Ocean Job Board

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Title- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 7 Months – June 2, 2025 – December 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Unit
Duty Station- Pasco, Washington – Franklin County
*Standby- This position may be required to be on standby.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Intercepted Invasive Mussels – Photo Credit: WDFW
Join the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention team and conduct impactful fieldwork to protect state waters.
In this role you will perform early detection monitoring of Zebra and Quagga mussels, ensuring all data is accurately recorded.
Picture yourself surveying high risk bodies of water to collect samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) throughout Washington state.
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:
Perform Office Work:
Maintain Equipment:
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
Approximately 90% fieldwork and 10% office work. Work is conducted outdoors on water and land, including in inclement weather such as rain, heat and cold, poor air quality, wildfires, strong waves and currents.
May work independently in remote locations, day and night. Walk up to five (5) miles on uneven ground, occasionally relocate 75 pounds or pack 50 pounds, and handle chemicals safely and in accordance with labels. On rare occasions, may conduct euthanasia on animals during rapid response actions for detections of adult invasive mussels.
Safely transport and operate large equipment up to a 20-foot cargo trailer, flatbed trailer, winches, motor vehicles, and complex hot water trailered pressure washers. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 10 hours per day. Will be required to occasionally exceed 40 hours per week. May work outside of normal workweek during holidays, weekends, and may be required to respond on short notice to rapid response AIS emergencies.
*Standby:
This position may require standby. For this position, standby means the employee is responsible for remaining available by cell phone and within a two (2) hour driving distance to assist field staff with irregular emergent issues or to complete safety check-in and check-out processes during non-core business hours.
Standby may include full days (e.g. Saturday-Sunday) or intermittent standby times (e.g. 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm) several times per week.
Standby shifts will be scheduled in advance, unless there is an emergency, and will be divided equally with senior biologist, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.
Travel Requirements: This position requires weekly statewide travel and overnight stays up to five (5) days at a time.
Tools and Equipment: Personal computers, laptops, smart phones, electronic tablets, complex mobile water quality laboratory, environmental DNA backpack water filtration system, and non-electronic biological and environmental sampling devices.
Customer Interactions: Regularly interact with the public while conducting fieldwork.
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.
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 or environmental science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience:
Certifications:
Your application should include the following:
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: