Wild Fish Conservancy's staff is comprised of 20+ professionals with decades of experience in technical research, engineering, advocacy, and public education. Together, these diverse skillsets and experience allow us to effectively address a broad range of complex issues facing wild fish—always with science as our compass.
Wild Fish Conservancy is always looking to expand our team with experienced, thoughtful, and mission-driven people who have a strong conservation ethic and respect for nature and science. Whether you're interested in a career with Wild Fish Conservancy or want to volunteer your time to support our science, education, and advocacy initiatives, we want to hear from you!
Seasonal position, full time (up to 40 hours per week) with potential to transition to regular, full-time employment after June 2026 based on performance, organization needs, and funding availability.
Wild Fish Conservancy is a nonprofit conservancy-ecology organization founded in 1989 and headquartered in Duvall, Washington. Wild Fish Conservancy is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring the Northwest’s wild fish and the ecosystems they depend on through science, education, and advocacy. Our work promotes technically and socially responsible fisheries, harvest management, aquaculture practices, hatchery management, and habitat restoration to sustain the region’s wild fish heritage for generations to come.
Our team of professional scientists, advocates, and educators work at the intersection of research, restoration, and policy reform to bring lasting change for wild fish and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.
Joining Wild Fish Conservancy means becoming part of a small, passionate team that values curiosity, integrity, and hard work. Staff are encouraged to learn, grow, and take initiative, knowing their contributions have tangible, coastwide impact. Every project connects directly to our mission—advancing science-based solutions to restore wild fish and the ecosystems that sustain them.
To learn more, visit www.wildfishconservancy.org
The Fisheries Field Technician position begins as a seasonal role that will primarily assist experienced Wild Fish Conservancy staff with habitat restoration and research projects throughout Western Washington, with a focus on the Mid/South Puget Sound and Chehalis watershed regions.
This role is ideal for someone eager to learn, grow, and apply their skills in support of science-based salmon recovery—someone motivated by purpose, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the future of wild fish.
Current projects include culvert inventories and assessments for fish passage; salmon spawning surveys; aquatic habitat assessments; fish species composition and distribution surveys; habitat restoration monitoring; and environmental DNA (eDNA) studies within Western Washington.
The role may also involve fish genetic sampling and tagging, snorkel surveys to identify and enumerate fish, and participation in research of alternative commercial fishing practices. Additional opportunities for work may include projects in other regions of Washington and in Oregon and British Columbia.
This role provides the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of people—landowners, Tribal and First Nation partners, public agencies, local communities, and other conservation groups—all working toward shared goals for wild fish recovery. Staff in this role represent Wild Fish Conservancy in the field and are expected to communicate with professionalism, respect, and cultural awareness.
This is a seasonal, full-time position (up to 40 hours per week) from November 2025–June 2026, with the potential for regular, full-time employment after that period. The position will start at $24–30 per hour, depending on experience. As a temporary position, it is not eligible for regular full-time employee benefits, though all benefits required by law—including paid sick leave and other applicable state or federal provisions—will be provided. This position is also eligible for mileage reimbursement and per diem when traveling overnight for field projects.
Minimum requirement of an A.A.S, with at least two years of field experience in fisheries-related field work; or a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Environmental Science, Biology, Engineering, or related STEM fields from a four-year college or university. However, candidates with equivalent professional experience in fisheries fieldwork, habitat assessment, or related environmental sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three professional references using the application form below with “Fisheries Field Technician” in the subject line.
In your cover letter, please describe your interest in Wild Fish Conservancy’s mission and your relevant field experience or transferable skills. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Wild Fish Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected and supported.
If you’d like to be notified about future volunteer opportunities, send us a message using the form at the bottom of this page sharing your interest in volunteering with Wild Fish Conservancy and we’ll add you to our volunteer list.
Use the form below to upload a copy of your résumé, professional references, and a cover letter expressing your interest in working with us and why Wild Fish Conservancy is a good match for your skills, values, and experience.
We do not have any volunteer opportunities at this time. Send us a message using the form below if you’d like to be contacted about future volunteer opportunities or have a special skill that could benefit Wild Fish Conservancy’s science, education, and advocacy initiatives.
Please include the information below so we can reach out with volunteer opportunities near you or best suited to your interest and availability.
