Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-06806

Spawning Ground Surveyor

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and gain valuable hands on experience.

Envision yourself in the field, conducting salmon spawning ground surveys in the Stillaguamish and Snohomish watersheds to support salmon and steelhead escapement estimate calculations.

What to Expect:

• Conduct spawning ground and stream surveys on foot and via raft/boat.
• Identify and count live/deceased salmon by species.
• Identify and count, mark and waypoint salmon redds by species
• Collect biological samples including DNA, otolith and scale sampling for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags.
• Enter data into computer software files.
• Use hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Maintain and service equipment

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Primarily field-based work conducted under variable weather conditions.
• Duties will include navigating rivers and streams, walking up to 8 miles over rugged terrain both in and out of the water and floating in rafts or boats under variable flow conditions/weather while wearing a personal floatation device (pfd).
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Typically, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. working 40 hours per week. Scheduled hours may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions including the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

Travel Requirements:
Regular travel is expected from the duty station to survey index areas.

Tools and Equipment:
Agency provided vehicles (trucks and boats), exposure apparel (waders/boots, raincoat, sunglasses, hat and gloves), backpack, pike staff, and sampling implements and instruments.

Customer Interactions:
Communication with private landowners and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) 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:

Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester or (9) nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Knowledge of watersheds of Snohomish County.

One (1) year or more of experience in:

• Salmon identification.
• Spawning ground surveys.
• Safe watercraft handling.
• Operating vessels safely in inclement weather in a variety of stream flow conditions.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.