Remote Backcountry Access Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 Monthly
Location : Clallam County - Port Angeles, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04520
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions
Working Title- Stock Assessment Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 3 Months -July 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management
Duty Station- *Port Angeles, Washington - Clallam County
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption - Bull trout - Photo Credit: Jim Cummins
This is an opportunity to collect data necessary for the management of the fish resources in the watersheds within the Olympic Peninsula.
In this dynamic role, you collect data to be used for monitoring and evaluating recovery goals for summer steelhead and ESA-listed bull trout.
With your experience, you will collect data that will be used to assess the status of summer steelhead and ESA listed bull trout.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
The key job responsibility is to conduct fieldwork associated with population status assessments of bull trout and summer steelhead. This information will be critical in recovery planning.

• Conduct electrofishing surveys in Olympic Peninsula rivers for genetic sample collection, in both front-country and backcountry environments.
• Collect water samples throughout Olympic Peninsula rivers for eDNA analysis.
• On the ground reconnaissance work for electrofishing and eDNA surveys.
• Tangle netting and hook-line-surveys for bull trout and steelhead.
• Field notes will be collected, reviewed summarized, and checked for accuracy daily.

Conduct salmonid spawning ground surveys.

• Use established procedures to conduct salmon redd count surveys by accurately recording observed redds and live and dead fish counts within selected stream reaches of Clallam and West Jefferson counties.
• Maintain accurate field records.
• Spawning ground surveys will require the identification and enumeration of redds by species.
• Evaluation of redd life, recording live and dead fish counts, marking redds with flagging and GPS points, and collection of biological data from carcasses including scales, DNA tissue, otoliths, coded wire tags, and other data as needed.
• Careful documentation, organization, and verification of field data will be important. Data will be recorded on standardized forms and entered in Excel spreadsheets and into the i-Form Builder app. on smartphones or iPads.

Organize and enter survey data.

• Organize field notes and collected data each day.
• Regularly enter data into Microsoft Access databases and Excel spreadsheets.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews.

Other duties as assigned.

• Help other State, Federal and/or Tribal biologists in the field as needed.
• Work with local hatcheries as needed during spawning periods or construction.
• Routine maintenance of assigned field gear, vehicles, and equipment.

Working Conditions:
Work setting: Primary work environment is outdoors, hiking trails, and at times off-trail over rough terrain (up to 10 miles a day). Work may include driving during inclement weather conditions (rain, snow). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, such as walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, and crossing stream channels during varying stream flow conditions. Lifting equipment up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Working during inclement weather conditions can occur throughout the season, and work hours are flexible due to river flow conditions and the length of daylight hours. Occasional computer work in a typical office setting may also be required.
Schedule: Typically, 40-hours per week Monday - Friday. Work hours may vary due to inclement weather, length of daylight, and river conditions. Weekend and evening work may be required.
Travel requirements: Driving to stream survey locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district. Some multi-day, overnight backcountry trips will be required.
Customer Interactions: Biologists from tribes and other public and private agencies. Occasional contact with constituents in the field may occur. Provide daily reports of observations and project status to supervisor and/or other WDFW biologists.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, AND two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
Option 2:
Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science AND two 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
License: Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Obtain basic First Aid/CPR certification, with completion within 3 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess experience in/with some or all the following:

• Elementary biology and in-the-field salmonid identification.
• Completing field data forms accurately and following oral and written instructions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with the public.
• Good field observation skills.
• Microsoft Word and Excel computer software programs.
• Electrofishing, salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys, handling salmonids, and experience with working in swift water environments are desired.
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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 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 , 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-04520.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
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Full-time and part-time employees are enti...