Rotary Screw Trap Operator – Scientific Technician 2 – Seasonal – Two Openings – *12983-24

Title– Rotary Screw Trap Operator 
Classification– Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Number of Vacancies– Two (2)
Job Status– Full-Time/Career Seasonal 
WDFW Program– Fish Program  
*Duty Station– Multiple Locations

*Apply to one (1) or both positions by submitting one (1) application. 
One (1) Position – Auburn, Washington – *King County – Season Length: 5.5 months – January 16, 2025 – June 30, 2025
One (1) Position – Yelm, Washington – Thurston County – Season Length: 8 months – January 2, 2025 – August 30, 2025 
*Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in fisheries, supporting the conservation efforts of local salmon and steelhead.  

Envision yourself in the field, operating rotary screw traps on the Green and/or Nisqually Rivers, gathering crucial data on fish abundance, survival rates, and migration timing to help estimate and protect fish populations. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Rotary Screw Trap Operator will,

• Perform trap checks, primarily at the Green River from Mid-January – June or at the Nisqually River from Mid-January – Mid-August. The incumbents may occasionally assist in trap operations at other locations when needed.
• Identify juvenile salmonids and enumerate by species, age class, and mark type. Mark a portion of the catch and release these fish above the trap to estimate trap efficiency.
• Collect biological data and samples from a subsample of the catch, such as length, weight, scale samples, and fin clips.
• Tag juvenile salmonids with coded wire tags (CWT), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, or other types of marks to assist in collaborative studies investigating survival, habitat use, or other research.
• Monitor river flow and weather predictions and disable or move the trap into protected area when conditions indicate.
• Record and verify field data for accuracy, enter data into computer databases, and assist in data analysis.
• Install, maintain, and repair equipment associated with WSPE trapping projects as needed.

 Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Approximately 90% of the work will be conducted in the field.
• Potentially hazardous conditions may include working in and around deep and swift water, including risk of entering water in uncontrolled situations.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Trapping activities involve exposure to inclement weather conditions while working on a floating platform.
• Trap operation requires frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and handling buckets weighing more than 50 pounds, as well as prolonged exposure of hands to cold water (temperatures 40-50 degrees).

Schedule: 

• Requires a flexible schedule that varies in start and stop time, days worked, and number of hours per day.
• Typically work will not exceed 40 hours per week, but during peak fish migration and peak river discharge, overtime may be required along with shifts during nights, weekends, and holidays.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to other Wild Salmon Production Evaluation (WSPE) trap locations, Natural Resources Building (NRB) in Olympia and other locations for trainings.  

Tools and Equipment: Electronic sampling equipment, cell phone, calculator, computer, hand tools (cleaning rakes, shovels, crowbars, sledgehammers), power tools (chain saws, drills, generator), and fish collection gear (nets, seines, weirs, and screw traps).

Customer Interactions: Interacts with sport fishermen, Tribal members and employees, King County employees, Tacoma Water employees, US Army Corps of Engineers employees, WDFW hatchery staff, WDFW volunteers, and private landowners.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

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.

OR 

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 Drivers License. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Complete the following trainings within six (6) months of employment:

• WDFW Personal Floatation Device training and attestation.
• Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) and follow-up river module.
• First Aid & CPR.
• Wilderness First Aid.
• Coldwater Survival.
• Swiftwater Rescue.

 Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Experience handling live fish safely and operating rotary screw traps in large rivers.
• Experience operating a jet powered boat.
• Knowledge of salmon and trout life histories and behavioral characteristics.
• Proficiency identifying fish, particularly juvenile salmonids, lamprey and a variety of exotic and non-game fish species.
• Knowledge of live fish handling techniques.
• Ability to collect data accurately, consistently, and completely, and totransfer data into electronic databases.
• Familiarity with the use of a variety of hand tools, power tools, and small engine machinery.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

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 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 #2024-12983. 

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