Location: Olympic Experimental State Forest, Forks, WA
Recruitment is open until it is filled with an initial review on April 29th.
This position with Washington State Department of Natural Resources will begin between May 18th and June 1st and end on December 15, 2026. The position will work with other technicians in 2–4 person crews or independently to conduct juvenile salmonid population estimates, stream habitat surveys, bioacoustics surveys, and riparian and upland forest stand surveys across the western Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.
Field sites are remote and require strenuous hiking on steep terrain while carrying sampling equipment. Following the primary summer field season, the technician will continue with lower intensity fieldwork through mid-December conducting salmon redd surveys, independently and often in adverse weather conditions.
Type of Appointment: Full-time, non-permanent
Position Dates: May 18 – December 15, 2026. There is a potential for extension of the assignment past December 15.
Compensation & Benefits: Monthly salary ranges from $3,477 to $4,632, depending on qualifications and experience. Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of annual leave per month. Medical insurance is available for employees working more than six months.
Required Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive on unpaved roadsAbility to hike in rugged terrain and work in inclement weatherAbility to work both independently and as part of a teamBasic understanding of environmental monitoringStrong attention to detail and diligence in data collection and management
Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, fisheries, or a related fieldField experience in fisheries or aquatic ecologyExperience identifying local fish and plant species, and conducting fish sampling/workupsExperience conducting forest stand or stream habitat surveysFamiliarity with backpack electrofishing and/or redd surveysGPS navigation and backcountry travel experienceExperience with data collection and data management
Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday (10-hour days). Approximately 95% of work is conducted in the field.
Housing: Not provided; securing housing in Forks, WA can be challenging.
How to Apply:
Email your resume with the contact information of three references and cover letter to Kyle Martens, Fish Biologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (kyle.martens@dnr.wa.gov). Please also include any timing constraints that may prevent you from working the entire time between May through mid-December.
Email your resume with the contact information of three references and cover letter to Kyle Martens, Fish Biologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (kyle.martens@dnr.wa.gov). Please also include any timing constraints that may prevent you from working the entire time between May through mid-December.