Title- Chehalis Spawning Ground Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
*Appointment Length- 3-4 months
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
*Appointment Lengths:
One Position 3 months – October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
One Position – 4 months – October 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Spawning Survey – Photo Credit: WDFW
This is an opportunity to work outdoors in dynamic field environments while building valuable, hands-on experience in fisheries.
Envision yourself hiking or rafting through the Grays Harbor and Chehalis basin conducting spawning ground surveys and collecting critical biological data that informs fishery conservation and management.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyor will,
- Identify, record, flag, and monitor salmonid redds within selected stream reaches.
- Conduct live and dead salmonid counts and accurately document observations on field forms, including GPS data and mapping data.
- Collect biological data from carcasses, including but not limited to:
- Adipose and dorsal fin mark status (hatchery/wild origin).
- Scale samples for age and origin analysis.
- Coded wire tags (CWT) for stock composition.
- Opercle punches, T-tags, jaw tags and DNA samples
- Conduct spawning surveys on foot and/or utilizing rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, or jet-powered sleds depending on reach access and conditions.
- Secure all gear and materials within the vehicle to ensure safe transport and conduct proper vehicle maintenance.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Primarily outdoors with limited office duties. Equipment maintenance and repairs may be performed both in the field and at the Region 6 complex.
- Extensive driving and hiking to remote locations on both public and private lands.
- Fieldwork occurs in all weather conditions in variable terrain. Walk in or along streams with slick boulders, navigating logjams, wading across riffles with moderate to fast currents, and maneuvering rafts, drift boats, pontoon boats, or jet sleds. Includes lifting and carrying equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.
- Spawner surveys are typically conducted alone, either on foot or using watercraft, larger streams may require two (2) person crews.
- 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. Employees may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period, with a standard workweek of 40 hours.
- Work hours may be adjusted based on inclement weather, stream flow conditions, spawning activity, daylight hours, and other field conditions. Weekends, holidays, evening work and hours over 40 per week may be required.
Travel Requirements: Travel is frequent throughout the district and involves driving to remote field sites on public and private lands. Work is typically completed on a daily-return basis. Overnight travel is not required, except for training courses.
Tools and Equipment: Rafts, pontoon boats, drift boats, and jet-pump–equipped sleds, rain gear, waders, wading boots, personal flotation devices (PFDs), polarized glasses, GPS units, and other specialized survey equipment.
Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with landowners, members of the public, and partner agencies. Strong interpersonal skills are essential when requesting access, providing information, or representing WDFW in the field.
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 one or more of the following:
Possession of a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Washington State Boater Education Card.
One (1) year or more of professional experience with:
- Basic biological principles and identifying live and dead salmonids in the field.
- Identifying, interpreting, and monitoring salmonid spawning activity by species.
- Operating watercraft on river systems using one (1) or more of the following - rafts, drift boats, pontoon boats, and jet-powered sleds.
- Basic computer skills, including accurate data entry and familiarity with standard software used for field data summarization.
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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07645.
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