Title- Chinook/Coho Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 4 months – September 14, 2026 – January 14, 2027

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management – Region 5
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Sampling Chinook – Photo Credit: Catherine Morello

If you enjoy working outdoors and want to play a direct role in conserving Washington's iconic salmon and steelhead populations, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make an impact.

As a Chinook/Coho Spawning Ground Surveyor, you'll hike and raft through Lower Columbia River tributaries to conduct spawning ground surveys, collect biological data, and monitor the health, abundance, and distribution of Chinook, coho, chum, and steelhead.

The information you gather will help assess stock status, guide fisheries management decisions, and support sustainable recreational fishing opportunities while collaborating with biologists, hatchery staff, field technicians, program managers, and partner agencies.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Chinook/CohoSpawning Ground Surveyor will,

• Conduct adult salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data used to measure Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters, including Diversity, Distribution, Abundance, and Productivity, which is used to determine the viability and health of salmonid populations and generate accurate and precise adult salmonid abundance estimates.
• Identify and count live and deceased adult salmonids, as well as redds.
• Collect biological data from salmonid carcasses, including Coded Wire Tag (CWT) status, sex, marks, fork length, previous clips, marks, scales, DNA, and potentially otolith collection.
• Accurately record data collected during field activities into an iPad.
• Operate handheld digital data collection devices, including iPads and CWT detectors.
• Submit scale cards, CWT snouts, DNA, and otolith sample collections in a timely manner.
• Download field data from iPads daily and notify the supervisor of any data errors requiring correction.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 85% of the time in a fieldwork environment with exposure to inclement weather conditions and extended work hours. Duties are often performed independently or as part of a team and may require travel by foot or cataraft.
• Lift (with or without assistance) large live fish weighing up to 30 pounds and carry field equipment weighing up to 70 pounds, including pontoon rafts and other gear.
• Walk in and along streams up to six (6) miles per day, including climbing up and down steep and slippery banks. Operate pontoon rafts on rivers with fast-flowing water and whitewater conditions, covering up to 15 miles per day.
• Handle and sample spawned-out salmon and steelhead carcasses in various stages of decomposition, often with strong odors, as part of salmonid population monitoring surveys.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

The standard work schedule 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:

Travel required between the office, field stations, and work sites.

Tools and Equipment:

4x4 vehicles, catarafts, iPads, computers, CWT detector, walking sticks with gaff hooks, knives, machetes, loppers, and standard hand and carpentry tools.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with WDFW staff, the public, local landowners, and personnel from other state and federal agencies. Maintain a calm, courteous, and professional demeanor during all interactions.

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.

Option 3: Equivalent education/experience.

Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may 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 one or more of the following:

Knowledge of:

• Random sample designs with rotating panels.
• Fish passage barriers.

Certifications:

• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain through agency provided training).

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 (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06603.

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