Title- Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 3 Months – September 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Stillaguamish Spawning Ground Surveyor – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and gain valuable hands on experience.

This is an opportunity to support salmon and steelhead escapement estimate calculations by conducting salmon spawning ground surveys in the Stillaguamish River watershed.

The vital data you collect will be utilized to fulfill the co-manager obligations agreed to in the North of Falcon process and in state/tribal management plans.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Spawning Ground Surveyors will,

• Conduct spawning ground and stream surveys on foot and via raft/boat.
• Identify and count live/deceased salmon by species.
• Identify and count, mark, and waypoint salmon redds by species.
• Collect biological data including DNA, otolith and scale sampling for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags.
• Enter data into computer software files.
• Use hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Maintain and service equipment.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed outdoors in rivers and streams, and includes hiking up to eight (8) miles in rugged terrain (in and out of the water) and floating in rafts or boats in variable flow conditions and weather. May include snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday and includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel from duty station to survey index areas using an agency vehicle.

Tools and Equipment: Agency-provided vehicles (trucks, boats), exposure apparel, personal floatation device, backpack, brush clearing hand tools, pike staff, and sampling implements and instruments.

Customer Interactions: Communicate with private landowners and other members of the public.

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 1.

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 science classes.
• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year-for-year, for experience.

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 with:

• Salmon identification.
• Safe watercraft handling.
• Operating vessels safely in inclement weather and in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Snorkel training and certification.

Your application must 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.

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: 2026-1234 – 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 #2026-06310.

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