Salmon Stock Assessment Technician - Scientific Technician - Non

Title: Salmon Stock Assessment Technician

Classification: Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)

Job Status: Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Appointment Length: 5 months – August 3, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Program: Fish Program – Fish Management – Region 4

Duty Station: Bellingham, Washington – Whatcom County

Are you passionate about salmon conservation and enjoy working outdoors in some of Washington’s most scenic river systems? Join WDFW’s Nooksack Stock Assessment team and play a key role in monitoring salmon populations throughout the Nooksack River and North Puget Sound tributaries. In this position, you'll conduct field surveys, collect and manage biological data, and contribute to the information used to guide fishery management decisions, estimate salmon returns, develop pre-season forecasts, and support regional salmon recovery efforts.

Working both independently and alongside a dedicated team of biologists, you'll help ensure healthy and sustainable salmon populations for future generations.

Conduct Salmon Stock Assessment Surveys:

• Conduct spawning ground surveys for Chinook, pink, coho, and chum salmon within the Nooksack River and independent drainages throughout Whatcom County.
• Navigate rivers using single‑person pontoons in waters up to Class III whitewater.
• Accurately identify, count, and record observations of freshwater stage adult salmonids, salmonid redds, and other freshwater fish species.
• Collect biological data and samples from salmonids.
• Monitor (creel) sport fisheries and sample catch.

Data Compilation:

• Review field data for accuracy, completeness, organization, and legibility.
• Prepare, organize, and inventory biological samples, including DNA samples, scale cards, otoliths, and snouts.
• Enter field data into Microsoft Excel, Access, and other database systems.

Field Equipment and Office Maintenance:

• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot field equipment, notifying supervisors of operational issues as needed.
• Maintain equipment used in data collection, including rafts and sampling gear.
• Keep vehicles and office clean and organized.
• Monitor vehicle fluid levels and condition between scheduled maintenance and report any concerns properly.

• Work is performed primarily outdoors and in all weather conditions. Often conducted independently in remote locations with limited or no cell service, including areas with swift water.
• Walk up to 12 miles per day in streams and through rugged, forested terrain, including steep, slippery, uneven ground and logjams. Safely wade remote streams in thigh‑ to waist‑deep water. Operate bicycles, pontoons, and rafts in swift water up to Class III whitewater.
• Perform prolonged periods of walking, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, and hiking.
• Use manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and upper body strength to load, unload, and row rafts in swift water. Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds of equipment over short distances, including portaging gear to remote access sites.
• This position involves working in and near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Typically, Monday‑Friday, 40 hours per week. Occasional irregular hours, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required.

Regular travel throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. Occasional in‑state travel for meetings, trainings, and trips to Olympia to pick up supplies or deliver samples.

4‑wheel drive pickup, bicycle, pontoon, raft, personal computer, GPS, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) detection wand, waders, wading boots, machetes, sampling pack including forceps, scissors, and knives.

Interact with WDFW staff, public and private landowners, local government, co‑managers, anglers, boaters, hikers, volunteers, and WDFW enforcement personnel.

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…