon populations in rivers across southeastern Washington. By contributing to these critical monitoring efforts, this position helps advance the agency’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish - and supports the Department’s broader goal of conserving and safeguarding native fish and wildlife for future generations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Smolt Trap Technicians will,

• Assist in the operation of rotary screw traps.
• Sample juvenile salmonids by safely using MS-222 (anesthesia) to enumerate the number of fish by species, collect length and weight samples on captured salmonids, and collect scale samples for age analysis.
• PIT tag salmonids.
• Enter collected data into computer database and ensure data accuracy.
• Sampling hatchery fish by collecting lengths and weights and checking for tag retention.

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily conducted in the field. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, may transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Travel to trapping sites will be required.

Tools and Equipment: Smolt traps, coded-wire tag and PIT tag scanning equipment, chain saws, come-alongs, and winches.

Customer Interactions: Interaction with the public is limited but may occur.

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 school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Please Note: College coursework 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience in the operation of smolt traps, identification of juvenile salmonids, and PIT tagging fish.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the…