Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist - Non

Title

Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist

Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2

Full-Time – Non-Permanent

4.5 months – July 16, 2026 to November 30, 2026

Fish Program

Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

Salary information:
The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments throughout the lower Columbia River. Envision yourself in the field monitoring and managing all operations at the Germany Creek and Grays River resistance board weir sites. You will also lead fall Chinook brood stock collection and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events at Beaver Creek Hatchery.

• Lead field operations of the adult resistance board weirs operated on Germany Creek and Grays River.
• Coordinate daily weir operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
• Implement study designs following prescribed guidelines and conduct complex data collection in the field, ensuring a high-quality dataset.
• Examine, enumerate, and identify species, run type, and origin of all adult salmonids caught in the weirs.
• Collect complex biological data (fork length, marks, gender, sexual maturity) and biological samples (scales, DNA tissue) from all or a proportion of fish caught in the trap.
• Apply marks and tags to live fish for mark‑recapture abundance studies.
• Operate hand power tools and pneumatic tools for installation, operation and removal of resistance board weirs.
• Operate forklift to assist with lifting, installation and removal of heavy materials and equipment at certain weir sites.
• Gather data in rivers by snorkeling to identify, count, collect fish, and deploy and inspect field gear.
• Snorkel in rivers to observe fish presence, seining gear deployments, and weir operations.

• Assist and participate with seining activities to collect natural origin brood stock.
• Coordinate with Beaver Creek Hatchery staff to ensure weekly brood stock collection goals are met and accurately record final disposition of transported fish.
• Apply passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to fall Chinook salmon.
• Assist hatchery staff with sorting in adult holding ponds at Beaver Creek Hatchery.
• Collect spawn pairing information.

• Record complex data electronically using a Toughpad tablet during each sampling event.
• Conduct quality analysis/control exercises after sampling.
• Sync tablet data to the master Traps, Weirs, and Surveys (TWS) database daily.

• Plan, assign, and review the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads.
• Assess training needs of staff and arrange for or provide instruction.
• Manage personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, and performance issues.

• Work in office and field environments with inclement weather and wet, slippery footing; may work alone in remote locations.
• Lift, carry, and load equipment up to 70 lbs.
• Operate boats in rivers with fast flowing or whitewater conditions under all weather conditions.
• Sample spawned out salmon carcasses with strong odors.
• Climb in and out of boats and operate a research vessel up to 14 feet in length.
• Drive agency owned or leased vehicles without restrictions.
• Snorkel in cold, fast‑flowing water; walk over rough terrain for up to six miles per day.
• Tasks may involve working in or near water, negotiating water environments.

Sunday–Saturday, 40 hours per week between 7:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Weekend and holiday work may be required due to weather, stream conditions, and project demands. The position operates on a highly variable schedule.

Some local and regional travel may be necessary for training, meetings, or gear pickup/drop‑off. Overnight travel is rare. The position requires driving agency owned or leased vehicles.

Vehicles, power boats, basic hand tools, forklift, knives, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, Passive Integrated…