Fall Chinook Monitoring & Evaluation - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm

Title- Fall Chinook Monitoring & Evaluation

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies-Six (6)

Appointment Length- 3.5 months– September 2, 2026 – December 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Pasco, Washington – Franklin County

Photo Caption:
Chinook Salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries fieldwork while working in dynamic outdoor environments.

In this role, you will collect and record biological data, trap adult fall Chinook, conduct carcass and redd surveys and recover and decode coded wire tags (CWTs) to support fisheries monitoring efforts.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fall Chinook Monitoring & Evaluation Technician will,

• Collect biological data from fall Chinook salmon recovered at multiple locations including Priest Rapids and Ringold Springs Hatcheriesand  carcass surveys conducted in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River
• Use standard sampling techniques,equipment and data collection forms whilesamplingadult salmonids for demographic data and coded-wire tags (CWT).
• Enter and proof data from spreadsheets, databases, and other formats

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Most workoccursathatcherysites both indoors and outdoors. Occasionally workoccurs alongriver shorelinesaccessed by either auto or boat.
• Fieldwork may involve prolonged exposure to inclement weather, use of knives or hacksaws to remove fish snouts, exposure to insect bites and stings, limited access to restrooms or other facilities, working on uneven terrain, repetitive heavy lifting and periods of standing, walking and bending over.
• Pick up and carry up to ~1,000 individual salmon weighing up to 40 pounds during an eight (8) hour work period.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., working 40 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions including additional hours, weekend work and evenings.

Travel Requirements: Travel to remote work sites in agency owned vehicles.

Tools and Equipment:Rain gear, boot/waders, protective gloves, standard sampling tools.

Customer Interactions:Limited interactions with non-agency personnel unless public, tribal members or PUD employees do a hatchery site visit.

Qualifications:

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

Please Note:

• College course work 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 (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
• 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, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience:

• Handling adult salmonids.
• Performing carcass surveys.
• Performing redd surveys.
• Decoding coded wire tags (CWT).
• Collecting physical and biological sampling data from salmon.
• Working with relational databases.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-documents

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