Title- Salmonid Trap Operator
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Lead the operations of the adult salmonid trap on the Nisqually River, monitoring adult salmon and steelhead populations while collecting critical biological data. 

Envision yourself in the field, overseeing the implementation of adult trapping and handling protocols and supervising technicians to ensure efficient data management and reporting. 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmonid Trap Operator will, 

Lead the adult salmon and steelhead trapping operations on the Nisqually River, independently implement predeveloped adult trapping and handling protocols, and supervise staff that operate the adult trap to document annual abundance of salmon and steelhead spawning populations:

• Trapping and handling protocol execution. 
• Participate in trap operations and field data collection. 
• Provide analysis in final written (agency publications and/or peer reviewed publications) and oral format to agency staff, managers, and others.
• Remain current on the latest peer reviewed publications regarding new methodologies for salmon and steelhead fishery monitoring and trapping methodologies.  

Anadromous stock assessment surveys:

• Assist regional staff with spawning ground surveys for salmon and steelhead to collect biological data used for escapement estimates, population monitoring, run-timing estimates, spatial and temporal distribution, etc.  
• Independently walk or float long sections of streams and rivers in South Puget Sound to collect biological data from salmon and steelhead, count live/dead adults, georeference and count redds, and collect other stock assessment data.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Much of the work associated with this position is conducted in remote locations, on unstable ground or moving water.
• Hazards may include the potential for trips and falls, water hazards, and problems associated with operating a moving vehicle, motorboat, raft and pontoons, and riding in helicopters.
• Survey long distances independently in streams and rivers on foot, rafts, or pontoon boats for long hours which can result in fatigue. Count and interview anglers at a variety of popular sport fishing boat launch sites and access areas along the rivers.
• Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather. Contacting anglers requires short hikes to fishing areas or driving to creel locations via state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel along streams.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule:  Position is split between an office working environment (50%) and scheduled field work (50%). Standard work week includes working from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week. There is often a need for a flexible work schedule that includes weekends and may work longer than 8 hours per day.

Travel Requirements: Travel and overnight stay are infrequent but required occasionally. Considerable driving is required by state, federal, and county roads, as well as local travel on private (logging) roads.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences and one (1) year of professional experience in research or fisheries management.  

Please Note: 

• A Master’s degree or PhD in science may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Basic Flight Safety and Helicopter Safety training must be completed prior to first flight.

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

Experience: 

• Trapping adult and juvenile salmonids.
• Creating, organizing and querying databases (Access and Excel).
• Conducting spawning ground surveys over long distances on foot, rafts, and pontoon boats.
• Operating rafts and pontoon boats in white water.
• Working with recreational anglers and guides.

Competencies: 

• Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with statistical methods and population modeling options for adult escapement estimates, mark-recapture estimates, and recreational fisheries
• Knowledge of the fish species present in the watersheds, their spawning behavior and general life histories, fishery management methods.
• Familiarity with the geography of the area waters.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01373.

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