Working Title-Field Technician
Classification-Scientific Technician 2
Job Status-Full-Time/Non-Permanent/*Internal Only
Appointment Length-4 Months –June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
WDFW Program-Capital & Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Permitting and Wetland Services (PAWS)
Duty Station-Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
*Internal Only- This recruitment is open to current WDFW employees only.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – Artificial Burrow Installation for Burrowing Owls – Photo Credit: WDFW
With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will assist the assigned project environmental planner with fish relocation and water quality monitoring.
In this role, you will adjust to dynamic field conditions and provide workable alternatives.
With your experience, you will conduct field work and problem solving in constantly changing situations where principles of dewatering, channel bypass, relocation of fish life and pumps are utilized on active construction sites.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Field work to participate, facilitate, and understand environmental elements of project implementation including permit requirements, construction techniques, and Best Management Practices (BMP) usage.
Preparation, repair, transportation, cleaning, and stowage of field gear.
Adhering to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) protocols (including decontamination of field equipment and personal field gear) as referenced in issued environmental permits and Program Best Management Practices (BMP).
Fish removal operations:
Travel. Driving to and from project site locations. Project sites are located all over the state. Some overnight stays may be required. Road conditions vary from Federal, State, County, to primitive and nonexistent. On rare occasions weekend travel might be required.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Duties are mainly performed in a field setting at active construction sites. Work setting and hazards include in-water work (e.g. hatcheries, boat launches, restoration projects, etc.), walking in uneven terrain including slippery footing, mud, and other challenging field conditions; steep slopes for extended periods; inclement weather conditions; must be able to climb ladders, work from boats, and elevated locations. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. 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: Travel will be required throughout the state to perform fieldwork. Agency vehicles will be provided where possible, and per diem is earned. On rare occasions some weekend travel may be required.
Customer Interactions: Project team including engineers, drafters, contracts, and construction management staff and be able to routinely relay information to the team on projects.
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 coursework 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.
License: A valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Your application must include the following:
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: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:
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 orsupport@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out toCheri.Potter@dfw.wa.govand reference job #2026-03706.
Know someone who would like to volunteer?WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!
Follow us on social media:
cp