Title- Salmonid Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Appointment Length- 4.5 months – October 15, 2024 – February 28, 2025
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 this role, the Salmonid Spawning Ground Surveyor will, 

Conduct Salmonid Spawner Surveys to estimate natural spawning escapement in the Grays Harbor basin:

• Identify, record, flag, and monitor salmonid redds and live/deceased fish, with data collected on forms, including GPS locations and mapping.
• Collect biological data from deceased fish that include sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status, scale sampling, coded wire tags (CWT), opercle punch, T-tags, jaw tags, DNA tissue samples, or other biological samples as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely field notes.
• Conduct spawner surveys on foot and/or by utilizing rafts or pontoon style boats, drift boats, or Jet-pumped outboard equipped river sled boats.

 Traveling:

• Drive to and from stream survey locations by Federal, State, and County roads, as well as travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district using state vehicles.
• Maintain vehicle and secure equipment attached for safe travel.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• The primary work environment is outdoors and physically demanding, requiring significant driving and hiking in remote areas on both private and public lands.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Field surveys are typically conducted solo, on foot and/or by boat, but larger streams require team collaboration.
• Fieldwork is often in inclement weather, with varying stream conditions and terrain, involving strenuous tasks like walking in or along streams, crossing slick rocks, logjams, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength and agility.
• Lift and maneuver equipment daily, such as rafts, hand tools, or survey gear, upwards to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.
• Office duties include summarizing field data and handling WDFW administrative tasks.
• Equipment maintenance occurs both in the field and/or at the Region 6 complex.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, 24/7 non-scheduled; weekend, holiday and evening work may be required. Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, access, fishing schedules, and fish densities. Hours over 40 per week accrues as overtime or comp time.

Travel Requirements: Except for onboard observer sampling programs, there is no overnight work.

Tools and Equipment: Raft, pontoon, drift, jet pump outboard equipped sled, raingear, waders, wading shoes raincoat, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), Polaroid glasses, GPS unit, WDFW hat, and other survey gear will be provided.

Customer Interactions: Develop and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, the public, landowners, field technicians, and biologists from either State, Federal, tribal tribes, or public and private organizations to promote cooperative work and to exchange information.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:  

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. 

OR 

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.

Skills: 

Basic swimming skills required.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid unrestrictive 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:

• Background in elementary biology
• Field experience identifying live and deceased salmonids and monitoring salmonid spawning activity by species.
• Experience operating watercraft in river type waters.
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or State Boater’s Card required for Motorboat operations. (May be obtained after hire).
• Basic computer data entry skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with the public.

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 #2024-11018.

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