Wdfw Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 Monthly
Location : Yakima County - Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-05256
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Appointment Length-4.5 months - July 1, 2026 - November 15, 2026WDFW Program- Fish Program Duty Station- Yakima, Washington - Yakima County
The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
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 team who is dedicated to to protecting state waters by managing AIS.
Envision yourself in the field, operating and towing boats to collect key data on the early detection of zebra and quagga mussels.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aquatic Invasive Species Technician will,
Conduct Early Detection Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring:

• Survey high risk water bodies using multiple sampling methods such as:
  • Horizontal and vertical water samples using plankton tows
  • Artificial substrates monitoring
  • Visual shoreline surveys
  • Water quality measurements using hyrdrolab and calcium collection techniques
  • Substrate samples using petite Ponar grab
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) using a filter pump system.
• Follow AIS mussel monitoring protocols to collect, review, record, and upload field data.
• Identify and report potential AIS while working in the field conducting sampling methods listed above.
• Interact with the public about the AIS work being conducted.
• Operate and tow watercraft in safe manner to collect monitoring samples.

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 90% fieldwork and 10% in an office environment.
• Work is conducted outdoors on water and land under inclement weather conditions such as rain, high/low temperatures, poor air quality, wildfires, strong waves and currents.
• Work mostly in a team setting, but may work independently in remote locations, day and night.
• Walk up to five (5) miles on uneven ground, must be able to relocate 75 pounds, and pack 50 pounds (eDNA sampler combo backpack, petite ponar grab sampler, coolers and totes).
• Chemical handling in accordance with labels and in a safe manner.
• Transport and operate large equipment such as a cargo trailer (up to 20 ft.), watercraft, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers.

Schedule: Typically, Monday - Thursday, 10 hours per day but may occasionally exceed these hours. May work outside of the normal workweek, during holidays, weekends and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.
Travel Requirements: Required weekly statewide travel and overnight stays up to five (5) days at times.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, and electronic software forms, complex mobile water quality laboratory, 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. Occasionally may include interactions 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 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.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Washington State Boater Education Card or equivalent - must obtain one (1) within a month of hire (agency provided).
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience with:

• Towing trailers and boats.
• Connecting and towing trailers up to 25' in length.
• Using Microsoft Windows, smart phones, electronic tablets, personal computers (PC) and laptops.
• Public service and community outreach and education

Certifications:

• Washington State Boater Education Card or equivalent
• WDFW motorboat operator's training course or equivalent
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT) Level I/II certification
• CPR/First Aid/AED

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.

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: 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
• 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 .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-05256.
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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.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual