Title- Coded Wire Tag Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 6 Months – August 16, 2026 – February 16, 2027
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Scanning for Coded Wire Tag – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career!
This is an opportunity to process all tagged salmon heads collected from various salmon fisheries, spawning ground recoveries, and hatchery rack returns in Washington waters in a laboratory setting.
As a member of the Coded Wire Tag (CWT) Recovery Unit, you will play a key role in gathering biological data contributing to the conservation and management of Washington’s salmon populations.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coded Wire Tag Technician will,
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Independently prepare, core, and dissect tissues from salmon snouts using tested protocol to retrieve coded wire tags (CWTs).
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Use a computer to read CWTs and transcribe data onto datasheets and the Tag-lab database.
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Maintain an organized and clean space including the laboratory reading and dissection rooms, desks, and tools.
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Assist at hatcheries, marine lab, genetics lab, CWT application team, or other programs.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in a laboratory setting but will also occur at hatcheries.
Work in the lab around strong, unpleasant odors and handle bloody tissue samples. Lift and move equipment, snout bags, and garbage containers, weighing approximately 15-60 pounds, daily. This position requires manual dexterity and mobility.
Work performed at the hatcheries can be cold and wet; surfaces may be slippery. 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. – 4:30 P.M. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: May travel to various hatchery locations throughout the state.
Tools and Equipment: Pneumatic coring machine or handheld corer, scalpels, knives, various handheld tools, Voltage Detector and T-Wand, cutting boards, magnet, air compressor, 4x4 truck, CWT reader, computer, and other lab equipment.
Customer Interactions: May interact with the public when assisting at hatcheries during the spawning season.
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:
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Experience with coded wire tags (CWTs).
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Knowledge of fisheries in Washington State.
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Experience in a laboratory setting.
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Knowledge or experience with Washington State hatcheries.
Your application must include the following:
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A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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An up-to-date resume.
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A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
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At least three professional references with current contact 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:
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Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
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Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
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Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
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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
[email protected], 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
[email protected].
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
[email protected] and reference job #2026-05582.
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