Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Invasive Species Monitoring – Photo Credit: WDFW
Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit, a dedicated team working to protect Washington’s waters with prevention and management of AIS.
As a senior level technician, you will lead survey efforts at WDFW owned and operated hatchery facilities while traveling throughout Washington to operate watercraft and conduct surveys on high-risk water bodies.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,
Conduct Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Surveys and Early Detection Invasive Mussel Monitoring:
- Survey WDFW-owned and operated hatcheries and high-risk water bodies using complex protocols and sample methods such as:
- Plankton tows to collect horizontal and vertical veliger samples
- Visual shoreline surveys
- Water quality measurements using probes and calcium collection techniques
- Petite Ponar, kicknets, and surface scrapes to collect substrate samples
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) collection using a filter pump system
Rapid Response to AIS:
- Operate and tow watercraft in a safe and proper manner.
- Rapidly respond to contain, control, and eradicate new detections of AIS under general direction of a senior level biologist.
Equipment Maintenance:
- Maintain vehicle, watercraft, trailer, electronics, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system and mobile water quality laboratory equipment in a safe and working order.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Approximately 60% field work and 40% in an office environment.
- Work outdoors on water and land in inclement weather, both independently and as part of a team including in remote locations, and daytime and nighttime hours.
- Walk up to five (5) miles on uneven ground, must be able to frequently lift 75 pounds, and pack 50 pounds (e.g. boating equipment, eDNA backpacks, sampling equipment, power tools such as weed whackers and warehouse equipment).
- Chemical use must be in accordance with labels and handled in a safe manner.
- Safely transport and operate large equipment including up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, watercrafts, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.
- 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 – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. May be required to occasionally work excess hours and outside of the normal workweek, including holidays and weekends. May also respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.
Travel Requirements: This position requires weekly statewide travel and overnight stays up to five (5) days at times.
Tools and Equipment: Electronic devices (laptops, phone etc.), complex mobile water quality laboratory equipment, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
Customer Interactions: Interact with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork. May occasionally be confronted with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.
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.
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.
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.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Boat operation knowledge and experience.
Certifications:
- WDFW motorboat operator’s certification or equivalent.
- CPR/First Aid/AED
- Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II.
Experience with:
- Using Microsoft Windows, smart phones, and laptops.
- Safely operating vehicles and motorized watercraft at least 15 feet in length in freshwater or marine areas.
- Towing trailers/boats.
- Two (2) way satellite messengers such as Garmin inReach, SpotX, etc.
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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07379.
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