Description
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) at the Leavenworth Fisheries Complex is hiring multiple Seasonal Fisheries Technicians (GS-5, GS-6, and GS-7) to support fisheries research and monitoring projects in the Upper Columbia Basin. These full-time, 6-month seasonal positions begin mid-June 2026 and extend through October–November, depending on start date. More details about our office and our work can be found here.
Location description: The Leavenworth Fisheries Complex is located on the east slope of Washington’s Cascade Range in the Wenatchee Valley, offering access to diverse mountain landscapes, high-elevation tributaries, and mainstem river systems. The area provides a mix of easily accessible field sites and remote backcountry environments, with opportunities to work in scenic alpine valleys, forested watersheds, and rugged terrain typical of the eastern Cascades.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct Chinook and Bull Trout spawning ground surveys
- Participate in snorkel and electrofishing surveys for native fish species
- Assist with eDNA sampling, temperature monitoring, and basic habitat assessments
- Support hatchery evaluation projects that include biometric data collection and occasional hatchery operation assistance
- Collaborate with state, Tribal, federal, and private partners on monitoring and research efforts
- Lead field crews in front- and backcountry settings (GS-6 and GS-7 only)
Work Schedule: 40 hours/week on average, with occasional overtime during peak field periods. Some early mornings, long days, night surveys, or travel may be required.
Links to USAJOBS Announcements with Full Qualification Criteria
GS-5: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/851514200
GS-6: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/851568900
GS-7: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/851569300
Interested candidates must apply via USAJobs using the links above and select Leavenworth as a preferred duty location to be considered.
Application Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST (9:00 PM PST)
Requirements
Work is highly field-oriented and often conducted in rugged terrain, cold water, and variable weather. Technicians must be comfortable swimming, wading, hiking long distances, and working as part of a small field team. The ability to adhere to established protocols, adapt to changing environments, and communicate effectively is critical.
