Fish Science Technician - Scientific Technician - Non

Title: Fish Science Technician

Classification: Scientific Technician 2

Job Status: Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies: Three (3)

Appointment Length: 4 months – August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026

WDFW Program: Fish Program

Duty Station: Twisp, Washington – Okanogan County

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

This is an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing study investigating the overwinter habitat use of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed juvenile spring Chinook within the Methow River Basin. Envision yourself in the field, assisting with the operation of rotary‑screw traps and performing electrofishing surveys to capture, mark, and study juvenile salmonids to elucidate a critical life‑stage and improve regional salmon recovery efforts.

• Function as part of a team to perform fish capture activities using rotary‑screw traps and conducting electrofishing surveys to meet study objectives.
• Accurately collect and record biological data including species identification, length, weight, marks, scales, genetics, and environmental data such as GPS waypoints, temperature, survey time, and survey length.
• Mark captured juvenile salmonids with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags.

• Fieldwork environment including working in inclement weather conditions.
• Use of standard chemicals for fish anesthesia (MS‑222) and sterilization chemicals (alcohol).
• Walk 4‑6 miles of rugged, low‑order river terrain daily and work regularly in swift river environments.
• Occasionally lift up to 75 lbs during fish transport from collection sites to tagging stations.
• Position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to a water environment.

Typically 40 hours per week. Scheduled workdays may vary from week to week with hours ranging between 8–12 hours depending on operational needs. Nights, weekends, and holidays may be required to facilitate work during peak periods. Local travel to field locations is required; occasional travel of longer distances and overnight stays may be required to attend meetings or training.

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging gear, rotary‑screw traps, electrofishing equipment, vehicles, trailers, waders, boots, pumps, generators, various power and hand tools, computers, GPS units, cod‑wire tag (CWT) wands, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Occasional contact with the public is expected when performing work tasks.

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
• OR 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.
• College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife, environmental, or natural resource sciences.
• Experience handling, sampling, and PIT tagging juvenile salmonids.
• Rotary‑screw trap operation and maintenance, electrofishing surveys, and mark‑recapture methods.
• Microsoft Suite proficiency.

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up‑to‑date résumé.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

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:…