Remote Electrofishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,201.00 - $5,642.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-07381
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Working Title- Senior Riverine Ecology Field Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Science Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington - Thurston 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 - Fish survey - Photo Credit: WDFW
With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will perform complex scientific duties and organize field programs for ecological studies important for conserving and protecting native freshwater fish species.
This is an opportunity to collect data that is used to understand factors impacting freshwater survival of native fish populations.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Implement and conduct freshwater ecological surveys, organize biological field sampling programs, and maintain data.

• Assists with planning weekly schedules, lead daily crew activities, and use established procedures and protocols to conduct non-native fish surveys within selected stream reaches. Uses best judgement and exercises discretion to modify survey protocols and/or schedule surveys based on weather and river conditions.
• Conduct non-native fish surveys using motorized and non-motorized boats, electrofishing equipment, telemetry, and other fisheries sampling techniques (e.g., seining, fyke nets, minnow traps, hook and line, snorkel).
• Collect environmental DNA samples according to established protocols.
• Processes biological samples-including tissue, eDNA, diet, and otolith samples-and conducts fish dissections in accordance with established protocols. Install, maintain, and monitor stream temperature monitoring gages in selected sites. Fabricate apparatus for temperature monitoring as needed.
• Assist with training efforts for all sampling techniques and protocols and recommend new or modified sampling techniques.

Leadership & administrative tasks.

• Assists recruiting process of lower-level non-permanent technicians.
• Provides leadership and guidance to crews of Scientific Technician 2 staff.
• Plans daily field operations, assigns tasks, and ensures adherence to safety protocols.
• Ensures agency vehicles are maintained and mileage is reported monthly.
• Ensures purchases are properly recorded, OPFs and purchasing card logs are submitted to fiscal on time.

Data management.

• Leads data entry and QA/QC for survey data. This may include documentation, summarization, tabulation of data. Organize and catalog collected biological samples and prepare for analysis.
• Maintains accurate and timely field records and assists with the preparation of data to meet project deliverables.

Working Conditions:
Work setting: This role involves work in Coastal Washington watersheds, spanning diverse flow conditions. Accessing locations demands hiking on steep slopes with field gear. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Proficiency in rafting or using pontoon boats is essential. Boat electrofishing requires generators and outboard motors. The job entails working in various weather conditions and performing tasks like bending, kneeling, and climbing. Heavy lifting (50-100 lbs) is required and includes transporting fish, sampling gear, and equipment. Precision and acute vision are necessary, especially for biological sample collection. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is typically Monday - Thursday, 10 hours per day, however it 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 occurs from the office to sampling sites with WDFW vehicles. Some local and regional travel is necessary to pick up sampling gear and attend trainings. Overnight travel may be required.
Customer Interactions: Interactions with landowners will occur.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 year of high school science, and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Option 3:
Equivalent education/experience.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• First Aid and CPR Certified.
• 3 years of experience handling freshwater fish and collecting biological information.
• 3 years of experience operating outboard motors and generators.
• 2 years of experience electrofishing (boat preferred).
• 2 years of experience towing boats with trailers.
• 2 years of experience navigating rivers in watercraft.
• 2 years of experience managing and maintaining computer files and using spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel).
• 1 year experience leading a crew or supervising.
• 1 year experience hiking long distances.
• 1 year experience using digital data entry servers such as iForms or Survey123.
• 6 months of experience processing fish diet samples.

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 #2026-07381.
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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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