Title- Fish Traps and Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Four (4)

WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management 

Duty Station- Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

In these roles, you will conduct juvenile salmonid trapping, adult fish weir operations, and adult spawner surveys for Chinook, coho, and chum salmon in the Grays River, Elochoman River, and other Lower Columbia River (LCR) tributaries. 

Play a critical role in monitoring the status of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmonid populations in the LCR by collecting accurate data used in developing accurate estimates of abundance and other Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters, and promoting the recovery of Chinook and coho salmon populations by managing hatchery-origin fish. 

Directly contribute to the recovery of salmon populations through active monitoring and management of key habitats and fish populations in the LCR.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Fish Traps and Spawning Ground Surveyors will,

Juvenile Trapping: 

• Assist with installing, operating, maintaining, and removing juvenile migrant traps (rotary screw, fence-panel) to estimate juvenile salmonid outmigrant abundance in the Elochoman River and Grays River basins.
• Identify, count, handle, mark, and recapture juvenile salmonids and other fish.

Adult Fish Weirs:

• Assist with daily operation, maintenance, and biological data collection of adult salmonids at Grays and Elochoman River adult fish weirs.
• Help install and remove adult fish weirs.

Stream Surveys and VSP Monitoring:

• Conduct adult salmonid spawning ground surveys on the Lower Columbia River and tributaries.
• Identify and count adult salmonids (live and deceased) and redds; mark redd locations and enter biological data using GPS and iPads.
• Operate pontoon rafts in whitewater conditions (Class 1-3 rapids) while performing spawning ground surveys.

Data Entry and Sample Preparation:

• Accurately record and proof data from juvenile trapping, adult fish weir operations, and stream surveys.
• Accurately record and proof data collected using iPads and data logger devices.
• Ensure scale cards, coded wire tag (CWT) snouts, DNA and otolith sample collections are submitted in a timely manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Primarily working outdoors (85%), often in extreme temperatures (above 100°F or below 30°F) and winds over 25 mph.
• Work is performed on wet, slippery surfaces, in rough terrain, and may be performed alone in remote locations.
• Conduct work on foot or by non-motorized oar-framed boats (drift boats and catarafts) with whitewater condition, Class 1-3 rapids.
• Repetitively lift large fish (live or deceased) weighing up to 50 pounds and move loads of weir components up to 70 pounds over short distances and rough terrain.
• Walk up to six (6) miles per day in challenging conditions and climb in and out of pontoon rafts.
• Exposure to strong odors from decaying fish carcasses.
• Snorkel in rivers with fast-flowing, whitewater conditions (up to 4 miles/day) under various weather conditions.
• Office work (15%) is in an office and/or laboratory setting, which involves computer use and performing various tasks and attending trainings.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: 40 hours a week with variable hours per day. Must be willing to work long days, nights, weekends, and some holidays. Overtime may be accrued.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel is required from the duty station to and from field locations using either agency vehicles or personal vehicles.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand and carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, motorized and non-motorized watercraft, drift boats, catarafts, pontoon rafts, boats, 4x4 vehicles, 200’ beach seines, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, coded-wire tag (CWT) detectors, electrofishing equipment, field gear, buckets, iPads, weighing scales, knives, handheld data logger devices and computers.

Customer Interactions: Maintain professionalism in interactions with departmental staff, other agencies, commercial fishers, and the public, regardless of intensity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

High School Diploma or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1. 

OR

High School Diploma 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 (driving record abstract may be requested at time of interview).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• CPR/First Aid certification, completion within six (6) months of hire.
• Wilderness First Aid certification, completion within six (6) months of hire.
• WDFWs snorkel training and certification, completion within six (6) months of hire and renewal expected every two (2) years.
• WDFWs Swiftwater, Oars, Coldwater (Inland), and Chainsaw training certifications must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience with: 

• Juvenile trapping techniques, including operation of rotary screw and fence-panel with live box juvenile traps.

Ability to:

• Identify salmonids and other fish species in larval, juvenile, and/or adult life stages.
• Identify salmonid redds.
• Perform basic functions in Microsoft Excel and Access.

Knowledge of:

• Resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs.
• Juvenile and adult salmonid fish marking and tagging protocols.
• Fishery monitoring, observing, and sampling.
• How to operate coded-wire tag (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detectors.
• Basic carpentry skills. 

Certifications:

• Basic CPR and First Aid certified.

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 #2024-12192.

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