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, 2026
WDFW 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:

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

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.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05256.

Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

lb