Title- Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 4 months – February 2, 2026 – May 28, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division – Region 5
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Help make a difference in the conservation of Washington’s salmonid populations by working closely with the steelhead lead to support vital monitoring efforts in the Lower Columbia River. 

This role focuses on conducting VSP and fishery monitoring activities, including helping install and maintain adult fish weirs, completing adult salmonid spawning surveys, collecting additional VSP metrics as needed, and ensuring accurate data management through field datasheets, databases, and spreadsheets. 

Through this hands-on field and data work, the position plays an important role in monitoring the health and diversity of steelhead populations throughout the Lower Columbia River.

The primary objective of this position is to support mitigation and design study changes by monitoring VSP parameters for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed winter steelhead.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) Monitoring Technician will,

Salmon VSP:

• Conduct salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data used to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate adult salmonid abundance estimates.
• Identify and count adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds.
• Collect biological data from adult fish (live and dead) and carcasses.

Data Collection, Entry, and Management:

Field Data Collection:

• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Operate a variety of handheld data collection devices, including tough pads, iPads, Global Positioning System (GPS) units, Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag readers, and coded wire tag (CWT) detectors.
• Utilize backpack electroshocking equipment.

Data Entry:

• Enter and proof collected data using a computer into established spreadsheets and/or databases, including traps, weirs, and surveys (TWS).

Data Management:

• Ensure all biological sample collections and data are submitted in a timely manner.
• Download, proof, and submit finalized GPS data.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 80% fieldwork and 20% office work. 
• Fieldwork is conducted outdoors in all weather conditions, often involving wet and slippery footing.
• Exposure to strong odors associated with sampling spawned-out salmon carcasses. 
• Hike up to six (6) miles per day over rough, uneven terrain through heavily vegetated areas and along remote streams and rivers.
• Frequently lift, with or without assistance, large live fish (typically up to 30 lbs.) and sampling gear and/or rafts weighing up to 70 lbs. over short distances. 
• Climb in and out of boats and operate non-motorized pontoon catarafts in whitewater conditions up to and including Class 3 and Class 3+ rapids.
• Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.
• Record repetitive data for prolonged periods under adverse environmental conditions.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

• This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility and may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements:

• Daily travel to and from field locations is required. Overnight travel is not required as part of the job.

Tools and Equipment:

• Operate agency vehicles, tow vehicles, hand and carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, catarafts, 4x4 vehicles, 200’ beach seines, PIT tag injector, PIT tag reader, CWT detector, handheld data loggers and GPS units, scales, computer (and possibly a palmtop computer), non-motorized pontoon catarafts, backpack electrofishers, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) meters, and flow meters.

Customer Interactions:

• Interact with landowners in the field to explain project objectives and the purpose of surveys being conducted in the area.
• May encounter landowners’ pets and wildlife during field activities.
• Interact with personnel from other State and/or Federal agencies as needed.

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 some or all the following:

One (1) year or more of experience with: 

• Adult trapping techniques, including resistance board and fixed-panel type adult fish weirs.
• Fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Fishery monitoring and sampling.
• Operating Coded Wire Tag (CWT) & Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag detectors.
• Basic carpentry skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Operating non-motorized boats such as pontoon rafts, drift boats, and/or catarafts.
• Identifying adult anadromous salmonid redds.
• Identifying all adult and juvenile salmonid species found within the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
• Operating handheld GPS and data-logger devices.

Certification:

• Basic CPR/First Aid certification.

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.
• 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 #2025-09136.

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