Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non

Creel Surveyor

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while supporting the conservation and management of native fish populations in southeast Washington.

Envision yourself conducting creel surveys and interacting with anglers to collect data on fall chinook fisheries and steelhead fisheries across rivers throughout the region.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Creel Surveyor will:

• Conduct steelhead and fall Chinook creel surveys.
• Identify fish species found in southeast Washington.
• Collect biological data and samples on fish species including sex, length (total or fork), marks, origin, scales and genetic samples.
• Scan fish for coded wire tags (CWT) or passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and recover and read CWT's.
• Accurately record and tabulate all fish survey data.
• Compile summaries and check field data as well as enter data into multiple data sets using Microsoft Office programs.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed in both office and field environments and includes extended periods of vehicle travel, including transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
• Hike over rough and slippery terrain for extended periods (10+ hours per day).
• Potential encounters with wildlife including rattlesnakes and possibility of seeing illegal activities in remote areas.
• Handle and work around chemicals for biological sampling (ethanol) and vehicle operations (gasoline and oil).
• May be exposed to inclement weather, repetitive hand movements, prolonged periods of sitting, squatting, walking, carrying equipment, kneeling, and lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted). May also include exposure to fish blood and slime, biting and stinging insects, use of knives.
• This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, working 10 hours per shift. The standard work schedule is variable, including consistently working weekends and occasional evening work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:
Requires extensive travel time within workdays, up to 300 miles per day.

Tools and Equipment:
Manual hand tools, knives, PIT tag readers, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, cameras, satellite phone, and Garmin InReach Mini 2.

Customer Interactions:
Daily interactions with the public and anglers during creel surveys.

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:

• 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 nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience

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:

• Basic First Aid/CPR card
• Experience using coded wire tag (CWT) readers, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, and collecting snouts from salmon/steelhead
• Proficient identification of freshwater and anadromous fish species in eastern Washington.
• Proficient use of personal computers, including Microsoft Office programs.
• Proficient and safe operations of motor vehicles.

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.