Autofish System Operator - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-09319

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Department seeks an Autofish System Operator to support salmon conservation in Olympia. You will operate automated tagging labs, oversee contract staff, ensure proper sampling, and troubleshoot high-tech equipment across hatcheries statewide.

Applicants should have a fisheries or related science degree, 1 year of relevant experience, and a driver’s license. The role is full-time with travel and overtime during peak seasons.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmentalscience, or a closely related field.
• One year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.
• One year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate an automated or manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab at locations statewide.
• Oversee up to 11 contract employees performing coded wire tagging and/or mass marking activities.
• Ensure that scientific random sampling methods are followed to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
• Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking and tagging mobile wet labs, including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
• Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.
• Analyze coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.
• Collaborate with the HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab as directed by the Biologist 3 or 4 by compiling, quality-checking, and analyzing data.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses for review by the Biologist 3 and distribution to the requesting unit.
• Maintain automated and manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs.
• Perform annual removal and repair of mechanical devices to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
• Re-home and verify operation of six stepper motors.
• Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmentalscience, or a closely related field

One year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science

One year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1

Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience

Tools

Mark IV coded wire tag injectors

Hand tools

Coded wire tagging equipment

Job description

Title- Autofish System Operator

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

AutoFish System – Photo Credit: WDFW

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Autofish System Operator will play an important role in supporting salmon conservation efforts across Washington.

Working independently at hatcheries statewide, you’ll operate automated and manual mass marking and coded wire tagging mobile wet labs, plan and conduct coded wire tag experiments, and analyze tagging data to help determine contribution rates, allocation, broodstock identification, and the effects of mark-selective fisheries.

Your work will help provide the data needed to inform salmon management and support the conservation of wild salmon.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Autofish System Operator will,

• Independently operate an automated or manual coded wire tagging and mass marking mobile wet lab at locations statewide.
• Oversee up to 11 contract employees performing coded wire tagging and/or mass marking activities. Train new employees, provide hazard communication training, monitor work product, and assist in training WDFW staff on proper tagging and marking techniques.
• Ensure that scientific random sampling methods are followed to obtain representative populations during tagging experiments.
• Diagnose and repair problems with state-of-the-art automated marking and tagging mobile wet labs, including complex robotic systems, video imaging systems, and complex software.
• Monitor work product and fish health to provide sound scientific results.
• Analyze coded wire tag recoveries to determine contribution rates, allocation, and escapement using RMIS coded wire tag database.
• Collaborate with the HEAT Unit, Hatchery Data Unit, and CWT Head Lab as directed by the Biologist 3 or 4 by compiling, quality-checking, and analyzing data.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, and analyses for review by the Biologist 3 and distribution to the requesting unit.
• Maintain automated and manual coded wire tagging mobile wet labs.
• Perform annual removal and repair of mechanical devices to ensure smooth operation during tagging and marking operations.
• Re-home and verify operation of six stepper motors.
• Recalibrate video imaging system by removing and cleaning all optics and infra-red sensors.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Duties are performed in an automated coded wire tagging mobile wet lab and hatchery environments. Outdoor duties occur in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, freezing temperatures, rain, wind, and snow. Work on your feet for extended periods and routinely lift up to 40 pounds. Work around hatchery ponds and on catwalks over hatchery ponds. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

This position is full-time working 40 hours per week, with extensive overtime expected during the peak marking season, which typically runs from February through November. The standard work schedule may include occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

Extensive travel and driving are required. Travel may be required for up to five (5) days per week for as many as nine (9) months per year.

Tools and Equipment:

Electric and basic hand tools.

Customer Interactions:

Regularly interact with biologists, hatchery personnel, Tribal staff, and members of the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Option 1:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmentalscience, or a closely related field.

AND

• One (1) year of professional experience in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or environmental science.

Option 2:

• One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree or higher in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience operating an automated or manual coded wire tagging/mass marking mobile wet lab.
• Experience operating and maintaining Mark IV coded wire tag injectors.
• Experience working in a salmon hatchery environment.
• Experience supervising or directing employees.
• Experience using hand tools to perform general repairs on mechanical equipment.
• Experience analyzing data and contributing to the publication of research findings.
• Knowledge of the coded wire tag system.
• Knowledge and experience with all types of Electronic Coded Wire Tag Detectors.

Union

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 [e-mail].
• 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: 2026-1234 – 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 [phone] or email [e-mail], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.