Spawning Ground Surveyor – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – *08912-24

Working Title– Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification– Scientific Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length– 2 Months – September 3, 2024 – October 31, 2024
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station– Fall City, Washington – King County
 
In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.
 
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
 
Do you enjoy working outdoors? WDFW is seeking a Spawning Ground Surveyor ready to hike, raft, and gather crucial data on salmon and steelhead.
 
Support the Stillaguamish and Snohomish Watersheds by documenting spawning ground survey data, collecting biological samples, and playing a key role in fish conservation efforts.
 
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyor will,
 
Conduct Spawning Ground/Stream Surveys:

• Collect and document salmon and steelhead spawning and stream survey data from rivers and streams, either on foot or using rafts/boats.
• Identify and count live and dead salmon by species.
• Identify, count, mark, and waypoint salmon redds by species.

Biological Sampling:

• Collect and document biological samples from salmon and steelhead throughout the watershed. May include taking DNA, otolith and scale sampling for age determination, and sampling for marks and tags to determine hatchery/natural spawner origin.

Data Management:

• Enter survey data, biological sampling data and redd location data into state database (FTS).
• Accurately key data into computer software files.

Access Trails and Equipment Maintenance:

• Assist with maintenance and preparation of index reach access trails and vehicle staging areas, using hand tools to trim vegetation.
• Communicate with survey index landowners and updating their contact information.
• Maintain and service equipment (trucks, boats and trailers, rafts, exposure gear, field sampling kits, scanners/detectors, GPS units).

Snorkeling: 

• Snorkel in rivers as needed to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.

Working Conditions:
 
Work Setting, including hazards: Field work primarily occurs in rivers and streams. Walk/hike up to 10 miles in rugged terrain in and out of water and in varying environmental conditions. Float in rafts/boats in variable flow conditions and weather. Snorkel in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Ability to safely operate a raft/pontoon boat in whitewater conditions.
Schedule: Eight (8) hours per day, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours.
Tools and Equipment: Vehicles (trucks, boats), personal floatation device (PFD), exposure apparel (waders/boots, raincoat, gloves), backpack, pike staff, sampling implements and instruments.
Customer Interactions: Speak with private landowners and the public.
 
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.
• 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.
 
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• WDFW snorkel training and certification must be completed within six (6) months of hire.

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

• Salmon identification skills.
• Safe watercraft handling skills and the ability to operate vessels safely in inclement weather in a variety of stream flow conditions.
• Knowledge of watersheds of Snohomish County.
• WDFW snorkel training and certification.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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.

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: 2024-1234 – 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 #2024-08912.
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