Stream Flow Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions Working Title- Newaukum Spawning Ground Surveyor Classification- Scientific Technician 2 Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent Appointment - 4.5 Months - October 1, 2026 - February 15, 2027 WDFW Program- Fish Program - Fish Management Duty Station- Rochester, Washington - Thurston County Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW. Photo Caption - Rafts on the riverbank - Photo Credit: WDFW Do you have a passion to help conserve and protect native fish and wildlife. These positions offer valuable field experience in fisheries throughout the Newaukum River Basin

Picture yourself conducting spawning ground surveys and collecting biological data, playing a crucial role in the conservation of salmon and steelhead populations. WHAT TO EXPECT - Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position: Adult Salmonid Monitoring. Conducts salmon spawner surveys according to Procedures and Protocols.

Identify, record, and monitor salmonid redds and live/dead fish counts within selected reaches. Walking along streams in varying weather conditions and on slick surfaces, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft. Maintaining accurate and timely field records on iPads and iForms.

Collect biological data from salmon carcasses, including assessing adipose and dorsal fin mark status (hatchery or wild origin) and collecting scales, coded wire tags (CWTs), DNA tissue samples, deploying and recovering carcass tags, and gathering other biological samples as needed. Travel to and from stream survey locations throughout the Newaukum River Basin. Driving to and from stream survey locations via Federal, State, and County roads, as well as travel on private (logging) roads.

Operating 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions. Working Conditions: Work setting: Surveys are conducted on foot and/or by utilizing rafts and pontoon boats. Fieldwork is often done in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous and physically demanding with some survey reaches greater than 10+ miles per day.

Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Operating 4x4 vehicles in slippery conditions. 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 requires flexibility and may include work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs, including weekends or holidays. Work hours are flexible due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors.

Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 8 to 5 work schedules. Travel requirements: Extensive local driving to and from surveys each day. While routine duties do not require long-distance travel, occasional extended travel may be necessary for training purposes.

Customer Interactions: General public, landowners, and co-workers. QUALIFICATIONS: Required Qualifications: Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes. License: Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following: Previous experience in adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, including redd identification.

Personal or professional experience with river environments. Rowing a watercraft on rivers. River rescue training.

Moving on, in, or through rivers. Experience with data collection. Familiarity with the Newaukum River Basin.

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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07338

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