Fish Biologist
This is a seasonal, field-based position, working on agricultural properties in the Snoqualmie Valley. The position term is June 15, 2021 – October 15, 2021 and will average 30 hours/week.
About the Snoqualmie Valley Watershed Improvement District (SVWID)
On December 7, 2015 the SVWID was formed as an irrigation district under RCW Chapter 87.03 with 94% voting in favor of formation of the district. The district boundary roughly follows the King County Agricultural Production District boundary, about 14,000 acres of floodplain from just below Snoqualmie Falls to the county line near Duvall. There are approximately 600 parcels and 300 landowners inside district boundaries. The SVWID and its partners work on drainage and water supply projects within the district boundaries, including agricultural drainage maintenance, subsurface drainage planning and installation, beaver conflict solutions, water bank management, irrigation best management practices including irrigation screening and water meters, culvert replacements, and water storage.
About the Snoqualmie Valley
Located approximately twenty miles east of Seattle, the lower Snoqualmie Valley is a stunning river valley surrounded by forested uplands, adjacent to the Cascade foothills. It is important spawning and rearing habitat for several species of wild salmon. The valley contains some of the most productive agricultural land available and supports several hundred small family farms who provide commercially and locally available food, including several dairies and organic mixed vegetable operations.
About the position
This is a unique opportunity for a committed field professional to develop technical and leadership skills on working farmland in environmentally sensitive areas. This is a chance to make a positive impact on local agriculture and fish populations, including ESA Threatened salmon species. You will be an important ambassador for the SVWID and contribute to building on the hard-fought yet fragile trust that has been built between management agencies, Tribes, stakeholders, and farmers during the SVWID’s first five years of existence.
Primary Job Responsibilities
➢ Fish Assessment – Plan and lead fish assessments using various methods of sampling (e.g., trapping, seining, dip-netting, electrofishing, eDNA) to inform fish relocation efforts that precede instream projects.
➢ Fish relocation – lead a fish relocation crew during agricultural drainage maintenance work. Requires working in the water for long periods of time, in waders, carrying heavy loads, often in difficult weather conditions (sun/rain) under sometimes challenging conditions (mud/blackberries). Knowledge and experience with various methods of fish exclusion, capture, identification, and proper fish handling techniques are essential parts of this job.
➢ Environmental monitoring – Assist with/independently collect field data related to fish assessment, water quality parameters (DO and temperature), and stream flow. Calibrate instruments, such as YSI handheld water quality meter.
➢ Additional duties – Site survey work; environmental field data collection; irrigation program tasks including irrigation pump troubleshooting, fish screen and water meter installation; administrative support for record-keeping, budgeting, and reimbursement requests.
Skills and Abilities
➢ Resourceful. Able to independently problem solve and determine when additional assistance is needed.
➢ Environmental Stewardship. A desire to work with a team dedicated to improving land for farms and fish.
➢ Weather Resistant. Able to be outside in all kinds of weather and be prepared with the appropriate gear. Waders and boots will be provided for this position.
➢ Communicative. You don’t need to be an extrovert, but you do need to feel comfortable to be heard when necessary, self-confident and be comfortable making phone calls to strangers.
➢ Respectful. This position requires working on private property. The relationships we form with landowners are the basis for the work that we do. It is imperative that we maintain good relationships with landowners.
Required Qualifications
➢ Interest in environmental science and protecting local fish populations.
➢ Experience with proper fish handling techniques and ability to monitor fish health.
➢ Experience with fish exclusion and relocation best management practices.
➢ Fish ID – specifically inland fish of WA state and juvenile salmonids.
➢ Experience using YSI or other type of water quality meter to test DO, temp, conductivity, and turbidity.
➢ Experience on an electrofishing crew:
o At least 100 hours of electrofishing experience in the field.
o Knowledge of electrofishing principles and safety protocols.
o Knowledge of how to set the e-fisher settings to minimize harm to fish.
➢ Ability to carry equipment (up to 40 lbs.) over rough terrain during hot days and inclement weather.
➢ Good attitude and team mentality: the work can be monotonous, labor intensive, and days can be long.
➢ Organized: needs to be able to keep good notes in the field and have all equipment and gear ready to go at the start of each day.
➢ Supportive of local agriculture and protecting fish life.
➢ Valid current Washington State Driver’s License.
➢ Documentation of good driving record.
➢ Flexible schedule during peak construction period: construction site management responsibilities during the summer work season (“fish work window”) often require long days, including early start/late end times, and sometimes the schedule cannot be predicted. Ability to work on Fridays and some weekends if work is scheduled.
Desired Qualifications
➢ Experience leading electrofishing crew.
o Smith Root or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Electrofishing Principals and Safety Certification or similar.
➢ Experience performing biological assessments / collecting biological data in the field.
➢ Familiarity with eDNA sampling protocols.
➢ Experience on working farms.
➢ Experience working near heavy equipment and processes, such as excavators, tractors, pumps, and on a construction job site.
➢ Team leader – ability to problem solve, make decisions, and delegate tasks.
➢ Capable of using spreadsheet, word processing and standard MS Office software.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a term-limited position, planned to begin June 15th, 2021 and extend through October 15, 2021. There is the possibility for the position to extend/resume, depending on SVWID’s future needs and funding. Hourly range is between $30 and $36 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. Position is eligible for overtime, in accordance with Washington State Law, although employees are expected to take reasonable steps to minimize need to work overtime.
Benefits include paid holiday and sick leave, and worker’s compensation; vacation and retirement benefits may be available if the position is extended.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume to erin@svwid.com. Please include an email cover letter letting us know why you want this job and why you would be a good fit for this position. Candidates are encouraged to call or email with any questions. Leave a message at 425-549-0316 and someone will return your call.