Autofish System Operator – Salmon Tagging & Hatchery Lab

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

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.