Fishery Sampler – Scientific Technician

  • Forestry, Land, Freshwater & Agriculture
  • Washington, USA

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Salary: $3,477–$4,632 per month

Position Summary:
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) is hiring five Fishery Samplers for a 4.5-month appointment (June 2–October 15, 2025) to support fishery conservation and population monitoring in the Yakima River Basin.

This full-time, non-permanent role involves electrofishing, PIT tagging, snorkeling surveys, and habitat data collection to assess salmonid populations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct Field Data Collection (Monitoring & Evaluation, Viable Salmonid Population Studies):
    • Assist with mark-recapture population estimates via electrofishing (backpack & drift boat).
    • Capture Rainbow Trout, Chinook, and Coho Salmon for PIT tagging.
    • Collect biological data including PIT tag scans, fin clips, scales, lengths, and weights.
    • Identify all fish species in the Yakima Basin and document habitat measurements.
    • Support Chinook fry sampling for growth comparisons.
  • Snorkeling & Raft-Based Surveys:
    • Conduct snorkeling surveys to identify, count, and collect fish in Yakima River tributaries.
    • Row rafts to study sites, collect habitat data, and document fish behavior.
    • Perform specialized redd surveys, counting precocious males on Spring Chinook redds.

Working Conditions:

  • Physical Demands: Carry 30–40 lbs of gear, traverse wet/slippery terrain, and snorkel in cold flowing water.
  • Schedule: Monday–Thursday (10-hour shifts, 7:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M.), with occasional night/weekend fieldwork.
  • Travel: Some out-of-town assignments required.
  • Equipment Used: Electrofishing gear, rafts, basic field tools, GPS units.

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED with:
    • Two years of experience as a Scientific Technician OR
    • Two years of lab/field assistant experience in biology, fisheries, zoology, or chemistry.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in fish science and knowledge of Yakima River Basin fisheries.
  • Experience with:
    • Rowing rafts & drift boats.
    • Electrofishing, PIT tagging, and snorkeling.
    • ESA-listed species sampling and handling.
    • Collecting and recording accurate biological data.
    • Communicating research objectives to landowners and the public.

Certifications & Special Requirements:

  • Swift Water & Snorkeling Training (completed within one month of hire).
  • First Aid/CPR Certification (within first two weeks of employment).

Application Instructions:

Additional Information:
WDFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Veterans and military spouses are eligible for preference.

Contact Information:
Name: Elizabeth Bullard
Email: elizabeth.bullard@dfw.wa.gov

To apply for this job please visit www.governmentjobs.com.