Spawning Ground Surveyor – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – 2025-06550

Austin Community College

Washington

On-site

USD 33,480 - 44,640

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

A governmental agency is seeking a Spawning Ground Surveyor to monitor salmon populations in the Newaukum River Basin. Responsibilities include conducting spawner surveys, collecting biological samples, and maintaining field records. The ideal candidate will have a background in science, experience in fieldwork, and the physical ability to handle demanding conditions. The position offers a flexible schedule and requires extensive local travel.

Qualifications

Must have at least one year of high school science.
Two years of experience in a relevant role.
Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

Conduct salmon spawner surveys and record data.
Collect biological samples from carcasses.
Maintaining accurate field records.

Skills

Knowledge of salmonid spawning

Field data collection

Ability to work under physically demanding conditions

Education

High school diploma or GED with science

Tools

iPads

Stream survey gear

Job description

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Spawning Ground Surveyor – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – 2025-06550

Title: Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification: Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status: Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Appointment Length: 3.5 months – October 16, 2025 – January 30, 2026
WDFW Program: Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station: Rochester, Washington – Thurston County

Join WDFW and play a vital role in advancing salmon and steelhead research and management in the Newaukum River basin.

In this position, you’ll monitor adult salmon populations by conducting spawner surveys – identifying and recording redds, documenting live fish observations, and performing carcass counts.

Fieldwork is hands‑on and dynamic. You’ll collect biological samples from salmon carcasses, such as scales, DNA tissue, and coded wire tags, while recording fin marks to determine hatchery or wild origin.

Together, these efforts provide critical information that guides fisheries management decisions and conservation strategies.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyor will:

Conduct salmon spawner surveys in accordance with established procedures and protocols.
Identify, record, and monitor salmonid redds, and perform live/dead fish counts within selected reaches.
Maintain accurate and timely field records on iPads and iForms.

Biological Collection from Salmon Carcasses

Assess adipose and dorsal fin marks to determine hatchery or wild origin.
Collect scale samples for age and origin analysis.
Recover coded wire tags (CWT) for stock composition and origin identification.
Collect DNA tissue or other biological samples as needed.

Working Conditions

Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous and physically demanding with some survey reaches greater than 10+ miles per day.
Surveys are conducted on foot and/or by utilizing rafts and pontoon boats.
Moderate strength, agility, and ability are required.
Trail locations to and from stream reaches may be as equally physically challenging.
Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
Operate 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions.
This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule

24/7 non‑scheduled. Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors.

Travel Requirements

Extensive local driving to and from stream survey locations each day using Federal, State, and County roads, as well as travel on private (logging) roads throughout the Newaukum River Basin. All travel may be conducted by use of state vehicles. Occasional travel may also be required to attend trainings.

Tools and Equipment

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs), rafts, axes, saws, fire extinguishers, and stream survey gear.

Customer Interactions

Interact with the public, landowners and co‑workers.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) 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 coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, including redd identification.
Personal or professional experience with river environments, such as:
- Rowing a watercraft on rivers.
- River rescue training.
- Moving on, in, or through rivers.
Experience with data collection.
Familiarity with the Newaukum River Basin.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work with carcass fish regardless of condition.
Ability to fill out field data forms clearly and concisely using electronic and paper methods.

Include the following with your application materials

A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

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:

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

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll‑free at (855) 524‑5627 or support@neogov.com.