Title- Lead Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to apply your fisheries expertise and leadership skills across the Snohomish Watershed.

Envision yourself in the field conducting stock assessment activities such as spawning ground surveys that inform escapement estimates for Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon as well as steelhead.

In this leadership position, you will also guide and train staff in the safe and proficient operation of watercraft.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Spawning Ground Surveyor will, 

Lead and perform field stock assessment activities and biological sampling: 

• Lead spawning ground surveys and sampling efforts.
• Plan and conduct surveys using discretion in selecting or modifying techniques and timing of surveys based on priority and environmental conditions. 
• Train and educate seasonal and temporary staff on work unit procedures and priorities. 
• Address private landowner concerns relative to work unit activities. 
• Lead and direct biological sampling activities including collecting age structures, hatchery mark information, and genetic samples, from salmon and steelhead encountered on spawning grounds, hatchery, and angler creel. 
• May perform hook and line surveys. 

Jet sled operator for District 13:

• Pilot powered watercraft. 
• Train and educate seasonal and temporary staff in proficient operation of watercraft. 

Gather data in rivers by snorkeling: 

• Conduct snorkel surveys to perform adult salmon counts, steelhead resight observations, juvenile salmon presence/absence assessments, and deploy nets to capture fish for sampling.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Majority fieldwork with occasional computer and/or office work at WDFW regional offices. 
• Conduct spawning ground surveys walking/hiking up to 8 miles in rough and variable terrain, stream flows and inclement weather conditions.
• This position requires working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to swift water environments.
• May encounter log jams and moderate river flows operating a pontoon boat. 
• Safely operate a raft/pontoon boat in swiftwater conditions. 
• Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slime, biting/stinging insects. 
• Manipulate fish up to 40 lbs and safely use sharp knives. 
• Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week.  The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel from duty station using agency vehicles to drive to survey index areas. 

Tools and Equipment: Project inventory, agency provided vehicles (trucks, boats and trailers), exposure apparel (waders/boots, raincoat, drysuit and snorkel gear, hat, gloves), backpack, pike staff, sampling implements, GPS and satellite locators, agency laptop, phone, data tablet and trail maintenance equipment including chainsaw, machete and loppers.

Customer Interactions: Interact with WDFW staff, tribes, other government agencies, and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: 
Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science
AND
Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

Option 2:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science
AND
Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

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 for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability. 
• WDFW snorkel training and certification (within 6 months of hire, renewed annually).

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

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

One (1) year or more of experience in: 

• Conducting spawning ground surveys. 
• Leading individuals or a team in a professional capacity.
• Operating a raft, drift boat, pontoon and/or jet sled in rivers or streams.
• Adult and juvenile salmon identification skills. 
• Watercraft handling, trailering skills, and operating vessels safely in inclement weather in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Watersheds and fisheries of Snohomish County.
• Operating motorized watercraft in Puget Sound area rivers.         
• Hook and line angling.

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.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-08766.

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