Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - Two Openings - 2026-06310

Title
- Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification
- Scientific Technician 2

Number of Vacancies
- Two (2)

Job Status
- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3 Months– September 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026 WDFW Program
- Fish Program – Fish Management Duty Station
- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Photo Caption:
Stillaguamish Spawning Ground Surveyor – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and gain valuable hands on experience.

This is an opportunity to support salmon and steelhead escapement estimate calculations by conducting salmon spawning ground surveys in the Stillaguamish River watershed.

The vital data you collect will be utilized to fulfill the co-manager obligations agreed to in the North of Falcon process and in state/tribal management plans.

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

• Conduct spawning ground and stream surveys on foot and via raft/boat.
• Identify and count live/deceased salmon by species.
• Identify and count, mark, and waypoint salmon redds by species.
• Collect biological data including DNA, otolith and scale sampling for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags.
• Enter data into computer software files.
• Use hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Maintain and service equipment.

Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is primarily performed outdoors in rivers and streams, and includes hiking up to eight (8) miles in rugged terrain (in and out of the water) and floating in rafts or boats in variable flow conditions and weather. May include snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday and 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.

Daily travel from duty station to survey index areas using an agency vehicle.

Agency-provided vehicles (trucks, boats), exposure apparel, personal floatation device, backpack, brush clearing hand tools, pike staff, and sampling implements and instruments.

Communicate with private landowners and other members of the public.

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.

• 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 (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year-for-year, for experience.

Valid Driver’s License.

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Salmon identification.
• Safe watercraft handling.
• Operating vessels safely in inclement weather and in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Snorkel training and certification.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-documents

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