Title- Cowlitz Creel Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Salkum, Washington – Lewis County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about preserving and protecting Washington’s fish populations?

As part of the Cowlitz Monitoring and Evaluation Project, you will assist with the monitoring of sport fishery impacts on natural origin salmonid populations in the lower Cowlitz River and perform fieldwork to estimate harvest and hatchery/wild salmonid proportions handled and encountered in the fishery.

In this dynamic role, you will conduct spring and fall Chinook, steelhead, and coho creel surveys in the mainstem lower Cowlitz River, assist with spawning ground surveys, handle and sample fish at traps and weirs, and more!

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Cowlitz Creel Surveyor will,

• Interview boat and shore anglers by conducting creel surveys in the lower Cowlitz River.
• Collect harvest/encounter data of both natural origin (NOR) and hatchery origin (HOR) salmonids caught in the fishery.
• Collect data needed to estimate harvest and encounter rates of NOR fall Chinook.
• Identify, count, handle, scan for coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and biologically sample sport-caught salmonids.
• Systematically biologically sample hatchery broodstock at Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.
• Scan all spawned fish with CWT detection wand and collect scale samples and genetics from a proportion of spawned fish.
• Enter data into dataloggers and other electronic devices (such as Panasonic Toughpad or Apple iPad).
• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Use a computer to enter data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in a field setting, at times alone in remote areas. Work outdoors in inclement weather, including exposure to hot and cold conditions, often with wet and slippery footing. Travel in and along streams up to six (6) miles per day, climb up and down steep and slippery stream banks, and hike over rough terrain under all weather conditions.

Sample spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors. Lift dead fish, typically weighing up to 30 lbs., with or without assistance, as needed. Repetitively carry loads up to 30 lbs. short distances over rough terrain. Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.

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

Schedule: 40 hours per week, non-scheduled. This position requires a flexible schedule and may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel to and from field locations is required. Little to no overnight travel will occur.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand and carpentry tools, gaffs, machetes, winches and pulleys, 4x4 vehicles, boat and motors, and GPS.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public, members of the angling community, personnel from other state agencies, and local landowners.

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.

AND experience in the following:

•  Basic functions of Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word.

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.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification within six (6) months of hire for the following:

• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Wilderness First Aid certification.
• WDFW’s Snorkel training and certification, with renewal expected every two (2) years.
• WDFW’s Coldwater (Inland) training certification.

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

Experience with:

• Identifying salmonids, both adult and juvenile forms.
• Identifying salmonid redds.
• Fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Operating handheld GPS and data logger devices.
• Performing stream surveys.
• Sampling salmon and steelhead carcasses in varying states of decay.

Knowledge of:

• Fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Coded wire tag (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detector operation.

Your application should 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.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2025-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04859.

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