Lead Aquatic Biodiversity Technician - Scientific Tech - Non-Perm - Two Positions

Positions: Two (2)

Title- Lead Aquatic Biodiversity Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-permanent

Appointment Length- 6.5 Months – April 16, 2026 – October 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Inland Fisheries section
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW
!

Photo Caption:
Bull Trout – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join WDFW’s Native Aquatic Species Unit as a Lead Field Technician, supporting conservation efforts for Washington’s freshwater fish and shellfish. This role involves coordinating and managing field surveys across multiple watersheds, collecting environmental DNA samples, conducting fish and mussel surveys using electrofishing and
* snorkeling, and gathering habitat and water quality data.

* Please note that snorkel duties are NOT currently being performed, but may be assigned during the season

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Field Technicians will,

• Collect water samples for eDNA analysis and stream habitat covariates following established protocols to ensure high quality, uncontaminated samples.
• Follow established survey protocols to observe, identify, and enumerate freshwater mussels and fishes while wading, snorkeling, or electrofishing.
• Enter clear and concise data into paper or digital field forms.
• Plan and lead scouting to evaluate sampling site accessibility, contacts private landowners and secures permission for land access, designs weekly sampling schedule. Schedules appropriate training for crews.
• Lead a small team during field work.
• Ensure all sampling gear is in working order prior to each trip.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and assists with purchasing when needed.
• Ensures that all field work is completed in accordance with WDFW AIS guidelines.
• Ensure crew follows all safety policies and monitors potential safety concerns during field work (e.g., wildfires, air quality, heat exposure)
• Act as first point of contact for troubleshooting logistical and technical challenges.

Work requires hiking over rough terrain and steep slopes in remote areas while carrying field gear. Field work is conducted under varying environmental conditions—long exposure to adverse weather conditions, such as rainy weather or warm temperatures is expected. Field work will be conducted in small teams and overnight camping in the field is required. Snorkeling will occur in both upstream and downstream directions in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater.

Job duties require long hours with frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting, often while wearing waders or a drysuit. Tasks require dexterity and acute vision, especially when collecting biological samples. 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, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. During portions of the field season, employees will be scheduled to work on an 8 on/6 off work schedule.

Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Regional travel, including overnight travel and staying near field sites (potentially one week or more at a time), is necessary to access field sites and complete sampling.

Hand tools, power, tools, global positioning units, computer tablets, and other equipment will be required to complete job requirements.

This position will be responsible for reaching out to landowners in pre-season planning to secure access to land as well as communicate with those landowners when accessing land during the season.

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of…