Title- Salmon Stock Assessment Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 5 months – August 3, 2026 – December 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management – Region 4
Duty Station- Bellingham, Washington – Whatcom County

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about salmon conservation and enjoy working outdoors in some of Washington’s most scenic river systems? Join WDFW’s Nooksack Stock Assessment team and play a key role in monitoring salmon populations throughout the Nooksack River and North Puget Sound tributaries. 

In this position, you'll conduct field surveys, collect and manage biological data, and contribute to the information used to guide fishery management decisions, estimate salmon returns, develop pre-season forecasts, and support regional salmon recovery efforts. 

Working both independently and alongside a dedicated team of biologists, you'll help ensure healthy and sustainable salmon populations for future generations.

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmon Stock Assessment Technician will,

Conduct Salmon Stock Assessment Surveys:

• Conduct spawning ground surveys for Chinook, pink, coho, and chum salmon within the Nooksack River and independent drainages throughout Whatcom County. 
• Navigate rivers using single-person pontoons in waters up to Class III whitewater. 
• Accurately identify, count, and record observations of freshwater stage adult salmonids, salmonid redds, and other freshwater fish species. 
• Collect biological data and samples from salmonids.
• Monitoring (creel) sport fisheries and sample catch.

Data Compilation:

• Review field data for accuracy, completeness, organization, and legibility.
• Prepare, organize, and inventory biological samples, including DNA samples, scale cards, otoliths, and snouts. 
• Enter field data into Microsoft Excel, Access, and other database systems.

Field Equipment and Office Maintenance:

• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot field equipment, notifying supervisors of operational issues as needed.
• Maintain equipment used in data collection, including rafts and sampling gear. 
• Keep vehicles and office clean and organized. 
• Monitor vehicle fluid levels and condition between scheduled maintenance and report any concerns properly.   

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors and in all weather conditions. Often conducted independently in remote locations with limited or no cell service, including areas with swift water. 
• Walk up to 12 miles per day in streams and through rugged, forested terrain, including steep, slippery, uneven ground and logjams. Safely wade remote streams in thigh- to waist-deep water.  Operate bicycles, pontoons, and rafts in swift water up to Class III whitewater.
• Perform prolonged periods of walking, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, and hiking.
• Use manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and upper body strength to load, unload, and row rafts in swift water. Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds of equipment over short distances, including portaging gear to remote access sites.
• This position involves working in and near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. 

Schedule: Typically, Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Occasional irregular hours, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. Occasional in-state travel for meetings, trainings, and trips to Olympia to pick up supplies or deliver samples.

Tools and Equipment: 4-wheel drive pickup, bicycle, pontoon, raft, personal computer, GPS, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) detection wand, waders, wading boots, machetes, sampling pack including forceps, scissors, and knives.

Customer Interactions: Interact with WDFW staff, public and private landowners, local government, co-managers, anglers, boaters, hikers, volunteers, and WDFW enforcement personnel.

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 may 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.

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

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related work experience in Fisheries Biology.
• Professional or volunteer experience collecting biological data from adult salmonids, including Coded Wire Tag (CWT) snouts, scales, otoliths, DNA samples, and fork lengths.
• Professional or volunteer experience conducting salmonid spawning ground surveys. 
• Experience entering biological field data using Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of the Nooksack River watershed and familiarity with the rivers, streams, and landscapes of Whatcom and Skagit counties.

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 (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2026-1234 – 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04959.

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