You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent - 00629-25

Title: Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Stock Assessment Lead

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.

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
• 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.
• Recognize emergent issues that may affect survey safety or integrity and plan or adjust schedules accordingly.
• Hike, wade, or boat sections of the Skagit basin and independent tributaries, navigating difficult terrain in moving water.
• 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.
• 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:

• Follow, maintain, and provide updates 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.
• Assist with purchasing of field supplies.
• Maintain up-to-date inventory of field supplies.

Working Conditions:

• 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.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• May conduct physically demanding field work weekly.

Schedule: Typical work schedule will vary between 4, 10 hour shifts, or 5, 8 hour shifts per week, Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel is required to field sites in Sedro-Woolley and throughout the Skagit River basin.

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.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience deploying and maintaining hydroacoustic monitoring gear.
• Three (3) years of experience conducting spawning ground surveys.
• Identifying, handling, and biologically sampling fishes.

Your application should include:

• A completed online application showcasing your qualifications.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position.
• At least three professional references.

Supplemental Information:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

Union - WAFWP: This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer: The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.