Catch Record Card & Coded Wire Tag Technician – Sci Tech 2 – Non-Permanent – 2026-01770

Title- Catch Record Card & Coded Wire Tag Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Anticipated Appointment Length– 6 Months – March 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026
WDFW Program– Information Technology Services (ITS)
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
This is an in-office position based at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA. Work will occur in an office or laboratory environment.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you looking to expand your skillset while supporting conservation and sustainable fishing opportunities?

This unique position works within two (2) units: the Coded Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit and the Catch Record Card Unit.

As part of the Catch Record Card unit, you will process sport angler catch record cards and related documents, and review sport catch data. The information on these documents is the basis for recreational harvest estimates that are necessary for fisheries management, tribal and non-tribal allocations, and fish stock assessments.

Work performed in the CWT Recovery Unit takes place in a laboratory setting, where all tagged salmon heads from fisheries, spawning ground recoveries, and hatchery rack returns are processed. This vital data is used by biologists and managers in pre-season planning and in-season management.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Catch Record Card & Coded Wire Tag Technician will,

Process and Review Catch Record Cards:

• Sort incoming catch record cards based on catch and sample status.
• Record card numbers in the card return database.
• Ensure cards are properly routed to and returned from Data Entry.
• Scan cards to create digital images for retrieval and review.
• Review catch cards for missing, incorrect, illegible, or inconsistent information.
• Apply knowledge of fishery locations, seasons, watersheds, and major waterways (ocean, Puget Sound, Columbia River, Snake River) to interpret entries accurately.
• Identify unusual, unlikely, or potentially illegal catch reports.

Data Entry and Database Management:

• Read coded wire tags (CWTs) using a computer.
• Interpret and transcribe tag and catch data into spreadsheets and databases.
• Enter data into the correct recovery year, fishery, and assigned batch number.
• Recognize and flag inaccurate, incomplete, or questionable data.
• Maintain accurate electronic records to support fisheries monitoring and reporting.

Customer and Angler Support:

• Handle incoming phone calls from anglers regarding catch reporting issues.
• Contact anglers to resolve discrepancies, missing data, or questionable reports.
• Access and use the fishing license database to verify and update angler and catch information.
• Communicate professionally and diplomatically with difficult or upset customers.

Biological Sample Processing:

• Remove cores from fish heads and dissect samples to locate CWTs, following established protocols.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure accurate snout counts and data integrity.
• Organize samples by fishery.
• Clean and maintain tools and equipment.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in a laboratory environment and office setting.

Laboratory conditions may include exposure to strong odors and contact with biological tissue samples. Lift and move equipment, snout bags, and refuse containers, weighing approximately 15-60 pounds, daily. Use a computer and laboratory equipment, requiring manual dexterity.

Work performed in an office setting involves long periods of computer use and sustained mental focus to address complex and detailed data-related issues. Tasks involve repetitive motions such as opening mail and scanning catch record cards. Frequently lift boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.

This position may occasionally work at hatcheries, which may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.

Travel Requirements: May travel to various hatchery locations throughout the state.

Tools and Equipment: Coring machine or handheld corer, scalpels, knives, V-Detector and wand, cutting boards, magnet, air compressor, platform truck, and computer.

Customer Interactions: Frequent phone contacts with anglers, requiring tact to deal with sometimes frustrated callers.

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 may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided 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 some or all the following:

One (1) or more years of experience in/with:

• Data management.
• Data entry and interpretation.
• Working with the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Coded Wire Tags (CWT).

Familiarity with:

• Sport fishing seasons, regulations, and terminology.

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01770.

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