School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

The King County Department of Natural Resources, Water and Land Resources Division seeks a seasonal Environmental Aide to assist with environmental monitoring and applied studies that support salmon recovery efforts. This position is in the Watershed and Ecological Assessment Team within the Science Section. The position will primarily support a study of juvenile salmon use of small streams along the Puget Sound shoreline and a study tagging and tracking juvenile salmon in the Green River. This position may also assist with fish sampling and aquatic habitat monitoring of salmon habitat restoration projects in local rivers and streams. Other duties may include fish exclusion for project construction and kokanee salmon conservation. This work will inform future King County salmon recovery actions. This position will primarily work in teams with experienced fish ecologists but may also need to occasionally work independently. This role is primarily field-based but will also involve data entry and other office-based tasks. This position is a good opportunity for a college student, a recent graduate, or someone interested in gaining experience in aquatic ecology.

The position duration is approximately 6 months, starting February 17, 2026 and ending in August. King County will provide all necessary personal field gear (waders, safety equipment, etc.), a computer, and a vehicle to travel to field sampling locations.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for the Environmental Aide (Short Term Temporary position) will typically be Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week. In addition, there may be a need to shift work hours to accommodate occasional nighttime fish surveys or work longer hours. You must be able to commit to working 40 hours a week during the entire period to be eligible for consideration though there will be flexibility for vacations. This is an overtime eligible position that is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Work Location: This position will predominantly work remotely and at various field monitoring sites but will also attend meetings at the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle WA 98104).

Hourly Rate: $24.77/hour

Primary Duties Include:

• Assist with collection of juvenile salmon and other fishes using dipnets, fyke nets, seines, and electrofishing approaches with guidance from senior staff.
• Assist with measurement of physical habitat and environmental attributes in streams and rivers.
• Record data in the field and enter data into databases and spreadsheets.
• Handle juvenile salmon and other fishes and collect physical measurements.
• Tag juvenile salmon using passive integrated transponder tags with guidance from senior staff.
• Map habitat features in rivers and streams using Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Interact with the public and answer questions about our studies.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate the Following Competencies:

• Collaborates – Builds partnerships and collaborates with others to meet shared objectives.
• Situational Adaptability – Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Nimble Learning – Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems.
• Action Oriented – Takes on new opportunities and tackles challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Required Skills

• Ability to work in the field, during all-weather conditions, hiking over rough and slippery terrain and ability to swim.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional long days and night work.
• Ability to carry heavy monitoring equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Attention to detail and ability to follow directions precisely and dependably.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take initiative and follow safety protocols.
• Experience collecting biological or physical data in streams or rivers and demonstrated interest in applied environmental science.
• Knowledge and interest in salmon ecology and salmon recovery.
• Experience using Microsoft applications such as Excel, Access, Word, and Teams.
• Must have a valid WA driver’s license.

Desired Skills

• Associate‘s degree or equivalent experience in fish ecology, aquatic ecology, wildlife ecology, environmental science, environmental planning, or a closely related field.
• Training and/or experience identifying Pacific Northwest freshwater and estuarine fishes.
• Training and/or experience with fish sampling and processing methods.
• Training and/or experience using GPS devices for field data collection.
• Training in swiftwater safety, first aid, and CPR. (this training can also be provided by King County)

Application and Selection Process

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications and skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

• Resume
• Brief Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position

Please email your resume, along with a brief cover letter of interest describing how you meet the job requirements and why you would be a great candidate for this position by Monday, January 5, 2026 to Perry Falcone at perry.falcone@kingcounty.gov. A pre-employment physical will be required.

For any questions, please contact the supervisor, Perry Falcone, at perry.falcone@kingcounty.gov