Stormwater Biodiversity Technician Scientific Technician 2 Non-Permanent

Title- Stormwater Biodiversity Technician

Classification-Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 6.5 Months February 15 2026 August 31 2026
WDFW Program- Habitat Program Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Rough Skinned Newt Photo Credit: WDFW

Join WDFW and contribute to the conservation of Washingtons fish wildlife and ecosystems through pond surveys in-water and upland habitat assessments and data collection.

This is an opportunity to partake in a monitoring project funded by the Stormwater Strategic Initial Lead (SSIL) targeted at evaluating and considering improvements to stormwater pond features to protect fish and wildlife from priority toxics in urban runoff.

In this role you will assist in studying the impact of 6PPDQ (a chemical that prevents automotive tires from degrading) on amphibians in stormwater ponds and natural wetlands around the Puget Sound region; help understand which design and management conditions allow constructed stormwater ponds to function as habitat for native amphibians; and help establish environmentally relevant baseline 6PPDQ concentrations in stormwater ponds and downstream salmon-bearing waterways across an urban gradient.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Stormwater Biodiversity Technician will

Conduct data collection and data management in support of fish wildlife and habitat research to evaluate how stormwater pond design and management promotes aquatic species abundance and diversity:

• Participate in sampling programs designed to understand species richness abundance and survival in stormwater ponds and other wetlands.
• Conduct fish wildlife and habitat monitoring and research under general supervision.
• Install and maintain sampling equipment and delineate sample units.
• Use established procedures to characterize wetlands and wetland habitats.
• Monitor water quality including water temperature and hydroperiod.
• Conduct biological surveys including for amphibians and fish (diversity demographics condition genetic tissue sample) and their habitats.

Enter Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and summarize data:

• Ensure accurate and complete data collection.
• Ensure regular and complete download of data into databases.
• Develop summaries of data collection progress.

Maintain and organize field equipment and supplies:

• Safely operate WDFW equipment and supplies following established policies.
• Perform routine maintenance and ensure equipment is functioning reliably and safely.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting including hazards:Work is primarily performed in the field with some office work. Up to 90% of work will occur in the field or preparing to go in the field during the focal field season.

Field work includes navigating and hiking off-trail through vegetation that may be extremely dense over steep slopes along and within wetlands throughout managed landscapes on foot over downed trees and wood and up streams that may be slippery.Navigating along and within streams and ponds and steep terrain is required.

Frequently carry a moderately heavy pack (typically weighing under 40 pounds) that includes sampling equipment (such as 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 carry by hand 5-gallon buckets dip nets and rebar.

Navigate and drive on state and county roads throughout western Washington. This position may involve working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:This position is full-time MondayThursday 10 hours per dayworking 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs time of year and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:Field work will be a mixture of daily trips to field sites located within driving distance of the NRB and overnight lodging near study sites.

Tools and Equipment:Vehicles (4WD trucks and SUVs) field and safety equipment iPads and other data collection devices monitors/sensors and a laptop.

Customer Interactions:Interact with landowners and academic/local jurisdiction project partners.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.

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 Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (such as biology ecology or wildlife biology).

Two (2) years of professional experience conducting field research or monitoring.

One (1) year or more of experience in/with:

Amphibian Monitoring:

• Monitoring water quality.
• Identifying western Washington amphibians across life stages.
• Working in urban settings particularly urban ponds and wetlands.

Data Collection and Processing Software:

• Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word Excel and Outlook).
• Summarizing large datasets and tracking work progress for complex projects.
• Collecting GIS information in Field Maps and Survey123.
• Creating maps of study sites and equipment in ArcGIS Online and/or ArcPRO.

Conducting Research Independently and Within a Team:

• Biological research principles standard laboratory and field methods and fish wildlife and aquatic ecology.
• Collecting data following established protocols and making sound independent field decisions.
• Collaborating with others to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
• Conveying information and ideas orally and in writing to project partners and team members.
• Establishing and maintaining positive respectful and productive working relationships with coworkers collaborators and local jurisdictions.

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.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs there are otherbenefits 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: - 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.

• 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: 2025-1234 Biologist 1 Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in .