Salmonid Field Monitoring Technician - Scientific Technician

Overview

Title- Salmonid Field Monitoring Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Wild steelhead – Photo Credit:
Chase Gunnell

Envision yourself conducting juvenile salmonid trapping, adult salmonid spawning ground surveys, and adult summer steelhead snorkel surveys in Lower Columbia River (LCR) tributaries.

This role is essential in monitoring the status of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed salmon and steelhead populations in the LCR, focusing on their abundance, spatial distribution, diversity, and productivity.

By collecting precise data, you will contribute to developing accurate estimates of abundance and other Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Salmonid Field Monitoring Technician will:

• Conduct Juvenile VSP Monitoring in Tributaries of the LCR Following Established Protocols:

• Install, operate, maintain, and remove juvenile out-migrant traps (rotary screw trap and fence weirs) on the tributaries of the LCR.
• Maintain trap integrity during high-flow and heavy debris events. Make repairs to trap if damage occurs due to weather, flows, debris, or vandalism.
• Conduct daily trap checks and use professional judgment to ensure that the timing and frequency of daily trap checks are consistent with river conditions and out-migrant abundance.
• Count all target and non-target fish captured to species, life stage, and origin.
• Collect biological data from juvenile salmonids including length, scales, and tissue samples.
• Conduct mark-recapture experiments to calculate trap efficiency for juvenile salmonid population estimates.
• Monitor fish health during sampling and ensure fish are released in the best condition possible.
• Conduct snorkel surveys for steelhead introgression studies and deploy nets for capture of fish for sampling.
• Enter field data accurately using iPads and Tough Pads via established forms.
• Clearly record all data on scale cards, DNA blotter paper, and datasheets as needed.
• Conduct daily data quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) exercises within iPad and Tough Pads to ensure data accuracy.
• Ensure supplies and equipment associated with the project are available, well maintained, and organized.

• Conduct Adult VSP Monitoring in Tributaries of the LCR Following Established Protocols:

• Conduct salmonid spawning ground surveys on the LCR tributaries using established protocols to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate and precise adult salmonid abundance estimates.
• Conduct stream surveys to collect spawning ground data.
• Identify and count adult salmonids (live and deceased) and redds to species.
• Collect biological data from live and deceased salmonids, including length, gender, marks/tags, scales, otoliths, and tissue samples.
• Conduct snorkel surveys for summer steelhead resights and deploy nets for capture of fish for sampling.

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Primarily working outdoors (80%) in rural settings, sometimes in extreme temperatures (above 100°F or below 30°F) and winds over 25 mph.
• Work is performed on wet, slippery surfaces.
• Walk up to six (6) miles per day over rough terrain and in challenging conditions.
• Repetitively lift, with or without assistance, large fish (live) weighing up to 30 pounds and move loads up to 70 pounds over short distances.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing, and lifting; ability to maintain balance on a moving deck.
• Climb in and out of boats and operate oar-powered vessels for up to 15 miles per day.
• Snorkel in fast-flowing/swift water conditions under various weather conditions, covering up to six (6) miles per day.
• Exposure to strong odors from decaying fish carcasses.
• Use various chemicals, including Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222), Bismarck Brown Y, and Strontium chloride.
• Tasks require dexterity and acute vision.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related…