Aquatic Research Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Positions - Non-Permanent - *00562-25

Number of Vacancies: Two (2) positions

Working Title- Aquatic Research Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment/Season Length- 6.25 Months – March 3, 2025 – September 11, 2025

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Priority Habitats and Species Research Section

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Northwestern Salamander – Photo Credit: S. Anderson, Mt. Rainier - National Park Service

Picture yourself conducting biological surveys, including for amphibians, birds, macroinvertebrates, and beavers (i.e., diversity, demographics, condition, genetic tissue sample), and their habitats.

These positions are opportunities to conduct aquatic surveys for wildlife and in-water and upland habitat assessments using established procedures and criteria.

We are seeking candidates to assist on a variety of projects within the Priority Habitats and Species Research Section of the Habitat program, including evaluating management practices designed to protect aquatic resources, monitoring occupancy and population statuses for native aquatic species, and improving aquatic habitat in developed and developing landscapes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Data collection and data management in support of fish, wildlife, and habitat research and monitoring projects.

• Participates in sampling programs designed to understand species richness and abundance in streams, ponds, and other wetlands.
• Conducts fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research under general supervision. 
• Installs and maintains sampling equipment and delineates sample units.
• Uses established procedures to characterize wetlands and wetland habitats.
• Monitors water quality, including water temperature, stream discharge and hydroperiod.
• Conducts upland and in-water habitat assessments.
• Installs water and wildlife (e.g., acoustic, camera) monitoring equipment.
• Boat or wade river networks and ponds safely using non-motorized craft while surveying.

Maintains and organizes field equipment and supplies.

• Operates WDFW equipment/supplies in a manner consistent with WDFW policies with a focus on safety. Notifies supervisor of damaged, malfunctioning, or lost equipment/supplies.
• Performs routine maintenance and ensures that equipment is functioning reliably and safely.
• Maintains field and other equipment and alerts Supervisor of sampling and staff equipment needs.

Enters, QA/QCs, and summarizes data.

• Ensures accurate and complete data collection for self.
• Ensures regular and complete download of data into databases. 
• Ensures data quality through checks of completeness and QA/QC.
• Develops summaries of data collection progress.

Working Conditions:

Work setting:  Up to 95% of the time will be spent in the field or preparing to go in the field during the focal field season.  While in the field, hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense and up and down steep slopes will be required.   Navigating along and within streams and ponds and steep terrain is required.  Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (<40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (e.g., hand net, iPad, field notebook, instream temperature sensors, measuring tape) and personal supplies (first aid kit, water, lunch, snacks, rain gear), and at times a field laptop.  Infrequently required to carry by hand a 5 gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule:  Typically, Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day, 40 hours per week. This position is one member of a field team, there is no flexibility in workdays or hours during the field season.

Travel requirements:  Fieldwork will be a mixture of day trips and overnight lodging near study sites.   Extensive travel within Western Washington may be required.

Customer Interactions:  Interactions with landowners, non-profit, tribal, and local jurisdiction project partners are integral.  Maintain positive and productive working relationships with project partners and neighbors adjacent to study sites, and provide proof of access permits if requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  Graduation from high school or GED including one 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 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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00562.

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Salary : $3,477 - $4,632