Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent -*00629-25
Title- Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
*Duty Station- La Conner, Washington – Skagit County
*The current duty station of this position is in La Conner, Washington (Skagit County). This position is anticipated to move to a duty station in Stanwood, Washington (Snohomish County) in April 2025.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This senior-level position provides field leadership for hydroacoustic monitoring and stock assessment on the Skagit River, supporting critical conservation work aimed at preserving wild fish populations.
Key responsibilities include maintaining in-river hydroacoustic systems, leading data QA/QC processes, organizing spawning ground surveys, and supporting fisheries monitoring.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead will,
Lead field work, stock assessment and monitoring:
- Lead stock assessment surveys and biological sampling of anadromous salmonids and other fish species, including but not limited to spawning ground surveys, carcass surveys, marine fry surveys, hook and line surveys, test fisheries, and sport fishery monitoring (creel).
- Recognize emergent issues that may affect survey Safety or Integrity and plan or adjust schedules accordingly.
- Hike, wade, or boat (raft, pontoon, drift boat, jet sled) sections of the Skagit basin and independent tributaries, navigating difficult terrain in moving water regardless of weather conditions.
- Record and enumerate observations of redds, fish species, and survey conditions.
- Keep supervisor informed daily about status of work projects and emerging issues.
Data collection, entry, compilation, and quality assurance/control:
- Organize and review hydroacoustic imagery data.
- Record and review test fishery data.
- Record and review stock assessment data pertaining to field surveys and biological data collection.
- Perform final data QA/QC and collation across projects.
- Organize and archive raw data into prescribed electronic or written form.
Lead technician assisting with hydroacoustic monitoring efforts to estimate adult salmonid abundance in the Skagit River basin:
- Follow, maintain, and provide updates when necessary to established protocols for hydroacoustic gear operation, data review, and field safety.
- Train other technicians on hydroacoustic equipment, data review, and field safety protocols.
- Ensure hydroacoustic data collection adheres to study design, methods, and procedures.
- Maintain daily log of field activities.
- Serve as point person for communication with the public while in the field.
Conduct biological sampling associated with hydroacoustic monitoring:
- Assist with weekly species composition test fishing efforts, including tagging and biological sampling of adult salmonids.
Maintain field equipment and supplies
- Lead maintenance, preparation, and service of all field equipment, including hydroacoustic gear, trucks, boats and trailers, exposure gear, scanners/detectors, safety equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
- Assist with purchasing of field supplies.
- Maintain up-to-date inventory of field supplies.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work in all weather conditions, from dry and hot to extreme cold and snow.
- Position may include field work in rivers and streams walking up to 12 miles in rugged terrain near water and navigating swift moving water. Hazards may include strains, sprains, breaks, scratches, lacerations, infections, animal encounters and drowning.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
- May conduct physically demanding field work weekly, safely lift and operate field equipment weighing up to 75lbs while walking over uneven ground and near the water.
Schedule: Typical work schedule will vary between 4, 10 hour shifts, or 5, 8 hour shifts per week, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Early start times, late end times, split shifts, overtime, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours may be required.
Travel Requirements: Regular travel is required to field sites in Sedro-Woolley for hydroacoustic tasks, and to sites throughout the Skagit River basin for stock assessment tasks. There is the possibility to use agency vehicles as well as personal vehicles if authorized. Overnight travel may be required to attend trainings or meetings.
Tools and Equipment: Agency provided vehicles (trucks, boats), exposure apparel (waders/boots, raincoat, sunglasses, hat, gloves), laptop, sampling implements and equipment.
Customer Interactions: Communication with private landowners and the public.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Or
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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 or environmental 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:
- Deploying and maintaining hydroacoustic monitoring gear, such as split-beam or multi-beam systems.
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access software programs. Experience with R a plus.
- Three (3) years of experience conducting spawning ground surveys for salmon and/or steelhead.
- Trailering and operating small (less than 25’) motorboats.
- Identifying, handling, and biologically sampling fishes, preferably to include adult salmonids.
Competencies:
- Background in biology and experience in the natural resources field.
- Ability to follow equipment operation, data collection, and data entry protocols and to collect high quality biological data.
- Proficient rafting or paddling in moving water.
- Proficient operating jet boats in moving water.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to work well with a wide variety of people.
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 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 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 #2025-00629.