Weir and Broodstock Operations Fisheries Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Bio 2

Title- Weir and Broodstock Operations Fisheries Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 5 Months – July 16, 2025 – December 12, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Cathlamet, Washington – Wahkiakum County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

In this dynamic role, you will monitor and manage operations at the Germany Creek and Grays River resistance board weir sites and oversee data entry and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) activities.

With your knowledge and experience, you will lead fall Chinook broodstock collection and the sampling of fall Chinook spawning events at Beaver Creek Hatchery while overseeing genetic sample collections.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Biologist,

Leads field operations of the adult resistance board weir operated on Germany Creek and the Grays River:

• Implement study designs following prescribed guidelines and conduct complex data collection in the field in a manner to ensure a high-quality dataset.
  • Examine, count, and identify species, run type, and origin for all adult salmonids caught in the weirs.
  • Collect complex biological data (fork length, marks, gender, sexual maturity) and biological samples (scales, DNA tissue) from all or a proportion of fish caught in the trap.
  • Apply marks and tags into live fish for mark recapture abundance studies.
• Utilize Traps, Weirs, and Surveys (TWS) Access database daily.
• Operate hand power tools and pneumatic tools for installation, operation and removal of resistance board weirs.
• Operate fork-lift to assist with lifting, installation and removal of heavy materials and equipment at certain weir sites.
• Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.
• Snorkels in rivers to observe fish presence and observe seining gear being deployed.
• Utilize snorkeling to monitor weir operation, ensure no holes are found, and fish are not being held up at weir site.

Leads implementation of fall Chinook broodstock collection for the Conservation Hatchery programs, and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events, at Beaver Creek Hatchery:

• Assist and participate with seining activities to collect natural origin broodstock.
• Ensure safe handling and transport of adult ESA-listed salmonids.
• Coordinate with Beaver Creek Hatchery staff to ensure weekly broodstock collection goals are met and accurate final disposition of fish transported for brood are recorded correctly.
• Operate a 14-foot boat with jet prop for seining activities on the Grays River.
• Apply passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags into fall Chinook salmon.
• Assist hatchery staff with sorting in adult holding ponds at Beaver Creek Hatchery

Manages field data, biological samples, and equipment under the general guidance of the project leader:

• Record complex data electronically via a Toughpad tablet during each sampling event, conduct Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) exercises after sampling, and sync tablet to master Traps, Weirs, and Surveys (TWS) database daily.

Supervises technicians:

• Plan, assign, and review the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads.
• Supervise and mentor technical and professional level staff to support an effective, motivated team.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is conducted in both office and field environments. Work outside may include exposure to hot daytime temperatures (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times) and cold conditions (air temperatures in the low 30s with wind speeds of more than 25 miles per hour), and often with wet slippery footing.

Frequently lift, carry, and load equipment weighing up to 70 lbs. (pontoon rafts, seine nets, buckets, electrofishing equipment, field gear, etc.). Operate boats in rivers with fast flowing/whitewater conditions under all weather conditions. Safely tow and operate a research vessel up to 14 feet in length. Climb in and out of boats, work at night and in remote locations, and sample spawned out salmon carcasses with very strong odors.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Includes snorkeling in cold, fast-flowing/whitewater conditions and walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions for up to 6 miles per day.

Schedule: Typically, four (4) 10-hour workdays, Monday – Thursday, non-scheduled monthly. May work some weekend and holiday days depending on weather and stream conditions during field seasons. Work is a highly variable schedule.

Travel Requirements: Some local and regional travel may be necessary to attend trainings, meetings, or pickup/drop-off gear. Overnight travel is rare but possible. Drive agency owned/leased vehicles.

Tools and Equipment: Vehicles, power boats, basic hand tools, forklift, knives, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, backpack electro-fisher, CB radios, GPS units, and handheld data-loggers.

Customer Interactions: Frequent interactions with landowners, the public, and personnel from state and federal agencies. May encounter landowners’ pets and wildlife.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science. 

AND all of the following: 

• One (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
• Experience with fish weirs.
• Experience beach seining.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in an applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Completion of the following certifications/trainings within three (3) months of hire, depending on training availability.

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Wilderness First Aid certification.
• WDFW Snorkel training and certification.
• WDFW Swiftwater training certification.
• WDFW Oars training certification.
• WDFW Coldwater (Inland) training certification.
• State Boaters certification.

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

Experience:

• Leading and coordinating field staff.
• Using basic skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending, and cutting.
• Identifying adult salmon.
• Conducting QA/QC exercises on large, complex datasets.
• Applying adult population estimation methods and assumptions.
• Handling and tagging adult salmonids (floy, carcass, opercle, passive integrated transponder (PIT)).
• Using basic carpentry skills.
• Conducting spawning ground surveys via foot and/or pontoon raft for Pacific salmon.
• Installing, maintaining, operating, and removing resistance board weirs.
• Operating small jet-powered boats.

Knowledge of:

• Salmonid life histories.
• Basic method of problem solving.

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.