Fish Passage Technician Scientific Technician 3 Non-Permanent Two Openings

Thurston County, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 4119 - 5531

Posted on: 12 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Title- Fish Passage Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Appointment Length-6.5 months February 2 2026 August 13 2026

WDFW Program- Habitat Program
Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston County

Learn more about being a member ofTeam WDFW!

Photo Caption: Water Surface Drop Photo Credit: WDFW

Gain hands-on field experience assessing fish habitat access quality and quantity across Washington States freshwater streams.

In this role youll independently plan and conduct fish passage inventories and habitat evaluations identifying natural and human-made barriers affecting anadromous and resident salmonids and collecting data using GIS mapping tools.

Your fieldwork and data analysis will directly support the conservation of fish and aquatic ecosystems statewide.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role theFish Passage Technician will

Inventory data collection:

Conduct advanced on-site evaluations statewide for the WDFW Fish Passage and Diversion Screening Inventory including inspection analysis and reporting of human-made in-stream structures such as culverts dams fishways lake outlet screens and water diversions.
Assess fish use and perform barrier analysis of identified instream features including locating identifying and assessing natural barriers to fish passage such as waterfalls high gradient stream sections and subsurface flow.

Habitat surveys:

Independently plan organize and conduct physical habitat evaluations of freshwater streams including measuring stream features such as pool-riffle ratios channel width water depth temperature substrate ratios stream gradient and estimating canopy and in-stream cover.

Data entry and usage of GIS mapping software:

Process physical and biological stream data using established data conversion and statistical procedures in Excel spreadsheets and Access databases.
Use GIS software (ArcPro) to create maps of fish passage features and habitat assessment sites.
Use ArcPro to perform calculations related to habitat data analysis and Level B Hydraulic Analysis including stream gradient stream length elevations precipitation and drainage basin area.

Hydraulic Project effectiveness monitoring:

Collect on-site data following a strict protocol to evaluate the long term effectiveness of stream simulation and no-slope designs.

Working Conditions:

Work setting including hazards:

Primarily a field position with approximately 80% of the work week spent outside the other 20% is spent in the office entering data.
Fieldwork may include long hours in inclement weather conditions work along busy state highways walking streams through thick vegetation navigating uneven and slippery terrain and climbing over or around log jams and woody debris while carrying up to 30 pounds of field equipment.
This position may involve working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:Typically Monday Thursday 7:00 A.M. -5:30 P.M. working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening and weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. This position is not telework eligible.

Travel Requirements: Vehicle travel up to 200 miles per day to survey locations. Overnight travel required.

Tools and Equipment: Survey equipment (laser auto level stadia rod gravel probe) machete for brushing other pertinent sampling gear as needed for data collection per the protocols found in the Fish Passage Inventory Assessment and Prioritization Manual.

Customer Interactions:Interact with other state agencies state and local government officials Tribal members and representatives local entities and members of the public. Coordinate with and obtain permission from landowners prior to entering private property.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science.

And

Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

And all the following:

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to take interest in and understand others perspectives recognize when others have important information perspectives or ideas demonstrate appropriate assertiveness and be committed to serving the public mission and team.

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 or environmental science classes.

Option 2:

Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science.

And

Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional biologist chemist or zoologist.

And all the following:

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to take interest in and understand others perspectives recognize when others have important information perspectives or ideas demonstrate appropriate assertiveness and be committed to serving the public mission and team.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience in/with:

Windows Word Excel Access ArcGIS and personal computers.
WDFW Fish Passage Inventory Assessment and Prioritization Manual (2019) protocols.
Resident and anadromous salmonid life histories.
Freshwater habitat requirements of resident and anadromous salmonids.
Performing advanced data collection and data analysis techniques in barrier determination of human-made in-stream water features.
Observing and identifying fishes and the various fish species in the freshwater environment.
Interpreting aerial photographs and topographic maps and the ability to navigate using said resources and accurately measure features on maps.

Competencies:

Familiarity in laser survey equipment digital cameras GPS systems clinometers and stream morphology measuring tools.
Organization and time management to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.
Using independent judgment to handle situations encountered in the field.

Your application must 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 topayand other special employee programs there are other benefitsthat 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: - 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 .
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 .

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs 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 or email or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application please call NEOGOV toll-free at or.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position please reach out toand reference job #.

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DescriptionTitle- Fish Passage TechnicianClassification- Scientific Technician 3Job Status- Full-Time Non-PermanentNumber of Vacancies- Two (2)Appointment Length-6.5 months February 2 2026 August 13 2026WDFW Program- Habitat Program Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston CountyLearn more abou...