Title- Spawner Survey Technicians
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 4 months – September 2, 2025 – December 28, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Play a key role in supporting stock assessments by collecting and organizing spawning ground data of anadromous fish in the Skagit River Basin. 

These roles involve both independent and team-based fieldwork, while collecting data during spawning ground surveys, biological sampling, and documenting fish presence or absence. 

The data collected helps support conservation goals, salmonid escapement estimates, run reconstruction, and forecasts used in fisheries management for non-tribal and tribal fisheries.

You’ll be responsible for compiling and summarizing data, safely participating in surveys via jet sled and/or pontoon boats, operating vehicles, and other equipment, and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders and Co-Managers. 

This work directly supports the conservation and management of Skagit Basin Chinook, pink, chum, and coho salmon populations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Spawner Survey Technicians will,

Field Work – Stock Assessment Surveys:

• Conduct stock assessment surveys and biological sampling of anadromous species throughout District 14.
• Perform salmonid spawning ground surveys in remote areas of Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties.
• Hike or boat (via pontoon and jet sled) along sections of the Skagit basin and independent tributaries.
• Identify and count adult salmonids (live and carcass), redds, salmon species, and survey conditions.
• Collect biological data from carcasses including Coded Wire Tag (CWT) status, sex, marks, fork length, scales, and DNA.
• Accurately record data collected during surveys using paper and electronic methods.
• Use various handheld digital data collection devices, such as iPhone and CWT detectors.
• Submit scale cards, CWT snouts, and DNA in a timely manner.
• Review and edit all recorded data before submission.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work occurs all seasons in all weather and in all conditions from extreme heat to extreme cold and snow.
• Fieldwork performed in this position is often completed alone or in a team.
• Fieldwork often occurs in remote locations without cellular service for entire work shift while wading through remote streams in thigh to waist deep water.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Hazards may include exposure to extreme temperatures, slippery or uneven terrain, sharp or hard surfaces, and potential lacerations from sampling instrumentation or environmental conditions.
• Risks may also include drowning, sprains, strains, fractures, contusions, and encounters with potentially dangerous wild or domestic animals.
• Additional hazards may involve traffic, boating, and ATV accidents, as well as risks inherent to both mechanized and human-powered travel during all seasons and environmental conditions.
• Frequently carry up to 75lbs of equipment short distances, including over log jams (e.g., portaging to access sites).
• Lift and/or pull cataraft (pontoon boat) around trees or other obstructions.
• Hike up to 12 miles in large streams and through rugged terrain.
• Raft or boat up to 15 miles in fast flowing/whitewater river environments in all weather conditions.

Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 4 days per week, 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday or 5 days a week, 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Travel is primarily in-state for trainings and conferences, with occasional out-of-state travel possible. Travel typically does not exceed three (3) days at a time.

Tools and Equipment: Pontoon boats, rafts, jet sleds, vehicles, ATV’s, chainsaws, knives, sensitive electronic sampling equipment, computers, laptops, waders, cold weather exposure gear, hot weather clothing, forceps, writing utensils and written and electronic data logs or books.  

Customer Interactions: Engage with a wide range of individuals and groups, including volunteers, WDFW staff, Tribal biologists and technicians, private and public landowners, recreational users (boaters, anglers, hikers), WDFW law enforcement officers, and both public and private natural resource stakeholders.

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 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.
• 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 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.

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

Experience:

• Previous experience as a salmonid spawning ground surveyor.
• Background in elementary biology and field identification of salmonids.

Ability to:

• Independently launch and operate a cataraft (pontoon boat) on surveyed sections of the Skagit River, including maneuvering around obstructions such as trees.
• Load, unload, portage and navigate a pontoon raft throughout all raft-surveyed sections in District 14.
• Clearly and concisely fill out field data forms using electronic and paper methods.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of basic field sampling techniques and procedures, sample rates and biases.

Trainings/Certifications:

• Wilderness First Aid.
• Swiftwater Rescue Training.
• OARS Training.

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 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: 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-06055.

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