Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non

Overview

Description Working Title - Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification Scientific Technician 2
Job Status Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length 4 Months – March 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
WDFW Program Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW
!
Photo Caption – Spawning Surveys – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding experience! This is an opportunity to gain valuable field experience in fisheries management within Snohomish County. In this dynamic role, you will provide critical support by gathering data that will be used to assess fish stock status and estimate salmon and steelhead escapement.

Spawning ground/stream surveyor

• Collecting and documenting salmon and steelhead spawning and stream survey data from District 13 rivers and streams.
• Identifies and counts live and dead salmon by species.
• Identify and count, mark and waypoint salmon redds by species.
• Uses discretion in selecting and modifying sampling protocol based on weather and stream conditions.
• Conducts surveys on foot and using rafts or boats.

Biological sampling

• Collect and document biological samples from salmon and steelhead throughout the watershed including taking DNA, otolith and scale sampling for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags for hatchery/natural spawner origin determination.
• Records sampling results for laboratory analysis.

Data management

• Assists with data entry for the spawning ground survey database (SGS), biological sampling database, and redd mapping database.
• Accurately keys data into computer software files.

Access and equipment maintenance

• Assists with maintenance and preparation of index reach access trails and vehicle staging areas. Employs hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Communicates with survey index landowners (records landowner new contact information).
• Maintains and services equipment including trucks, boats and trailers, rafts, exposure gear, and field sampling kits including implements and datasheets, scanners/detectors and GPS units.

Work setting:
Primarily field work in rivers and streams walking up to 8 miles in rugged terrain in and out of the water, floating in rafts or boats in variable flow conditions and weather. Ability to conduct physically demanding spawning ground surveys walking/hiking up to 8 miles in rough and variable terrain and stream flow and weather conditions wearing personal floatation devices (pfd).

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

Schedule:
This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, however, the schedule 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.

Travel requirements:
Regular travel is expected. Adhesion to agency vehicle policies traveling from duty station to survey index areas is required.

Customer Interactions:
Communication with private landowners and the general public.

Required Qualifications

• Option 1:
  Graduation from high school or GED including one 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 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 biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes. Professional and volunteer experience may substitute year-for-year for experience.

License:
Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year or more of experience in surveying…