Headwater Stream Field Sampling Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - *02492-25

Working Title- Headwater Stream Field Sampling Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment/Season Length- 3 Months – June 2, 205 – August 29, 2025
 WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Science Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Coastal Tailed Frog – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to be a field technician who conducts biological monitoring for research projects, enters and manages data, and maintains field equipment.

With your experience, you will assist with sampling headwater streams to characterize habitat and amphibian presence.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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

Collect field data to support fish, wildlife and habitat research and monitoring projects evaluating headwater stream habitats and species.

• Conducts fish, wildlife, and habitat monitoring and research under general supervision. 
• Conducts biological surveys for amphibians (i.e., diversity, demographics, condition, genetic tissue sample) and their habitats.
• Uses established procedures to characterize streams and stream habitats.
• Installs and maintains sampling equipment and delineates sample transects.
• Monitors water quality (e.g., flow, stream temperature, hyporheic exchange).
• Marks field locations using GPS, develops maps.
• Downloads temperature and other monitors and sensors in the field.
• Enters field data on handheld iPads in the field.
• Records tabular data, field conditions and notes on datasheets in the field.
• Operates trucks and drives on logging roads on private forestlands, including use of CB radios to communicate with oncoming traffic.

Enter, QA/QCs, and summarizes data.

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

Maintain and organize 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.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: The working environment is mostly in the field with some office work. 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 small, headwater streams and steep terrain is required.  Employees will frequently be required to carry a moderately heavy pack (<40 pounds) that includes sampling and personal, and at times a field laptop. Infrequently may be required to carry by hand a 5-gallon buckets, dip nets, and rebar.   This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, 40 hours per week – four days per week, ten hours per day - Monday through Thursday. This position is one member of a field team.

Travel requirements: Field work will be a mixture of day trips and overnight lodging near study sites.  Extensive travel within Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon 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 (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.

Option 3:  Equivalent education/experience.

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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft, stream surveying, and snorkeling is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and?training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
• Two years professional experience conducting field research, familiarity with biodiversity monitoring, and water quality and physical monitoring. 
• Experience working in managed industrial forestlands or conducting biological surveys in headwater streams.

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 #2025-02492.

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Salary : $3,477 - $4,632