Aquatic Invasive Species Technician – Scientific Technician 3 – Non-Permanent – 2026-04288

Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length– 6.5 Months – July 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management
Duty Station– Pasco, Washington – Franklin County
*Standby- This position may be required to be on standby.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention team and conduct impactful fieldwork to protect state waters.

Picture yourself surveying high risk bodies of water to collect samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) throughout Washington state.

In this role you will perform early detection monitoring of Zebra and Quagga mussels, ensuring all data is accurately recorded and reviewed, and serve as the lead watercraft operator for the Pasco team.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,

Conduct Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring:

• Survey high-risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods including collecting horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows, monitoring artificial substrates, conducting visual shoreline surveys, collecting water quality measurements using hydrolab and calcium collection techniques, collecting substrate samples using a Petite Ponar grab, and collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
• Follow Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
• Identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling.
• As the lead watercraft operator on the Pasco team:
  • Safely operate a watercraft in Washington’s biggest rivers and lakes.
  • Train new team members on complex monitoring methods and decontamination procedures.
  • Recommend new or modified monitoring methods and sites.
• Interact with the public about the AIS work being conducted.

Perform Office Work:

• Follow protocols to review and accurately record AIS data into databases.
• Organize, file, and summarize data.
• Maintain and update schedule and calendars, complete time sheets, and complete order payment form submissions in a timely manner.

Education and Outreach:

• Train WDFW staff on routine invasive species management protocols.
• Provide AIS education and outreach to constituents at public meetings, fishing clubs, sport shows, fairs, and fishing tournaments.

Maintain Equipment:

• Maintain vehicle, watercraft, trailer, electronic tablet, laptop, smart phone, eDNA backpack water filtration system, and mobile water quality laboratory in a safe and working order.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 90% fieldwork and 10% office work. Work is conducted outdoors on water and land, including during inclement weather.
• May work independently in remote locations, day and night. Walk up to five (5) miles on uneven ground, occasionally relocate 75 pounds or pack 50 pounds, and handle chemicals safely and in accordance with labels. Safely transport and operate large equipment. May conduct euthanasia on animals during rapid response actions for detections of adult invasive mussels.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day. Will be required to occasionally exceed 40 hours per week. May work outside of normal workweek during holidays, weekends, and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.

*Standby:

• This position may require standby. For this position, standby means the employee is responsible for remaining available by cell phone to complete safety check-in and check-out processes during non-core business hours.
• Standby may include full days (e.g. Saturday-Sunday) or intermittent standby times (such as 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm) several times per week.
• Standby shifts will be scheduled in advance, unless there is an emergency, and will be divided equally with the senior biologist, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.

Travel Requirements: Weekly statewide travel and overnight stays up to five (5) days at a time.

Tools and Equipment: Personal computer, laptop, electronic tablet, complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices. Transport and operate large equipment up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with the public while conducting AIS fieldwork. May encounter members of the public that are not cooperative.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) year of high school science
  And
Four (4) 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 or environmental 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:

• Boat operation knowledge and experience.
• Connecting and towing trailers up to 25 feet in length.
• With Microsoft Windows and other electronic devices, such as smart phones, electronic tablets, and laptops.
• Safely operating vehicles and motorized watercraft (at least 15 feet in length) in freshwater or marine areas.
• Maintaining public service and developing partnerships effectively through community outreach and education.

Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid/AED.
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II.
• WDFW Motorboat Operator Training Certification (MOTC) or equivalent.

Your application must 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 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: 2026-1234 – 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 #2026-04288.

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