Job Description

Description
Title- Juvenile Fish Trap Operator
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 3.5 months - February 1, 2026 - May 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Region 6
Duty Station- Port Townsend, Washington - Jefferson County
Schedule- Second Shift, typically, 6:00 P.M. - 6:00 A.M. - Four nights on, Four nights off.
Housing- Not provided. On-site accommodations (travel trailer) including utilities are available only during scheduled workdays. Staff can stay in the trailer during their 4 nights on-shift.
Learn more about being a member of !
Photo Caption: Salmon Fry - Photo Credit: WDFW
This is an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience that supports monitoring programs for endangered species act (ESA) summer chum salmon.
Envision yourself in the field, operating juvenile fish traps, conducting biological sampling, and summarizing data.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Juvenile Fish Trap Operator will,
Perform juvenile trap operation for Salmon Creek outmigrant fry trap:

• Assess the ongoing integrity of the inclined plane floating trap, including daily inspection for safe operation, adjusting anchor cables with hand tools, and maintaining boardwalk and deck.
• Raise the inclined plane each hour and remove chum fry from the trap.
• Transport the Chum fry in four (4) gallon buckets to the processing table.
• Sort and count Chum fry and other by-catch species then releasing them safely downstream.
• Stain 100 juvenile summer Chum each night and release the stained fish from the previous night upstream of the trap to assess trapping efficiency.
• Assess and respond to weather and stream flow conditions, cleaning debris from trap.

Data recording and reporting for the Salmon Creek trap:

• Maintain daily datasheets recording the number of fish, species and stained recaptures.
• Calculate and record nightly trapping efficiency which is used to make subsequent adjustments to the incline plane.
• Enter data into Microsoft Access Database and/or Excel spreadsheets.

Providing support for the Snow Creek weir in April and May:

• Assist in the replacement of adult screens (4ft x 5ft aluminum panels) on the weir with smolt screens.
• Assist with sampling Adult Steelhead at the weir and Steelhead spawning ground surveys.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• The Salmon Creek trap site is located at the WDFW Discovery Bay Wildlife Area. The job site is semi-remote and will require working alone, however the trap site lies behind a locked gate and there is cell phone reception.
• A mobile trailer is stationed at the worksite with electricity, bottled water, sanican, and heat. Outside the trailer an awning covers the tables where fish are sorted, counted and stained. Outside lighting and headlamps are provided.
• The trap floats on two (2) pontoons next to the trailer. Though the creek is small, water levels do fluctuate and can be swift during high flows. There are handrails and no-slip surfaces, but footing can still be slippery.
• Most trapping occurs during hours of darkness. Inclement weather can result in wet, cold, and icy conditions.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Housing: Not provided. On-site accommodations (travel trailer) including utilities are available only during scheduled workdays. Staff can stay in the trailer during their 4 nights on shift.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule 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: Less than a mile occasionally to the Snow Creek weir on the other side of the Wildlife Area.
Tools and Equipment: PFD's, waders, headlamps, boots, rain gear, various hand tools for installation and maintenance of traps
Customer interaction: Volunteers and occasional interaction with the local public.
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:

• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.
• 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.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
One year of experience in/with:

• Trapping, handling, sampling, and PIT tagging juvenile and adult Salmonids.
• Spawning surveys for Salmon and Steelhead.
• Databases management, particularly the use of Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, ACCESS, and Excel
• Identifying, handling, and sampling, adult and juvenile Salmonids.

Your application should 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 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
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