Lead Field Technician - Salmon & Steelhead Stock Survey

State of Washington; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) seeks a Nooksack Stock Assessment Lead Technician in Bellingham, WA. The role blends field work with leadership, supervising seasonal staff and ensuring accurate data collection on salmon and steelhead.

You will conduct spawning-ground surveys on District 14 rivers, oversee creel surveys, collect biological samples, and perform data entry in Excel or Access. This is a full-time, year-round position with outdoor duty in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with one year of science coursework.
• Four years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
• High school diploma with one year science, plus four years in lab or field as an assistant to a fish and wildlife biologist.
• Preferred: Bachelor or Associate degree in Fisheries Biology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources.
• Experience in fish and wildlife data handling is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct spawning ground surveys.
• Provide technical oversight of non-permanent staff.
• Conduct creel surveys and aerial counts.
• Enter field data into Excel or Access.
• Maintain field equipment and coordinate vehicle maintenance.
• Work outdoors in varied conditions and travel district-wide.

Skills

River salmonid ID

Teamwork

Independent work

Data entry

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor/Associate in Fisheries Biology or related

Job description

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) seeks a Nooksack Stock Assessment Lead Technician in Bellingham, WA. The role blends field work with leadership, supervising seasonal staff and ensuring accurate data collection on salmon and steelhead.

You will conduct spawning-ground surveys on District 14 rivers, oversee creel surveys, collect biological samples, and perform data entry in Excel or Access. This is a full-time, year-round position with outdoor duty in varying conditions.