Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent -*00629-25

Messiah College; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead to join their team in La Conner, Washington. This senior-level position involves leading fieldwork on the Skagit River, focusing on critical conservation efforts for wild fish populations. You will oversee hydroacoustic systems, conduct biological sampling, and ensure data quality while navigating rugged terrains. If you are passionate about fish conservation and possess the necessary field and technical skills, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in an innovative and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant field experience required.
• Experience in hydroacoustic monitoring and biological sampling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead field work for hydroacoustic monitoring and stock assessment.
• Organize data collection and ensure quality control.

Skills

Field Leadership

Data QA/QC

Biological Sampling

Hydroacoustic Monitoring

Spawning Ground Surveys

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hydroacoustic Equipment

Field Equipment

Job description

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Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent - 00629-25

Title: Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead

Job Status: Full-Time - Permanent

WDFW Program: Fish Program

Duty Station: La Conner, Washington – Skagit County

The current duty station of this position is in La Conner, Washington (Skagit County). This position is anticipated to move to a duty station in Stanwood, Washington (Snohomish County) in April 2025.

This senior-level position provides field leadership for hydroacoustic monitoring and stock assessment on the Skagit River, supporting critical conservation work aimed at preserving wild fish populations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining in-river hydroacoustic systems
• Leading data QA/QC processes
• Organizing spawning ground surveys
• Supporting fisheries monitoring

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead will:

Lead field work, stock assessment and monitoring:

• Lead stock assessment surveys and biological sampling of anadromous salmonids and other fish species.
• Recognize emergent issues that may affect survey safety or integrity and plan or adjust schedules accordingly.
• Hike, wade, or boat sections of the Skagit basin and independent tributaries, navigating difficult terrain in moving water.
• Record and enumerate observations of redds, fish species, and survey conditions.
• Keep supervisor informed daily about status of work projects and emerging issues.

Data collection, entry, compilation, and quality assurance/control:

• Organize and review hydroacoustic imagery data.
• Record and review test fishery data.
• Record and review stock assessment data.
• Perform final data QA/QC and collation across projects.
• Organize and archive raw data into prescribed electronic or written form.

Lead technician assisting with hydroacoustic monitoring efforts:

• Follow, maintain, and provide updates to established protocols for hydroacoustic gear operation, data review, and field safety.
• Train other technicians on hydroacoustic equipment, data review, and field safety protocols.
• Ensure hydroacoustic data collection adheres to study design, methods, and procedures.
• Maintain daily log of field activities.
• Serve as point person for communication with the public while in the field.

Conduct biological sampling associated with hydroacoustic monitoring:

• Assist with weekly species composition test fishing efforts, including tagging and biological sampling of adult salmonids.

Maintain field equipment and supplies:

• Lead maintenance, preparation, and service of all field equipment.
• Assist with purchasing of field supplies.
• Maintain up-to-date inventory of field supplies.

Working Conditions:

• Work in all weather conditions, from dry and hot to extreme cold and snow.
• Position may include field work in rivers and streams walking up to 12 miles in rugged terrain.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• May conduct physically demanding field work weekly.

Schedule: Typical work schedule will vary between 4, 10 hour shifts, or 5, 8 hour shifts per week, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel is required to field sites in Sedro-Woolley and throughout the Skagit River basin.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
• Or graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience deploying and maintaining hydroacoustic monitoring gear.
• Three (3) years of experience conducting spawning ground surveys.
• Identifying, handling, and biologically sampling fishes.

Your application should include:

• A completed online application showcasing your qualifications.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position.
• At least three professional references.

Supplemental Information:

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

Union - WAFWP: This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer: The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.