Sport Fishery & Stream Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent

Salary: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 Monthly
Location : Franklin County - Pasco, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-04475
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Title- Sport Fishery & Stream Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 6 months - June 12, 2026 - December 12, 2026 WDFW Program- Fish Program - Division Duty Station- Pasco, Washington - Franklin County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Spawning Survey - Photo Credit: WDFW
This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while contributing to the sustainability of Washington's fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities.
Envision yourself in the field engaging with the public while conducting sport fishery monitoring during the summer and fall salmon fisheries. You will also travel by foot and boat to assist with stream surveys throughout the Hanford Reach and Yakima River areas.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Sport Fishery/Stream Surveyor will,

• Conduct Sport Fishery Surveys:
  • Collect detailed information from anglers participating in salmon/steelhead sport fisheries during on-site interviews at area boat launches and shoreline fishing access areas.
  • Determine catch effort through boat trailer index counts and interviews.
  • Identify harvest to species and collect biological information including number, length, gender, fin clips, coded wire tags (CWT) and collect scales for aging.
• Conduct Stream Surveys:
  • Collect post spawn salmon carcasses in-river, by boat and along shorelines within the WDFW District 4 waters of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers.
  • Follow sampling procedures and sport fishery methods with the addition of otolith collection (aging and origin) and spawn success (egg retention).
• Tow, launch, and operate state boats ranging from 18' to 20" in length and maintain records including operator, date, boat number, gallons, costs, and collect and file all fuel receipts.
• Review all data collected in the field and upon returning to the office check for completeness and accuracy.
• Collect, package, label, and process all biological samples at the end of each shift.

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:

• Work is conducted primarily in the field and remote setting, including primitive locations and public access sites. Duties involve travel to multiple locations including work on the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River and the lower 30 miles of the Yakima River. May work independently at public fishing areas for up to 10 hours per day to conduct creel sampling.
• Fieldwork may involve hiking over rough and slippery terrain, potential encounters with dangerous wildlife or exposure to illegal activities, handling chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil).
• Use and care of vehicles, boats, equipment, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, and coded wire tag (CWT) wands.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Position is 24/7 non-scheduled, working 40 hours per week. Scheduled days and hours of work will vary and will require work on all weekends and potentially on holidays and occasional overtime as needed.
Travel Requirements: Routine travel to public and primitive access sites along the Columbia and lower Yakima Rivers. State vehicle will be provided. Stream surveys will require travel and routine work from boats in the Columbia River.
Tools and Equipment: Vehicle, boats, knife, sampling and data recording supplies, coded wire tag (CWT) wand, life jacket, rain gear, gloves, waders, mask.
Customer Interactions: Daily interactions with anglers and the public during creel surveys.
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 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 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:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries or closely related field.
• Boat operation certification.
• Proficient in identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species of the Columbia River.
• One (1) year of experience field sampling.
• Experience entering data into Excel and/or Access databases.
• Experience operating outboard boats and/or small river craft

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:

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-04475.
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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 of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03


Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04


What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05


Please select the option below that best describes your experience as a Scientific Technician 1 or laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years or more of experience

06


Please briefly describe your experience as a Scientific Technician 1 or laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07


Do you have experience working at a fish hatchery?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you proficient in identifying freshwater and/or anadromous fish species of the Columbia River?

• Yes
• No

09


Please select the option(s) below if you have experience with the following. Select all that apply.

• Entering data into Excel and/or Access databases.
• Operating outboard boats and/or small river craft
• None of the above

10


Please briefly describe your experience with field sampling. Include the species sampled, sampling methods used, and any data collection techniques or equipment you operated. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11


Please briefly describe your experience operating outboard boats and/or small river craft. Include the type(s) of watercraft operated and the waterways or conditions navigated. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
12


How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

13


Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question