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Adult & Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - 2025-08401

State of Washington
Walla Walla, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
Description

Title- Adult and Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Tagging Chinook at a weir – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join WDFW and play a critical role in monitoring the status of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonid populations in the Lower Columbia River (LCR) and promoting the recovery of Chinook, coho, and chum salmon populations.

In this dynamic position you will conduct juvenile salmonid trapping, adult fish weir operations, and adult spawner surveys for Chinook, coho, and chum salmon in the Grays River, Elochoman River, Skamokawa River, and other LCR tributaries.

What To Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Adult and Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Technician will assist with,

Juvenile Trapping

  • Install, operate, maintain, and remove juvenile migrant traps (rotary screw and/or fence-panel with live box traps) to collect data needed to estimate juvenile salmonid outmigrant abundance in the Elochoman River and other basins.
  • Identify, count, handle, mark, and recapture juvenile salmonids and other fish.

Adult Fish Weirs

  • Daily operation, maintenance, and biological data collection of adult salmonids at the Elochoman River adult fish weir.
  • Install and remove the Grays River and Elochoman River adult fish weirs.

Stream Surveys And Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) Monitoring

  • Conduct adult salmonid spawning ground surveys on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
  • Identify and count adult salmonids (live and deceased) and redds, mark redd locations, and enter biological data using iPads.
  • Operate pontoon rafts in whitewater conditions (Class I–II rapids) while conducting spawning ground surveys.

Data Entry And Sample Preparation

  • Prepare data and field samples for laboratory analysis (such as salmonid scales for age structure analysis, DNA samples for genetic analysis, coded wire tag (CWT) positive snouts for hatchery origination status, and otolith samples for age/origin analysis).
  • Accurately record and proof data collected during juvenile trapping, adult fish weir operations, and stream surveys.

Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily (85%) conducted in the field, with the remaining work (15%) performed in an office or laboratory setting.

Field work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (over 100°F or below 30°F), high winds (over 25 mph), wet, slippery, and uneven terrain. Walk up to six (6) miles per day over rough terrain and steep, slippery stream banks, lift and carry up to 70 pounds (e.g., rafts, nets, buckets, electrofishing gear, weir and trap components), load and transport field equipment, climb in and out of non-motorized boats, and conduct spawning ground surveys by foot or cataraft in whitewater conditions (Class I–II).

Handling fish (live or deceased) and sampling salmon carcasses may involve strong odors. Snorkel in rivers with fast-flowing or whitewater conditions for up to 4 miles per day. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. This position may also be required to euthanize fish.

Schedule: This position is full-time, 24/7 scheduling, working 40 hours per week with potential for overtime. The standard work schedule includes weekend work with the potential for occasional evening. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations is required using either an agency-provided vehicle or personal vehicle, if preferred.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand and carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, non-motorized watercraft, 4x4 vehicles, 200-foot beach seines, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, coded-wire tag (CWT) detectors, iPads, weighing scales, knives, handheld data logger devices, and computers.

Customer Interactions: Interact professionally with departmental staff, other agencies, commercial fishers, and members of the public.

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 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 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 With

  • Identifying salmonids and other species in larval, juvenile, and/or adult life stages.
  • Identifying salmonid redds.
  • Juvenile and adult salmonid fish marking and tagging protocols.
  • Juvenile trapping techniques, including operating rotary screw and fence-panel with live box juvenile traps.
  • Resistance board and fixed-panel adult fish weirs.
  • Fishery monitoring, observing, and sampling.
  • Euthanizing hatchery fish.
  • Rowing non-motorized oar-framed boats such as drift boats and catarafts in whitewater conditions/rapids (Class I-II).
  • Microsoft Excel and Access.
  • Basic carpentry skills and operating hand tools.
  • Handheld iPad and data logger devices.

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 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: 2025-1234 – 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 #2025-08401.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025

01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

  • Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
  • No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Some College.
  • Vocational Degree or Certificate.
  • Associate's Degree.
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Master's Degree.
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.

05

Select the option below that best describes your experience as a Scientific Technician OR your laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

  • I do not have this experience.
  • I have less than 2 years of this experience.
  • I have 2 years or more of this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your experience as a Scientific Technician OR your laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).

07

Select the option(s) below that you have experience with. (Select all that apply).

  • Adult fish weirs.
  • Juvenile fish traps.
  • Juvenile and adult salmonid marking/tagging.
  • Identifying salmonids and other species in larval, juvenile, and/or adult stages.
  • Identifying salmonid redds.
  • Fishery monitoring, observing, and sampling.
  • Euthanizing hatchery fish.
  • None of the above.

08

Please briefly describe your experience with juvenile fish traps (such as rotary screw and fence-panel with live box) and adult fish weirs (such as resistance board and fixed-panel). (“See Resume” is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

09

Please briefly describe your experience identifying, marking, and/or tagging juvenile and adult salmonids. (“See Resume” is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).

10

Select the whitewater condition(s) below in which you have experience rowing non-motorized oar-framed boats, such as drift boats and catarafts. (Select all that apply).

  • I do not have this experience.
  • Class I – Easy – small waves and riffles, few obstructions that are easy to avoid.
  • Class II – Novice – straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels, rocks and medium waves are easy to avoid.
  • Class III – Intermediate – rapids with moderate, irregular waves that are difficult to avoid, with tight passages, strong eddies, and currents.

11

Select the option(s) below that you have experience using. (Select all that apply).

  • Data logger devices.
  • iPads.
  • Microsoft Access.
  • Microsoft Excel.
  • None of the above.

12

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

  • American Fisheries Society (AFS)
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Conservation Job Board
  • El Informador
  • Facebook
  • Four W's Fishing Team, LLC – Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
  • Newspaper
  • Other
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Society of American Foresters (SAF)
  • Texas A&M
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • UW College of the Environment
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource

13

Tell us more – kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.

  • Required Question

Salary.com Estimation for Adult & Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - 2025-08401 in Walla Walla, WA
$65,078 to $84,573
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