Salmon Coded Wire Tag Technician

Title: Coded Wire Tag Technician

Classification: Scientific Technician 2

Number of Vacancies: Two (2)

Job Status: Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length: 6 Months–August 16, 2026 – February 16, 2027

WDFW Program: Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Duty Station: Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW
!

Photo Caption:
Scanning for Coded Wire Tag – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career!

This is an opportunity to process all tagged salmon heads collected from various salmon fisheries, spawning ground recoveries, and hatchery rack returns in Washington waters in a laboratory setting.

As a member of the Coded Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit, you will play a key role in gathering biological data contributing to the conservation and management of Washington’s salmon populations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coded Wire Tag Technician will,

• Independently prepare, core, and dissect tissues from salmon snouts using tested protocol to retrieve coded wire tags (CWTs).
• Use a computer to read CWTs and transcribe data onto datasheets and the Tag-lab database.
• Maintain an organized and clean space including the laboratory reading and dissection rooms, desks, and tools.
• Assist at hatcheries, marine lab, genetics lab, CWT application team, or other programs.

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in a laboratory setting but will also occur at hatcheries.

Work in the lab around strong, unpleasant odors and handle bloody tissue samples. Lift and move equipment, snout bags, and garbage containers, weighing approximately 15-60 pounds, daily. This position requires manual dexterity and mobility.

Work performed at the hatcheries can be cold and wet; surfaces may be slippery. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Typically, Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. 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.

May travel to various hatchery locations throughout the state.

Pneumatic coring machine or handheld corer, scalpels, knives, various handheld tools, Voltage Detector and T-Wand, cutting boards, magnet, air compressor, 4x4 truck, CWT reader, computer, and other lab equipment.

May interact with the public when assisting at hatcheries during the spawning season.

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 coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Valid Driver’s License.

• Experience with coded wire tags (CWTs).
• Knowledge of fisheries in Washington State.
• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge or experience with Washington State hatcheries.

• 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 special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible…