Willapa Bay Smolt Trapping Technician - Scientific Tech - Non-Perm

Overview

Title- Willapa Bay Smolt Trapping Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment/Season Length- 3.5 months – March 2, 2026 - June 15, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Ecology Life Cycle Monitoring Unit

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW.

Photo Caption:
Five foot rotary screw trap – Photo Credit WDFW

This is an opportunity to participate in juvenile abundance studies as part of the Ecology Life Cycle Monitoring Unit. The purpose of this position is to collect data that shows population estimates, productivity, and diversity of natural origin salmonids in the Willapa basin. The incumbent will work on a five-foot rotary screw trap located on the North River in the Willapa basin.

Operate juvenile salmon traps.

• Assist with the installation/removal, operation and maintenance of a 5’ rotary screw trap.
• Check traps daily, enumerate, and sub-sample juvenile salmonid catch.
• Collect and record related biological and environmental data as assigned by supervisor.
• Use various marking/ tagging techniques.
• Maintain trap integrity during high flow events and make repairs if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris or vandalism.
• Organize and maintain all trap related gear, sampling equipment and data forms.
• Enter and error check field data into agency database.
• Maintain data integrity - ensure data entry is complete and accurate.

Data Entry

• Data entry and QA/QC.
• Organize and enter data into agency databases.
• Check data for errors and irregularities.
• Ensure data entry is complete and accurate.

Working Conditions

• Work setting includes field work (100%).
• During peak migration or high flow periods, may work long hours until fish are processed; traps require physical ability for extended periods; may transport 5-gallon buckets of water in slippery conditions; sites may have rain, wind, and cold conditions.
• fish are anesthetized with MS-222 to minimize stress; marking fish involves sharp objects; may involve water environments.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and weather conditions.

Travel

• Daily travel from duty station to field locations using agency vehicle. Some navigating on gravel logging roads with a 4x4 truck.

Tools and Equipment

• 4x4 trucks, water pumps, power tools, hand tools, filet knives, scissors, scalpels, PIT tagging equipment, and other sampling equipment. Tough pads and laptop computers.

Customer Interactions

• Work will be conducted alongside fellow technicians. Interactions with the public can be common. Less common interactions are with personnel from private companies, tribes, federal, state, and local agencies.

Required Qualifications:

• Option 1:
  Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
• Option 2:
  Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
• 
  
  Note:
  
  Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute year-for-year for experience.
• Certifications/Licenses:
  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
• Six (6) months or more of experience in/with identifying juvenile salmonids by species.
• Data entry into computer files and spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access).
• Salmon life history and proper fish-handling techniques.
• Juvenile salmon trapping techniques.
• Fish marking and tagging protocols.
• Basic construction and use of hand and power tools.

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