Otolith Laboratory Technician - Scientific Technician

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Title-Otolith Laboratory Technician
Classification-Scientific Technician 3
Job Status-Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

Join our team and contribute to the conservation and monitoring of Washington State salmonids, including Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed stocks.

In this dynamic role, you will work with a collaborative research team to skillfully prepare calcified structures (such as otoliths, vertebrae, scales) for chemical, structural, and thermal mark analyses and participate in field collections.

As part of the Otolith Laboratory, you will generate critical age and origin data provided for WDFW Fish Management and Hatchery Divisions, as wells as tribal comanagers, federal fisheries managers, and other groups to be used in forecasting, run reconstruction, stock assessment and scientific research.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Otolith Laboratory Technician will,

Conduct sample extraction and processing for thermal mark evaluation and microchemical/microstructural analyses:

• Prepare high-quality half-sectioned and thin-sectioned otolith samples.
• Communicate effectively with lab team members to ensure accuracy and meet project deadlines.
• Dissect fish and extract otoliths.
• Track and embed otoliths in resin for sample analysis.
• Accurately enter field and project data into database.
• Capture high-resolution images of otoliths and other calcified structures.
• Identify features of otolith microstructure under microscope or from images.
• Evaluate otolith samples for presence of thermal marks and accurately identify patterns.

Assist and support production (spawning, production estimation, ponding) and thermal marking operations (thermal marking) for Grays River chum salmon project:

• Collect and accurately record biological data (such as weight, length, sex, fecundity) and collect tissue samples from adult salmon (scales, otoliths, DNA, kidney, spleen, ovarian fluid).
• Assist hatchery and lab staff in artificially spawning and cross-fertilizing chum salmon gametes.
• Perform work at remote hatchery sites 1-2 times/week between October and February.
• Assemble, monitor, and troubleshoot the portable chilled water delivery system used for thermal marking.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:Work primarily occurs in a laboratory setting, but will also include office environments, hatcheries, and field sites. Perform repetitive fine motor functions for long durations.

Laboratory hazards include hot surfaces (hot plates, burners), grinding wheels, sharp blades, dissecting tools, and chemical exposure (acids, ethanol, acetone, thermoplastic resin, and polystyrene resin) both direct and as fumes.

Hatchery and field work may be performed during inclement weather and over slippery, uneven terrain near or on the water. Lift equipment, samples, coolers, and field gear up to 75 lbs., with assistance as needed. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M. May be required to work more than 40 hours per week, on weekends, or extended hours while in the field.

Travel Requirements:Occasional field work and laboratory work will require travel throughout Washington state. Attend annual workshops and conferences. May include overnight and day trips. Increased travel to remote hatchery sites (less than 4 hours away) October–February, 1-2 times per week.

Tools and Equipment:Compound and dissecting (stereo) microscopes, epifluorescence microscope, desktop/laptop computers, image analysis software, dissecting tools, precision grinders, hot plates, fume hood, balances, and low-speed precision saws will be used routinely. Portable chilling units and pumps will occasionally be set up and maintained for hatchery…