Smolt Trap & Spawning Ground Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Seasonal - 2 Openings - *01306-25

Title- Smolt Trap and Spawning Ground Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Openings- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length- 6.5 Months – March 16 – September 30
For the 2025 season, these positions are anticipated to work March 1, 2025 – September 15, 2025.
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Science Division
Duty Station- Twisp, Washington – Okanogan County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about conservation and enjoy working outdoors? Join our team at the Methow River basin and play a crucial role in the operation and maintenance of two (2) smolt traps, contributing to the conservation efforts of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed steelhead and spring Chinook Salmon.

In this position, you will monitor Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation sites and collect valuable data that will be used by resource managers and researchers to influence management decisions regarding these ESA-listed populations.

Join us in this dynamic role where your passion for the environment meets real-world impact!

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Smolt Trap and Spawning Ground Technician will,

Operate Rotary Screw Traps:

• Ensure proper operation of rotary screw traps, including installation and maintenance.
• Collect juvenile salmonid abundance data for estimating basin-wide natural smolt production.
• Identify all species.
• Conduct mark/recapture trials to estimate trap efficiency.

Conduct Spawning Ground Surveys:

• Assist with spawning ground surveys for spring Chinook Salmon.
• Sample salmon carcasses to determine origin, sex, length, and age.
• Identify salmon redds and species.

Operate In-Stream PIT Tag Interrogation Sites and Assist with Hatchery Activities:

• Install, repair, and maintain in-stream Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation sites.
• Conduct site visits to remove debris and ensure that antennas are working properly.
• Repair or replace compromised equipment when necessary
• Use snorkeling gear to install, remove, and/or repair interrogation equipment.
• Assist with remote PIT tagging.
• Assist with the collection and spawning of hatchery brood stock.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work outdoors in a swift, whitewater river environment. Regularly work long hours of adverse weather and wet conditions with minimal shelter, while accurately recording collected data. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Work hazards vary based on activity:

• Smolt trapping is conducted March – June. Work will be conducted at night and in cold, inclement weather. The smolt traps may be slippery and unstable and are accessed via rope-guided boat during periods of high water/debris. Experience frequent noise exposure from generators and water pumps. Use anesthesia chemicals (MS-222) and concentrated alcohol for sterilization and tissue preservation during fish sampling. Lift and carry buckets of water, sometimes up/down ramps. Lift up to 75 pounds when assembling the trap.
• Spawning ground surveys are conducted for spring Chinook Salmon August – September. Work is often performed during hot, dry conditions with prolonged sun exposure. Hike uneven, slippery steam terrain up to six (6) miles per day, often in remote locations. May navigate large, unstable log/debris dams. Use sharp instruments, such as knives, to sample Chinook Salmon carcasses.
• Maintaining Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tag Interrogation Sites can vary from fixing electrical issues to using snorkel techniques to replace underwater equipment. Carry large and heavy objects in/out of riverbed locations when replacing antennas. A portion of the work will be performed in the water, occasionally requiring the use of snorkeling with drysuits. Travel to some sites may require snowshoes.
• Other sampling tasks performed in a hatchery setting during brood stock collection and spawning activities. Some work may be performed at Wells Dam, which requires the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) such as long pants, close-toed footwear, and a hard hat, often during very hot and sunny conditions. During trapping activities, work near exposed raceways and fish ladder facilities. Remote PIT tagging efforts require proper and safe use of electro-fishing equipment. Carry a backpack, weighing up to 40 pounds, while walking uneven, slippery steam terrain. PIT tagging includes repetitive use of sharp needles, fishhooks, tweezers, and other equipment.

Schedule: Typically, 40 hours per week. The night schedule is usually 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. for four (4) nights, followed by a 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. shift. The daytime schedule can vary based on the assigned duties. During peak work periods, working nights, weekends, and holidays will be required.

Travel Requirements: Travel to field locations throughout the watershed.

Tools and Equipment: Basic hand tools and power tools, water pumps, generators, computers, GPS units, sampling equipment (coded wire tag (CWT) detectors, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag readers, knives, scissors, sharp needles, tricaine methanesulfonate (ms-222), etc.), electro-fishing equipment, and snowshoes. Safety equipment such as personal floatation devices, hearing protection, hard hats, drysuits, etc.

Customer Interactions: Interact with other state, federal, county, tribal, and private organizations. May have frequent interactions with 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.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
WDFW snorkel training and certification, with completion within 6 months of hire and renewal expected annually.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Working knowledge of rotary smolt trapping programs.

Experience:

• Conducting spawning ground surveys.
• Identifying and collecting biological data from migratory Pacific salmonids as well as local non-target taxa.
• Using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• 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: 2025-1234 – 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 #2025-01306.

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