Openings- Two (2)

Title- Northern Leopard Frog Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Season Length- Six (6) months – March 1 – August 31

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Diversity Section

Duty Station- Ephrata, Washington – Grant County

This is your opportunity to contribute to the recovery of northern leopard frogs (NLF) and monitoring Western and Clark’s grebes. Help conserve the last NLF population at Potholes Reservoir, assess reintroduction sites, and monitor released frogs while conducting surveys in historically and currently occupied areas. Your work will directly support critical species recovery and habitat conservation efforts in north-central Washington!

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the NLF Technician will:

Perform Northern Leopard Frog reintroduction activities, monitoring, surveys:

• Perform leopard frog call surveys.
• Assist with NLF egg mass surveys and collection.
• Perform visual encounter surveys for northern leopard frog, following established protocols.
• Assist with NLF transport (all life stages).
• Monitor NLF (all life stages) that are held in enclosures.
• Safely handle amphibians while taking measurements and recording data.
• Wetland habitat assessment surveys.

Conduct Grebe Surveys:

• Conduct surveys for Western and Clark’s grebes (nesting pairs, nest success).
• Assist with other Wildlife Program activities as needed.

Perform Bullfrog and invasive species management:

• Assist with bullfrog removal/euthanasia.
• Funnel trap surveys to inventory species in wetlands.
• Set up and maintain bullfrog exclusion fencing.
• Assess bullfrog presence at wetlands.

Data Management:

• Organize, enter, and edit field data in spreadsheets (Excel).
• Enter and manipulate spatial data using GPS units and GIS software (ArcGIS, ArcOnline, Survey123 mobile app).
• Summarize data and maintain activity logs for quarterly reports.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards: Mostly field based (80% of time) in and around wetland habitats with mud, biting insects, and water up to 4ft deep and occasional deeper lakes. Conditions range from temperature/weather extremes (90+ degrees during summer). Must be able to wear waders and PFD and negotiate water in emergency situations. Fieldwork includes heavy lifting (up to 50lbs), hiking/walking up to 5 miles a day in rough terrain, and bending/stooping. Most of the time working in groups, with occasional independent work.

Schedule: 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday, irregular work schedule, early mornings, night shifts, and occasionally weekends.

Travel: Infrequent, but may be needed to assist with NLF transfer.

Tools and Equipment: Hand tools, 4x4 pickup trucks, ATV operation, kayaks.

Customer Interaction: Regularly interacts with project partners, volunteers, students, and occasional field encounters with the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Note: College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 6 months of wildlife survey experience, mobile data collection.
• At least 6 months experience capturing and handling wildlife and biological sample collection.
• Experience working with amphibians and/or in wetland environments.
• Working knowledge level of mapping software (Arc Online, ArcPro, GIS).
• Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or biology.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

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.

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.

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.

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

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to