Title- Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- 4 Months – February 3, 2025 – May 29, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Join the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Anadromous Fish Investigations Unit and make a difference in the conservation of Washington’s salmonid populations.

Conduct adult salmonid spawning surveys, adult fish weir operations, and measure other Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters in the Lower Columbia River.

With your experience, you will collect vital biological and environmental data to support the monitoring of ESA-listed species.

What to Expect-

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

• Conduct salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate and precise 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, such as such as scale samples, gender, fork length, and percent success of spawning.
• Collect spatial data of spawning anadromous adult steelhead using electronic data capture methods.
• Collect environmental data on stream conditions.
• Accurately record and proof data collected during field activities.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Approximately 80% fieldwork and 20% office work. Fieldwork is conducted outdoors in all weather conditions and includes sampling spawned out salmon carcasses with strong odors. Hike up to six (6) miles per day over rough terrain and through heavily vegetated areas. Repeatedly lift (with or without assistance) large, live fish (typically up to 30 lbs.) and loads of sampling gear and rafts (weighing up to 70 lbs.) frequently over short distances. Climb in/out of boats and operate non-motorized pontoon catarafts in whitewater conditions, up to and including Class 3 rapids. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: 24/7, non-scheduled.

Travel Requirements: Travel daily to and from field locations.

Tools and Equipment: Towing vehicles, hand tools, carpentry tools, winches, pulleys and blocks, catarafts, 4x4 vehicles, 200’ beach seines, Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag injector, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) detector, handheld data loggers and GPS units, computer and possibly a palmtop computer, and non-motorized pontoon catarafts.

Customer Interactions: Interact with members of the public, such as landowners, and personnel from other agencies.

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.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

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

Experience:

• 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.

Knowledge of:

• Fish marking/tagging techniques and protocols.
• Fishery monitoring and sampling.
• How to operate Coded Wire Tag (CWT) and Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag detectors.
• Adult trapping techniques including resistance board and fixed panel type adult fish weirs.
• Basic carpentry skills.

Ability to:
Perform intermediate functions in Microsoft Excel and Access.

Your application should include the following:

• 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 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 #2025-00213.

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