Working Title- Coded Wire Tag Recovery Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career!

This is an opportunity to process all tagged salmon heads collected from all salmon fisheries, spawning ground recoveries, and hatchery rack returns in Washington waters in a laboratory setting.

As a member of the Coded Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit, you will play a key role in gathering biological data contributing to the conservation and management of Washington’s salmon populations.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coded Wire Tag Recovery Technician will,

Core and Dissect Specimens:

• Accurately collect snout counts and data.
• Organize samples by fishery.
• Maintain an organized laboratory space, keeping tools and equipment where they belong.
• Ensure the snout data labels are not overwritten, torn, or damaged.

Read and Transcribe Data:

• Use a Coded Wire Tag (CWT) viewer to read data on tags.
• Decipher, organize, and accurately transcribe the data collected.

Data Entry:

• Enter data into the correct recovery year, fishery, and assigned batch number.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in a laboratory setting. Work around strong, unpleasant odors. Handle bloody tissue samples. Move or lift equipment, snout bags, and garbage cans weighing between 15-60 pounds with assistance. 

Schedule: Typically, Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Workload demands may require work outside of the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.

Travel Requirements: May travel to various hatchery locations throughout the state.

Tools and Equipment: Coring machine or handheld corer, scalpels, knives, V-Detector and wand, cutting boards, air compressor, platform truck, microscope, and computer.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

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.

OR

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.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Experience with Coded Wire Tags (CWTs).
• Knowledge of the watersheds, fisheries, and hatcheries in Washington State.
• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with Washington State hatcheries.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
 
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://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
 
Union - WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals. 
 
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
 
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
 
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
 
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
 
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
 
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13422.

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