Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Vacancies
Working Title- Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 3.5 Months – September 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

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

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will assist with conducting the Chinook salmon spawning ground surveys in the Stillaguamish River watershed that are used to estimate salmon and steelhead escapement.

In this dynamic role, you will collect data used for escapement estimates to fulfill co-manager obligations in the North of Falcon process and in state/tribal management plans.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Spawning ground/stream surveyor.

• Collect and document salmon spawning and stream survey data from the Stillaguamish River and tributaries.
• Identify and count live and dead salmon by species.
• Identify and count, mark and waypoint salmon redds by species.
• Use discretion in selecting and modifying sampling protocol based on weather and stream conditions.
• Conduct surveys on foot and using rafts or boats.

Biological sampling.

• Collect and document biological samples from salmon and steelhead throughout the watershed including taking DNA, otolith and scale samples for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags for hatchery/natural spawner origin determination.
• Record sampling results for laboratory analysis.

Data management.

• Assist with data entry for the spawning ground survey database (FTS), biological sampling database, and redd mapping database.
• Key data into computer software files.

Access and equipment maintenance.

• Assist with maintenance and preparation of index reach access trails and vehicle staging areas.
• Employ hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Communicate with survey index landowners (records landowner new contact information).
• Maintain and service equipment including trucks, boats, trailers, rafts, exposure gear and field sampling kits including implements and datasheets, scanner/detectors and GPS units.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Primarily field work in rivers and streams, walking up to 8 miles in rugged terrain in and out of the water, floating in rafts or boats in variable flow conditions and weather. May include snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions. This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 40-hours per week, Monday - Friday.  Occasional weekend hours.

Travel requirements: From duty station using agency automobiles drive to survey index areas.

Customer Interactions: Communication with private landowners and the general public.

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 6 semester or 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.

License:  Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• WDFW snorkel training and certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
• 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:

• Salmon identification skills.
• Safe watercraft handling skills.
• Operating vessels safely in inclement weather in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Experience walking streams performing spawning ground surveys.

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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04646.

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