Title- Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Three (3)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Anticipated Appointment Length- 3 Months – October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Marking Fall Chinook Redds – 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 conduct spawning ground surveys in the South Puget Sound watersheds and in Hood Canal for hatchery and wild Chinook, coho, chum, pink, sockeye, steelhead, and lamprey.
Your work will directly contribute to hatchery vs. wild salmon escapement estimates, run reconstruction, and forecasts used in fisheries management for both non-tribal sport and tribal commercial gillnet fisheries.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyors will,
- Conduct surveys by enumerating and monitoring salmon, steelhead, and lamprey redds and recording live/dead fish counts.
- Drive to and from survey areas, utilizing maps and GPS as needed.
- Enter data accurately onto field cards and into spreadsheets/databases.
- Collect biological data from fish carcasses, such as scales, fin marks, and coded wire tags (CWT).
- Perform routine maintenance of assigned field gear, vehicles, and equipment.
- Track weather and stream flows in relation to the survey schedule.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work outdoors in all weather conditions and varying stream flows, often alone and sometimes in small groups. Work is performed in a variety of terrain and stream substrate conditions. Hike (usually 3-5 miles) in or along streams with slick boulders, crawl over logjams, and wade across riffles with moderate-to-fast current. Maneuver watercraft such as rafts, drift boats, or jet sleds. Repetitively lift and maneuver equipment upwards to, or greater than, 40 pounds. 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. A flexible schedule is required as it will vary based on weather conditions, stream flows, visibility, and the degree of spawning activity and may include weekends and holidays.
Travel Requirements: Daily travel from duty station to work sites.
Tools and Equipment: Watercraft (such as raft, drift boat, pontoon boats), personal flotation device (PFD), personal protective equipment (PPE), and sampling instruments.
Customer Interactions: May interact with 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.
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:
- Identifying living and deceased salmonids in a field setting.
- Identifying, interpreting, and monitoring salmonid or lamprey spawning activities by species.
- Basic safe operation of rafts and boats in moving waters.
- Basic computer data entry.
- Interacting with members of the public on a professional basis.
- Operating vessels safely.
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 #2026-07624.
Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!
Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
dg
Listed under Skilled Trades & Manufacturing jobs.