Freshwater Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm

Job Overview

Position:
Freshwater Monitoring Technician

Number of Vacancies :
Two (2) positions
Classification:
Scientific Technician 2
Job Status:
Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length: 3 Months – August 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Program:
Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station:
Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

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

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will collect catch and angler effort information for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species via interviews and drive‑around effort counts within the Samish, Skagit, and Nooksack River basins.

This is an opportunity to participate in sampling and field studies that collect biological data in support of fisheries management.

In this dynamic role, you will conduct biological sampling of fish, collection of field data, and interviewing anglers to assess catch rates of salmon and steelhead.

• Conduct angler creel interviews to estimate catch of target species and incidental impacts to non‑target species during freshwater recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Perform surveys to assess angling effort, counting angler vehicles and trailers at multiple, pre‑determined river locations accessed by motor vehicle.
• Record data into iPad application and on scalable card paper form.
• Sample all Chinook and Coho salmon with electronic CWT detection devices.
• Classify, sort, and enumerate marked (adipose fin‑clipped) and unmarked salmon by CWT status.
• Use a knife to remove snouts from Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs for stock‑specific impact assessment in fisheries modeling.
• Sample salmon catch to obtain stock composition (DNA taken with scissors), age structure (scales taken with forceps), fish length (measured by device), and hatchery/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.

• Legibly record data from duty 1.
• Accurately enter data into electronic devices.
• Review and tabulate data.
• Enter data into existing spreadsheets and databases in Excel, Access, or other apps.

• Operate and maintain all equipment including sampling equipment, waders or other wearable gear if provided, and vehicles. Vehicle maintenance includes periodically checking oil level and monitoring fuel and washer fluid levels.

Work is primarily conducted in the field. Conditions include adverse weather, noise, odors, repetitive hand movements, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking through vegetation, uneven terrain near streams and rivers, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), working and standing in confined spaces, exposure to fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, and transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

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

These positions will not have a set schedule and will work a variable schedule, including most weekends. Typically, 8‑ to 10‑hour per day between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

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

Interactions with co‑workers from WDFW and co‑managing Tribes, recreational anglers; interacts with the public during data collection, and provides basic information regarding fisheries resources, as well as agency programs and activities. Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public. Includes possible contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated. Provides a high…