Title- Stream Habitat Survey Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 4 Months – June 2, 2025 – October 2, 2025
WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Kelso, Washington – Cowlitz County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to preserving riverine ecosystems? Join our team and gain valuable hands on experience!

Conduct stream habitat surveys on Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW) in Cowlitz County to support research investigating the response of salmonid populations to stream restoration efforts.

This dynamic position will follow standardized sampling protocols to collect fish habitat data and assist with fish population surveys in focal research streams.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Stream Habitat Survey Technician will,

Follow standardized sampling protocols to collect fish habitat data from research streams including:

• Utilizing a GPS to navigate (off-trail) to previously sampled study sites.
• Classify stream mesohabitats within sample reaches.
• Identify bankfull stage.
• Collect and record transect measurements (wetted and bankfull widths/depths, substrate samples, depth measurements).
• Enumerate large woody debris.
• Observe and identify juvenile and adult fishes.

Ensure that field data collection forms are complete and deliverable and plan subsequent sampling activities:

• Ensure that data collection forms are complete on a daily basis.
• Error check and tabulate field data following standardized protocols.
• Reference spatial data and photographs.

Assist with fish population data collection in focal research streams:

• Capture fish using a backpack electro-fisher and/or seine nets.
• Identify fish (salmonid) species and collect relevant biodata.
• Safely navigate to fish population sample sites under the same conditions encountered for habitat surveys.

Maintain and care for survey equipment, vehicle, and campsite:

• Clean and maintain assigned survey equipment, ensure that vehicle maintenance occurs at prescribed intervals, and that camping locations are kept in good condition.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• 95% of the work occurs outside in the field in all weather conditions (including rain, wind, wildfire smoke, and hot/cold conditions). Operate a motor vehicle on developed roads and unimproved logging roads with heavy truck traffic. Travel over uneven/unstable rocks and logs, steep, slippery, and uneven terrain, and through dense vegetation possibly bearing thorns, needles, and/or irritants. May encounter wildlife, domestic animals, and private landowners.
• Hike, bend, squat, crawl, and occasionally carry or move sampling equipment (sandbags/buckets of water) that weigh up to 50 lbs. and frequently carry sampling gear (first aid kit/water/electronics) that weigh up to 30 lbs. by hand or with a backpack over difficult terrain.
• Remoteness of work sites may limit outside communication (such as poor cell/radio reception in river canyons). Camping for the duration of a work week will be required to achieve sampling goals in Intensively Monitored Watershed (IMW) complexes. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday–Thursday, 7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. (4 10-hour days per week).

Travel Requirements: Regular travel between IMW complexes and overnight camping will be required to accomplish sampling goals in multiple work areas.

Tools and Equipment: GPS, handheld measuring tools, survey equipment, backpack electrofisher, 4x4 vehicle, and radio.

Customer Interactions: Communication with landowners is required before accessing some study sites.

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.

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 six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid 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.

• WDFW Swiftwater Awareness.
• WDFW Cold Water Inland Training.
• Personal Safety with the Public.
• First Aid/CPR Training.

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

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field.
• Knowledge of stream habitat survey methods, primarily the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program (EMAP) methodology for wadeable streams.
• Experience identifying morphological features of streams.
• Knowledge of the study area – Lower Columbia Intensively Monitored Watershed streams.

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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-02795.

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