Otolith Laboratory Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent - *02081-25

Title- Otolith Laboratory Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join our team and contribute to the conservation and monitoring of Washington State salmonids, including Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed stocks.

In this dynamic role, you will work with a collaborative research team to skillfully prepare calcified structures (such as otoliths, vertebrae, scales) for chemical, structural, and thermal mark analyses and participate in field collections.

As part of the Otolith Laboratory, you will generate critical age and origin data provided for WDFW Fish Management and Hatchery Divisions, as wells as tribal comanagers, federal fisheries managers, and other groups to be used in forecasting, run reconstruction, stock assessment, and scientific research.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Otolith Laboratory Technician will,

Conduct sample extraction and processing for thermal mark evaluation and microchemical/microstructural analyses:

• Prepare high-quality half-sectioned and thin-sectioned otolith samples.
• Communicate effectively with lab team members to ensure accuracy and meet project deadlines.
• Dissect fish and extract otoliths.
• Track and embed otoliths in resin for sample analysis.

Microscopic examination, image analyses, data entry:

• Accurately enter field and project data into database.
• Capture high-resolution images of otoliths and other calcified structures.
• Identify features of otolith microstructure under microscope or from images.
• Evaluate otolith samples for presence of thermal marks and accurately identify patterns.

Assist and support production (spawning, production estimation, ponding) and thermal marking operations (thermal marking) for Grays River chum salmon project:

• Collect and accurately record biological data (such as weight, length, sex, fecundity) and collect tissue samples from adult salmon (scales, otoliths, DNA, kidney, spleen, ovarian fluid).
• Assist hatchery and lab staff in artificially spawning and cross-fertilizing chum salmon gametes.
• Perform work at remote hatchery sites 1-2 times/week between October and February.
• Assemble, monitor, and troubleshoot the portable chilled water delivery system used for thermal marking.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily occurs in a laboratory setting, but will also include office environments, hatcheries, and field sites. Perform repetitive fine motor functions for long durations.

Laboratory hazards include hot surfaces (hot plates, burners), grinding wheels, sharp blades, dissecting tools, and chemical exposure (acids, ethanol, acetone, thermoplastic resin, and polystyrene resin) both direct and as fumes.

Hatchery and field work may be performed during inclement weather and over slippery, uneven terrain near or on the water. Lift equipment, samples, coolers, and field gear up to 75 lbs., with assistance as needed. 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 – Friday, 8:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M. May be required to work more than 40 hours per week, on weekends, or extended hours while in the field.

Travel Requirements: Occasional field work and laboratory work will require travel throughout Washington state. Attend annual workshops and conferences. May include overnight and day trips. Increased travel to remote hatchery sites (less than 4 hours away) October–February, 1-2 times per week.

Tools and Equipment: Compound and dissecting (stereo) microscopes, epifluorescence microscope, desktop/laptop computers, image analysis software, dissecting tools, precision grinders, hot plates, fume hood, balances, and low-speed precision saws will be used routinely. Portable chilling units and pumps will occasionally be set up and maintained for hatchery production or controlled experiments.

Customer Interactions: Public interactions are uncommon but may occur when entering state buildings, working at hatcheries, or conducting fieldwork. Collaborate and professionally communicate with Tribal/First Nation groups/co-managers, WDFW staff throughout the state, non-profit organizations, academic groups, public utilities, federal agencies, other WA state resource agencies, and fisheries agencies from other states.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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:
Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 6 months of hire.

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

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biology, fisheries, or related discipline.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Knowledge of fish biology/ecology and salmon culture techniques.

Experience:

• Professional experience in fish research or natural resource management.
• Collecting and recording biological samples/data in the field or in a hatchery setting.
• Extracting biological samples.
• Producing high-quality/high-resolution calcified structures for age or other analyses.
• Using compound and dissecting (stereo) microscopes, lapping wheels, and diamond saws.
• Performing repetitive fine motor skill tasks for long periods of time.

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 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: 2025-1234 – 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 #2025-02081

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