Chehalis Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm - Two

Title- Chehalis Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Appointment Length- 3-4 months WDFW Program- Fish Program Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

Appointment Lengths:

One Position 3 months – October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

One Position – 4 months – October 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027

This is an opportunity to work outdoors in dynamic field environments while building valuable, hands‑on experience in fisheries.

Envision yourself hiking or rafting through the Grays Harbor and Chehalis basin conducting spawning ground surveys and collecting critical biological data that informs fishery conservation and management.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyor will,

• Identify, record, flag, and monitor salmonid redds within selected stream reaches.
• Conduct live and dead salmonid counts and accurately document observations on field forms, including GPS data and mapping data.
• Collect biological data from carcasses, including but not limited to:
  • Adipose and dorsal fin mark status (hatchery/wild origin).
  • Scale samples for age and origin analysis.
  • Coded wire tags (CWT) for stock composition.
  • Opercle punches, T-tags, jaw tags and DNA samples

• Conduct spawning surveys on foot and/or utilizing rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, or jet-powered sleds depending on reach access and conditions.

• Secure all gear and materials within the vehicle to ensure safe transport and conduct proper vehicle maintenance.

Work setting, including hazards:

• Primarily outdoors with limited office duties. Equipment maintenance and repairs may be performed both in the field and at the Region 6 complex.
• Extensive driving and hiking to remote locations on both public and private lands.
• Fieldwork occurs in all weather conditions in variable terrain. Walk in or along streams with slick boulders, navigating logjams, wading across riffles with moderate to fast currents, and maneuvering rafts, drift boats, pontoon boats, or jet sleds. Includes lifting and carrying equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.
• Spawner surveys are typically conducted alone, either on foot or using watercraft, larger streams may require two (2) person crews.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

• The standard work schedule requires flexibility. Employees may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period, with a standard workweek of 40 hours.
• Work hours may be adjusted based on inclement weather, stream flow conditions, spawning activity, daylight hours, and other field conditions. Weekends, holidays, evening work and hours over 40 per week may be required.

Travel is frequent throughout the district and involves driving to remote field sites on public and private lands. Work is typically completed on a daily-return basis. Overnight travel is not required, except for training courses.

Rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, and jet-pump–equipped sleds, rain gear, waders, wading boots, personal flotation devices (PFDs), polarized glasses, GPS units, and other specialized survey equipment.

Regular interactions with landowners, members of the public, and partner agencies. Strong interpersonal skills are essential when requesting access, providing information, or representing WDFW in the field.

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…