Salmon Stock Assessment Technician - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm

Job Title

Salmon Stock Assessment Technician

Scientific Technician 2

Full-Time/Non-Permanent

4.5 Months – August 16, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Fish Program – Fish Management Division

Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County

• Conduct summer Chum and Coho spawning surveys, including walking/rafting rivers, counting salmonids, redds, and carcasses.
• Sample spawned Chum carcasses (length, sex, scales, DNA, otoliths).
• Record survey data in the digital platform FTS and organize biological samples.
• Operate adult summer Chum traps and assist at the Snow Creek Weir – netting, handling, counting, releasing live salmonids, identifying species and sex, cleaning debris, assessing trap integrity, and assisting with trap installations.
• Perform data organization, entry (Microsoft Access and Excel), and quality control checks on trap and survey data.

• Primary duties field settings in rivers and streams, walking up to five miles per day over rugged, uneven terrain, handling fish up to 50 pounds, variable extreme weather.
• Schedule:
  
  full‑time 40 hours per week; shifts vary; work hours may occur at any time within a 24‑hour period.
• Travel: required to river sites; agency or personal vehicles may be used when authorized.
• Customer interactions with project volunteers, the public, private landowners, and tribal co‑managers.

• Ability to identify river‑stage salmonids and other game fish species.
• Knowledge of the watersheds and fisheries of Jefferson County.
• Experience with salmonid sampling for length, sex, scales, DNA, and otoliths.
• Experience conducting spawning ground surveys for salmonids.

Valid driver’s license.

• Completed online application.
• Updated resume.
• Cover letter detailing interest, relevant skills, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) on their first day of work.

This position is represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

• Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.
• Notify the agency of veteran or military spouse status by email ter.gov.
• Veterans only – attach a copy of DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter (PII redacted).
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and veteran/spouse designation.
• Include your name as it appears on your application.

WDFW is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. All actors are encouraged to apply, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, people of disability, people over 40, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you have questions regarding this position, contact Cheri.

Potter.gov. Reference job #.