Nooksack Stock Assessment Survey Lead Technician - Scientific Technician 3

• Lead and conduct salmon, steelhead, and bull trout spawning ground surveys, primarily on the Nooksack and Samish Rivers and independent drainages throughout Whatcom County.
• Provide technical oversight of stock assessment work performed by non-permanent staff and assist with additional surveys throughout District 14 as needed.
• Walk, raft, or boat sections of the Nooksack and Samish Rivers and other independent drainages.
• Accurately identify, count, and record observations of freshwater stage adult and juvenile salmonids, salmonid redds, and other freshwater fish species.
• Collect biological data and samples from salmonid carcasses.
• Install and evaluate artificial redds to estimate steelhead redd life.
• Evaluate potential spawning habitat as directed.
• Conduct aerial helicopter surveys.

• Supervise and train non-permanent field staff and help direct and facilitate Nooksack stock assessment field work.
• Train staff to safely row pontoon boats in class 3 whitewater.
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, and evaluating non-permanent staff.
• Exercise discretion to modify survey protocols as needed to address uncontrollable environmental variables.

• Conduct creel sampling of sport fisheries as assigned.
• Train and direct non-permanent staff in conducting creel surveys.
• Conduct aerial angler counts by helicopter.
• Conduct creel surveys primarily on river and lake fisheries in District 14, with occasional assignments outside District 14 as needed.

• Review stock assessment field data collected to ensure it is accurate, complete, legible, and organized.
• Prepare sampling supplies for DNA, otolith, scale, and coded wire tag (CWT) collections.
• Organize and inventory biological samples, including but DNA samples, scale cards, otolith collections, and snouts.
• Enter field data into Microsoft Excel, Access, or other software.

• Maintain field equipment, including rafts, oars, personal flotation devices (PFDs), electroshockers, and sampling gear.
• Coordinate vehicle maintenance and oil changes.
• Check and replenish vehicle fluid levels between oil changes and notify the supervisor of any vehicle issues.

• Work is performed almost entirely outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, and precipitation. Work may involve slippery, uneven, loose, or otherwise challenging terrain and may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, wading, and navigating difficult terrain.
• Most work is performed independently in remote locations, including areas with limited or no cell service and in or around swift-moving water. Rafting may be performed in up to Class 3 whitewater. Use of rafts, pontoons, drift boats, jet boats, and bicycles may be required to access field sites. Helicopter flights may be required for aerial redd surveys and angler counts.
• Work may involve encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife, including black bears and cougars, as well as stinging and biting insects. Potential hazards include lacerations from sampling instruments or environmental hazards; drowning; sprains, strains, fractures, and contusions. Work involves potential exposure to traffic and boating accidents and other hazards associated with mechanized or human-powered travel across variable terrain and under changing environmental conditions.
• Frequently carry up to 75 pounds of equipment for short distances to access field sites, including portaging rafts and carrying equipment over logjams and other obstacles. Work may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, wading, and navigating uneven or difficult terrain.
• This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Work may involve safely wading remote streams in thigh- to waist-deep water.

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science.

• Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science.

• Four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a fish and wildlife biologist.

• Bachelors or Associates degree in Fisheries Biology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources.

• Two (2) years of related work experience in Fisheries Biology.
• Two (2) or more years of paid professional experience as a salmonid spawning ground surveyor. With at least two seasons each of Chinook and steelhead spawning ground surveys.
• Two (2) years of professional experience operating drift boats, rafts and/or pontoons in Class 3 whitewater.
• One (1) or more seasons of professional experience conducting creel surveys.
• Experience entering data into databases and spreadsheets.

• Identify river and ocean stage salmonids to species.
• Work in a team environment and maintain enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• Function independently and efficiently as well as part of a team, accept supervisory authority, record data rapidly and accurately, pay great attention to detail, recall instructions, write legibly, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• 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

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
• 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.