Fishery Sampler – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – Five Openings – *02657-25

Title- Fishery Sampler 
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time – Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies– Five (5)
Appointment Length- 4.5 months – June 2, 2025 – October 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program 
Duty Station- Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to support fishery conservation efforts through efficient, accurate, and precise data collection.

Envision yourself in the field, throughout the Yakima River Basin assisting with mark-recapture population estimates and gathering fish for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fishery Sampler will, 

Conduct field data collection activities associated with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) contracted work under the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP):

• Assist with mark recapture population estimates using backpack and drift boat electrofisher.
• Collect Rainbow trout, Chinook and Coho salmon with backpack electrofisher for PIT tagging in the Yakima Basin.
• Collect biological data – scan for PIT tag, length, weight, fin clip for genetic analysis and scales for aging.
• Identify all species in the Yakima Basin for assemblage data.
• Collect habitat measurements such as flow, stream widths and thalweg.
• Assist with Chinook fry sampling using backpack electro fisher for growth comparisons.

Gather data in rivers by snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish and row a raft to study sites along the Yakima River:

• Snorkel upstream along the bank and down center channel, identifying and counting all fish species seen.
• Snorkel on Spring Chinook redds identifying all fish scene and counting the number of precocious males on each redd.
• Collect habitat measurements such as flow, densitometer, transects, site pictures, and GPS coordinates.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

• This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments in varying environmental conditions.
• Carry a 30 lb. pack and a bucket of water (up to 40 lb.) while hiking quickly over wet, slippery, uneven terrain and through streams where water temperatures are at times near freezing.
• The ability to be comfortable rowing rafts and snorkeling upstream and downstream in cold, flowing river conditions.

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. The standard workday during the field season is 10 hours, however may work at night and/or weekends for portions of the field season.
 
Travel Requirements: May be requested to work out of town.
 
Tools and Equipment: Electrofishing units which includes a backpack and drift boat, and basic hand tools
 
Customer Interactions: Typically interacts with private landowners, peers, other federal, state, tribal, local, and private entities.  

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: 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

Option 2: 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 coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, providing the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• WDFW Swift Water and snorkel training/certification, with completion within one (1) month of hire and renewal expected annually.
• First Aid/CPR within first two (2) weeks of employment.

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

Background in fish science and a basic understanding of the Yakima River basin and its tributaries. 

Experience: 

• Rowing small rafts and drift boat, backpack electrofishing, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and snorkeling.
• Identifying all native and non-native fishes of the Yakima basin.
• In proper sampling and handling of ESA listed fish.
• Collecting data following set protocol with minimal supervision.
• Accurately recording data.
• Effectively communicating basic study objectives to the public, landowners, etc.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-02657.

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