Smolt Trap Technician Scientific Technician 2 Non-Permanent Four Openings

Title- Smolt Trap Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies-Four (4)

Appointment Length- 4 months March 2 2026 June 30 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Rotary Screw Trap Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about fishery conservation and enjoy working outdoors Join our team in the Chehalis River Basin and play a vital role in the operation and maintenance of smolt traps.

In this hands-on fieldwork role youll conduct daily trap checks sample juvenile fish and apply a variety of marking and tagging techniques to support fisheries research and management efforts.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Smolt Trap Technician will

• Check trap(s) daily enumerating and sub-sampling juvenile fish catch.
• Collect and record biological and environmental data assigned by supervisor.
• Use various marking and tagging techniques such as coded wire tags (CWTs) PIT tags fin clips VIE opercule punch and bismark brown.
• Perform efficiency trials.
• Enter and error check data into agency database(s) and paper forms.
• Perform trap maintenance as directed.
• Organize and maintain all trap related gear sampling equipment and data forms.
• Drive agency vehicles to and from work sites as directed may include off-road conditions and trailering.

Working Conditions:

Work setting including hazards:

Schedule:This position is full-time working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility and employee may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel from duty station to field locations using agency vehicle. Some navigating on gravel logging roads with a 4x4 truck.

Tools and Equipment:Trucks cars trailers GPS units temperature loggers tablets head lamps flashlights measuring board DNA envelopes maps totes/bins paper forms labels scale cards MS-222 blotter sheets pencils pens clipboard scissors scalpels forceps computer cell phones electronic sampling equipment Mark IV coded wire tag (CWT) tagging unit quality control device (QCD) CWT wand V-Detector scale first aid kit calculator knives personal floatation device (PFD) WDFW apparel chest waders wading boots wading belt trail cameras rubber boots gloves hand tools power tools pumps winches ladders generators hydraulic and water pumps fish collection gear including nets seines weirs screw and fan traps passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader and rain gear.

Customer Interactions:Infrequent interactions with public and landowners.

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:

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

One (1) year or more experience:

• Operating maintaining and repairing fish traps.
• Basic construction using a variety of hand tools power tools and small engine machinery including generators & pumps.
• Entering data into computer files and spreadsheets (such as Microsoft Excel Access).
• Coordinating and communicating with co-workers and other fisheries professionals.
• Salmon life history and proper fish-handling techniques.
• Juvenile salmon trapping techniques.
• Fish marking and tagging protocols.
• Organizational skills.

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.

In addition topayand otherspecial employee programs there are otherbenefitsthat 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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