Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Tech - Non Two

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Openings-Two (2)
Title-Freshwater Monitoring Technician
Classification-Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status-Full-Time/Non-permanent
Appointment Length-Six (6) months–May 15, 2025 – November 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

The Freshwater Monitoring Technicians are responsible for collecting catch and angler effort data for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species in the Samish, Skagit, and Nooksack River basins (WDFW District 14) through interviews and drive-around counts. Working both independently and collaboratively, the technicians conduct biological sampling, gather field data, and engage with anglers to assess catch rates. The role requires safe operation of vehicles and equipment, as well as fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and resource co-managers.

This position supports fisheries management through field studies and data collection, aligning with WDFW’s mission to protect wild fish populations while promoting sustainable recreational fishing.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freshwater Monitoring Technician,

• Conducts angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts to non-target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Performs surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre-determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle.
• Records data into iPad application and on scale card paper form.
• Samples all Chinook and coho salmon with electronic CWT detection devices.
• Classifies, sorts, and enumerates marked (adipose fin-clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
• Uses a knife to remove snouts from Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs, which are used to assess stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
• Samples salmon catch to obtain stock composition (DNA taken with scissors), age structure (scales taken with forceps), fish length (length taken by measuring device), and hatchery and natural-origin proportions (mark-status).
• Contact anglers to conduct creel interviews, traveling by foot to contact bank anglers at river access points and monitoring boat ramps for groups of returning boat anglers.
• During interviews ask predetermined questions about an angler’s fishing experience (e.g., trip length, target species, and catch and/or harvest).
• to species and sex.
• Observe and record hatchery or research marks on the fish.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:Primarily fieldwork in varying weather and environmental conditions. Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slim, biting/stinging insects.

Repetitive hand movements, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, and walking on uneven terrain in and near streams and rivers and climbing in and out of boats.

Lifting up to 40 lbs. unassisted a couple of times per week; carrying, kneeling, and heavy lifting of containers of fish.

Working and standing in confined spaces on slippery surfaces and using knives.

Driving agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment.

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

Schedule:All days during the week, including weekends and holidays with overtime required, as assigned. Shifts may vary, lasting up to 12 hours, including early morning and late nights. Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours between 5 AM and 11 PM.

Travel Requirements
:
North Puget Sound area. No overnight travel requirements, but long drives may be assigned to collect equipment.

Tools and Equipment: iPad, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear and rubber…