Title- Salmonid Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 3 months – March 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

These are opportunities to gain valuable field experience in fisheries management within the Grays Harbor basin.

Envision yourself assisting the Region 6 - District 17 area fish biologist in collecting vital data, which is essential for effective collaboration with tribal, federal, and private organizations to exchange critical fishery and escapement data. 

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to provide critical support by gathering data that will be used to assess fish stock status, build fishery models, and forecast salmon and steelhead returns - crucial for North of Falcon meetings.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Salmonid Spawning Ground Surveyors will,

• Conduct spawner surveys to estimate natural spawning escapement of steelhead in the Grays Harbor basin.
• Identify, record, flag, and monitor salmonid redds within selected stream reaches.
• Conduct live and deceased salmonid counts and accurately document observations on field forms, including GPS data and mapping as required.
• Collect biological data from deceased fish that include sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (hatchery/wild origin), scale sampling (age and origin analysis), recovering coded wire tags (stock composition), and collecting opercle punch, T-tags, jaw tags, DNA tissue samples, and other biological samples as needed. 
• Count Pacific and Brook lamprey redds and conduct live/deceased counts.
• Conduct surveys on foot and/or utilizing rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, or jet-powered sleds depending on reach access and conditions.
• Drive to and from stream survey locations by Federal, State, County, and private (logging) roads across six (6) District 17 counties. 
• Comply with all driving laws and any rule forwarded by agencies, public, and private landowners.
• Maintain vehicle and secure equipment attached for safe travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily outdoors in physically demanding conditions and involves extensive driving and hiking to remote public and private locations. 
• Surveys are often conducted independently, either on foot or by watercraft, though two-person crews may be required on larger streams. 
• Fieldwork occurs in all weather conditions and includes variable stream flows, reduced visibility, rugged terrain, and diverse substrates. 
• Duties may involve wading in moderate to fast currents, navigating slick boulders and logjams, and operating rafts, drift boats, pontoon boats, or jet sleds. 
• Frequently lift and carry equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. 

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility and may include assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. Work hours may fluctuate due to inclement weather, stream flow conditions, levels of spawning activity, daylight availability, and other factors. Weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel throughout the district is required and involves driving to remote field sites on public and private lands. Work is typically completed on a daily-return basis. Overnight travel is not required, except for rare on-board observer assignments or for training purposes.

Tools and Equipment: Rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, jet-pump–equipped sleds, rain gear, waders, wading boots, personal flotation devices (PFDs), polarized glasses, GPS units, and other specialized survey equipment.

Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with the public, landowners, and partner agencies require clear, respectful, and professional communication. Strong interpersonal and public-relations skills are essential when requesting access, providing information, or representing WDFW in the field.

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.
• 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 unrestrictive driver’s license.

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

• One (1) year or more of professional experience applying basic biological principles, including the ability to identify live and deceased salmonids in the field, and to identify, interpret, and monitor salmonid and lamprey spawning activity by species.
• One (1) year or more of professional experience operating watercraft on river systems, including rafts, drift boats, pontoon boats, and jet-powered sleds.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including accurate data entry and familiarity with standard software used for field data summarization.
• Possession of a Motorboat Operator Course (MOCC) certification or Washington State Boater Education Card.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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 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 #2026-00298.

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