• Conduct adult salmonid spawning ground surveys by foot or boat on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries.
• Identify and enumerate adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds – using GPS devices to mark red locations.
• Assist with the installation, maintenance, operation, and removal of adult salmonid weirs.
• Capture, identify, enumerate, handle, and tag and/or mark adult salmonids at weir traps for mark/recapture programs and distribution monitoring.
• Remove some hatchery origin fish to reduce their abundance as natural spawners.
• Travel to Deep River fishing or buying locations to collect biological samples from commercial catch of salmon.
• Use established protocols to detect and collect coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, collecting DNA for Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) and making Visual Stock Identification (VSI) calls based on fin clips and physical characteristics.
• Enter data into data loggers and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
• May conduct snorkel surveys in streams and rivers.
• Collect brood stock for established enhancement and hatchery programs.
• Sample and spawn fish at hatcheries.
• Accurately record and proof data collected during field activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

     OR 

• Graduation from high school/GED including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

AND 

• Basic operation of a personal computer.
• Ability to do basic functions in Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Ability to work a 24/7 schedule.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• A valid driver’s license (driving record abstract may be requested at time of interview).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: 

• Operation of CWT and PIT tag detectors.
• Resistance board and fixed panel adult fish weirs.
• Operation of rotary screw and fence-panel (with live box) juvenile traps.
• Fish marking and tagging protocols.
• Fishery monitoring, observing, and sampling.
• Commercial fishing gear types and methods.
• Basic operations of motorized vessels.
• Basic carpentry skills.

Ability to: 

• Complete Snorkel Certification.
• Complete a basic CPR and First Aid course.
• Identify salmonids and other fish species in larval, juvenile and/or adult life stages.
• Identify salmonid redds.
• Row non-motorized oar-framed boats such as drift boats and catarafts in white water conditions – Class 1 through 3 rapids.
• Perform advanced functions in Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Operate handheld GPS and data logger devices.
• Work alone in remote locations.
• Work well with others in both a field and office setting.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification. 

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT NOTES:  

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

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.