Newaukum Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non

Newaukum Spawning Ground Surveyor

These positions offer valuable field experience in fisheries throughout the Newaukum River Basin. Picture yourself conducting spawning ground surveys and collecting biological data, playing a crucial role in the conservation of salmon and steelhead populations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

• Conducts salmon spawner surveys according to Procedures and Protocols.
• Identify, record, and monitor salmonid redds and live/dead fish counts within selected reaches.
• Walking along streams in varying weather conditions and on slick surfaces, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft.
• Maintaining accurate and timely field records on iPads and iForms.
• Collect biological data from salmon carcasses, including assessing adipose and dorsal fin mark status (hatchery or wild origin) and collecting scales, coded wire tags (CWTs), DNA tissue samples, deploying and recovering carcass tags, and gathering other biological samples as needed.

Travel to and from stream survey locations throughout the Newaukum River Basin.

• Driving to and from stream survey locations via Federal, State, and County roads, as well as travel on private (logging) roads.
• Operating 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions.

Working Conditions:

Surveys are conducted on foot and/or by utilizing rafts and pontoon boats. Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous and physically demanding with some survey reaches greater than 10+ miles per day. Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Operating 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions.

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

Schedule:

The standard work schedule requires flexibility and may include work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs, including weekends or holidays. Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors. Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 8 to 5 work schedules.

Travel requirements:
Extensive local driving to and from surveys each day. While routine duties do not require long-distance travel, occasional extended travel may be necessary for training purposes.

Customer Interactions:
General public, landowners, and co-workers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:
Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Previous experience in adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, including redd identification.
• Personal or professional experience with river environments.
• Rowing a watercraft on rivers.
• River rescue training.
• Moving on, in, or through rivers.
• Experience with data collection.
• Familiarity with the Newaukum River Basin.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security.

That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.