Positions: Two (2)
Title- Lead Aquatic Biodiversity Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 6.5 Months – 4/16/2025-10/31/2025 
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Inland Fish Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join WDFW’s Aquatic Biodiversity Monitoring Program 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.

What to Expect-
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. 
• 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. 
• Follow established freshwater mussel and freshwater fish survey protocols. 
• Observe, identify, and enumerate freshwater mussels and fishes while wading, snorkeling, or with aqua scope. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 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.

Schedule: Work schedule is variable, however we will attempt to maintain a Monday-Thursday 10 hour/day schedule. Length of workdays may vary day-to-day.

Travel: Travel occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Regional travel, including overnight travel and staying near field sites (e.g., Monday-Thursday), is necessary to access filed sites and complete sampling.

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

Customer interactions: 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.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

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 laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Option 3: Equivalent education/experience.

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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special requirements: 

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.   
• WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and renewal expected annually. 
• Incumbents must have an up to date First AID/CPR. If the incumbent does not have this certification prior to hire, the appropriate training will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience collecting environmental DNA samples
• Experience collecting stream habitat data
• Experience using electronic field forms
• Experience identifying and handling native freshwater fish and mussel species
• Experience working in a backcountry setting
• Experience snorkeling for scientific studies
• Knowledge of freshwater fish and mussel ecology

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov 

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