Fish Traps and Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Permanent - 2026-08808

Washington State Health Care Authority

Washington

On-site

USD 52,000 - 70,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a Fish Traps and Spawning Ground Surveyor to conduct juvenile salmonid trapping, adult weir operations, and spawning ground surveys in the Grays River, Elochoman River, and other Lower Columbia River tributaries. The role supports ESA-listed salmonid monitoring and hatchery-origin fish management.

Field-based, with 40-hour weeks, occasional evenings/weekends, and travel to field sites.

Qualifications

Experience with identifying salmonids across life stages.
Experience operating and maintaining juvenile traps and adult fish weirs.
Ability to conduct spawning ground surveys and collect biological data.

Responsibilities

Conduct juvenile salmonid trapping and data collection in Elochoman and other basins.
Operate and assist adult fish weirs and collect biological data.
Perform spawning ground surveys along Lower Columbia River tributaries.

Skills

Salmonid identification

Weir operations

Field data collection

GPS/iPad data entry

Boat handling (cataraft)

Tools

GPS

iPad data logger

Weir equipment

Job description

Working Title- Fish Traps and Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Floy tagging Chinook at Washougal Weir – Photo Credit: WDFW

In this role, you will conduct juvenile salmonid trapping, adult fish weir operations, and adult spawner surveys for Chinook, coho, and chum salmon in the Grays River, Elochoman River, and other Lower Columbia River (LCR) tributaries.

Your work will play a critical role in monitoring the status of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonid populations and promoting the recovery of Chinook and coho salmon populations by managing hatchery-origin fish.

We are seeking a candidate with a passion to contribute to the recovery of salmon populations through active monitoring and management of key habitats and fish populations in the LCR.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Juvenile trapping.

Assist in the installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of juvenile migrant traps (rotary screw and/or fence-panel w/live box traps) to collect data needed to estimate juvenile salmonid outmigrant abundance in the Elochoman River and other basins.
Identify, enumerate (count), handle, mark, and recapture juvenile salmonids and other fishes.

Adult fish weirs. Snorkeling-Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.

Assist in the daily operation and maintenance of the Elochoman River adult fish weir and biological data collection of adult salmonids. Troubleshoot and modify weir design to improve weir efficiency.
Assist weir crew in the installation and removal of the Grays River and Elochoman River adult fish weirs.

Stream surveys and VSP monitoring.

Conduct adult salmonid spawning ground surveys on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries walking up to 6 miles per day and carrying up to 70 pounds; identify and enumerate adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds; use GPS and iPad devices to mark redd locations and enter biological data.
Identifying, enumerating, handling adult salmon.
Operating pontoon rafts while conducting duties such as spawning ground in white water conditions/rapids (Class 1-3).

Data entry and Sample Preparation.

Prepare data and field samples for laboratory analysis including salmonid scales for age structure analysis, DNA samples for genetic analysis, CWT positive snouts for hatchery origination status, and otolith samples for age/ origin analysis.
Accurately record and proof data collected during juvenile trapping, adult fish weir operations, and stream surveying activities. Use a computer to enter data into spreadsheets and/or databases. Record and perform QA/QC on field data.

Other duties as assigned.

Collect adult chum salmon for brood stock using various methods.
Collect biological data during the Deep River commercial fishery from salmonids and white sturgeon adults harvested in the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) commercial fishery.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: 15% of time is spent in an office or laboratory setting performing computer work, data entry, and other assigned tasks.

Approximately 85% of the time is spent in field environments conducting activities such as: spawning ground surveys by foot or cataraft in whitewater conditions (Class I–III); operating, sampling, and tagging salmonids and other species at traps and weirs; installing and removing fish monitoring equipment (weirs and traps); monitoring and sampling commercial and sport fisheries; handling live or dead fish and sampling salmon carcasses, which may involve strong odors; euthanizing fish; and snorkeling in rivers with fast-flowing or whitewater conditions for up to 3–4 miles per day. Field work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, high winds, and wet, slippery, and uneven terrain. Walking up to 6 miles per day over rough terrain and steep, slippery stream banks, lifting and carrying up to 70 pounds (e.g., rafts, nets, buckets, electrofishing gear), loading and transporting field equipment, climbing in and out of motorized and non-motorized boats. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. This position may also be required to euthanize fish.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Most of the duties are conducted in the field away from the duty station. Daily travel from the duty station to and from field locations is required with either a departmental issued vehicle or personal vehicle.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with other departmental personnel, personnel from other agencies, commercial fishers, and the public with professionalism regardless of the intensity of the interaction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

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

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

License: Valid unrestricted driver’s license (driving record abstract may be requested at time of interview).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in identifying salmonids and other fish species in larval, juvenile and/or adult life stages.
Experience with identifying salmonid redds.
Experience with resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs.
Experience with juvenile and adult salmonid fish marking and tagging protocols.
Experience with fishery monitoring, observing, and sampling.
Experience with rowing non-motorized oar-framed boats such as drift boats and catarafts in white water conditions/rapids (Class 1-2).
Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access.
Experience with basic carpentry skills and operation of hand tools.
Experience operating CWT and PIT tag detectors.
Experience with handheld iPad and data logger devices.
Experience in working alone in remote field locations.
Experience in juvenile trapping techniques including operation of rotary screw and fence-panel with live box juvenile traps.
Experience euthanizing fish.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

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. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

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 between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

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. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties:

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