Stormwater Biodiversity Technician - Scientific Technician - Non

Title- Stormwater Biodiversity Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 6.5 Months – February 15, 2026 – August 31, 2026

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Science Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Rough Skinned Newt – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join WDFW and contribute to the conservation of Washington’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems through pond surveys, in-water and upland habitat assessments, and data collection.

This is an opportunity to partake in a monitoring project funded by the Stormwater Strategic Initial Lead (SSIL) targeted at evaluating and considering improvements to stormwater pond features to protect fish and wildlife from priority toxics in urban runoff.

In this role, you will assist in studying the impact of 6

PPDQ (a chemical that prevents automotive tires from degrading) on amphibians in stormwater ponds and natural wetlands around the Puget Sound region; help understand which design and management conditions allow constructed stormwater ponds to function as habitat for native amphibians; and help establish environmentally relevant baseline 6

PPDQ concentrations in stormwater ponds and downstream salmon-bearing waterways across an urban gradient.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Stormwater Biodiversity Technician will,

• Participate in sampling programs designed to understand species richness, abundance, and survival in stormwater ponds and other wetlands.
• Conduct fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research under general supervision.
• Install and maintain sampling equipment and delineate sample units.
• Use established procedures to characterize wetlands and wetland habitats.
• Monitor water quality, including water temperature and hydroperiod.
• Conduct biological surveys, including for amphibians and fish (diversity, demographics, condition, genetic tissue sample), and their habitats.

• Ensure accurate and complete data collection.
• Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
• Develop summaries of data collection progress.

• Safely operate WDFW equipment and supplies following established policies.
• Perform routine maintenance and ensure equipment is functioning reliably and safely.

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in the field, with some office work. Up to 90% of work will occur in the field or preparing to go in the field during the focal field season. Field work includes navigating and hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense, over steep slopes, along and within wetlands, throughout managed landscapes on foot, over downed trees and wood, and up streams that may be slippery.

Navigating along and within streams and ponds and steep terrain is required. Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (typically weighing under 40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (such as hand net, iPad, field notebook, instream temperature sensors, measuring tape) and personal supplies (first aid kit, water, lunch, snacks, rain gear), and at times a field laptop. Infrequently carry by hand 5-gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar.

Navigate and drive on state and county roads throughout western Washington. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

This position is full-time, Monday–Thursday, 10 hours per day, 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.

Field work will be a mixture of daily trips to field sites located within driving distance of the NRB and overnight lodging near study sites.

Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs), field and safety equipment, iPads and other data collection devices, monitors/sensors, and a laptop.

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