Hydroacoustic Monitoring Technician - Scientific ...

Salary: $3,581.00 - $4,771.00 Monthly Location : Snohomish County - Other, WA Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent Job Number: 2026-01761 Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Opening Date: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: 3/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description Title- Hydroacoustic Monitoring Technician Classification- Scientific Technician 2 Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent Appointment Length- Eight (8) months - April 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026WDFW Program- FishProgram - Fish Management DivisionDuty Station- Mill Creek, Washington - Snohomish County Learn more about being a member of ! WDFW test fishing boat supporting catch sampling in Marine Area 5 near Sekiu - Photo Credit: WDFW This position offers an unique opportunity to support critical hydroacoustic monitoring efforts in Central and North Puget Sound freshwater basins and marine areas, aiding in the abundance estimation of outmigrating juvenile salmonids. As a key team member, you'll assist with deploying, operating, and reviewing data from active hydroacoustic monitoring systems under the guidance of the Salmon Hydroacoustic Monitoring Research Specialist. You'll also contribute to water quality sampling, and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging efforts, directly supporting the agency's mission of responsible stewardship of our fish resources. What to Expect- Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Technician will, Assist with hydroacoustic monitoring efforts to estimate juvenile salmonid abundance in the Central and North Puget Sound freshwater basins and marine areasFollow and recommend updates to established protocols for SONAR equipment deployment, operation, and maintenance; data entry; data review; and field safety. Maintain daily log of field activities. Organize and review raw SONAR imagery data. Perform basic SONAR data QA/QC Participate in mobile acoustic surveys in both freshwater lakes and Central and North Puget Sound marine areas Biological samplingAssist with PIT tagging of juvenile salmonids Assist with PIT tagging of juvenile salmonids at hatcheries and collected during smolt trapping operations Collect biological samples from salmon and steelhead including but not limited to taking DNA and scale samples for age determination, length measurements, determination of sex, and noting marks or tags for hatchery/natural spawner origin determination. Clearly and concisely record data collected using paper and electronic methods. Access and equipment maintenanceAssists with maintenance, preparation, and service of all field equipment, including SONAR units, PIT antennas, trucks, boats and trailers, exposure gear, scanners/detectors, safety equipment, water quality equipment, and other equipment as assigned. Communicates with access point landowners (records landowner new contact information), tenants, site managers, constituents, stakeholders, and comanagers. Central and North Puget Sound marine fisheries monitoring and test fishing support Support marine area hydroacoustic surveys for commercial salmon species Provide support for test fishing efforts associated with marine area commercial fisheries Provide support for data analysis and reporting of marine area hydroacoustic surveys Working Conditions: Work Setting, including hazards:Work in all weather conditions, ranging from hot and dry to extreme cold, snow, and rain. Fieldwork involves walking up to ten (10) miles in and near rugged terrain rivers and streams, as well as operating motorboats in variable flow and weather conditions while carrying gear. Hazards include strains, sprains, breaks, scratches, lacerations, infections, animal encounters and drowning. Office work may require prolonged periods of sitting and may lead to eye strain from extensive computer use. Fieldwork is physically demanding, requiring the ability to safely lift and operate field equipment weighing up to 40lbs while walking over uneven ground and near the water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Travel Requirements: Frequent local travel to field sites is required. Tools and Equipment: Agency provided vehicles (trucks, boats), exposure apparel (waders/boots, raincoat, sunglasses, hat, gloves), laptop, sampling implements and equipment. Customer Interactions: Communication with private landowners and 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 may 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. Preferred Qualifications:In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following: Experience with:Background in biology and experience in the natural resources field. Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software, including R programming language. Deploying and maintaining hydroacoustic monitoring gear, such as split-beam or multi-beam systems. Identifying, handling, and biologically sampling juvenile and adult salmonids. Trailering, operating, and maintaining small motorboats. PIT tagging juvenile salmonids. Skills and Abilities:Follow data collection and data entry protocols and to collect high-quality biological data. Maintain focus and quality of data while performing repetitive computer tasks. Adhere to safety protocols and use judgement in the field to maintain a safe working environment. Strong interpersonal communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people. 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. Supplemental Information In addition to and other , there are other 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: 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 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 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: 2024-1234 - 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 , 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 Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Follow us on social media:LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram DH More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No 02 Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed. High School Diploma/GED. Some College. Vocational Degree or Certificate. Associate's Degree. Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degree. Ph.D. None of the above. 03 What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education. 04 Select the option below that best describes your experience as a Scientific Technician 1 OR your laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. No experience. Less than 2 years of experience. 2 or more years of experience. 05 Please briefly describe your experience as a Scientific Technician 1 OR your years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A). 06 Do you have experience using the following? (Select all that apply.) Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel. R Programming Language. Hydroacoustic Monitoring Gear-Split-Beam System. Hydroacoustic Monitoring Gear-Multi-Beam System. 07 Please briefly describe your experience deploying and maintaining hydroacoustic monitoring gear, such as split-beam or multi-beam systems. Include your responsibilities and accomplishments in this area. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A). 08 Please briefly describe your experience identifying, handling, and biologically sampling juvenile and adult salmonids. What specific techniques or tools have you used? ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A). 09 Do you have experience trailering small motorboats? Yes No 10 Do you have experience operating small motorboats? Yes No 11 How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply). American Fisheries Society (AFS) Careers.wa.gov Community Based Organization Community/Technical College Conservation Job Board El Informador Facebook Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn Handshake Hiring Event/Workshop Indeed.com Job Board Job Fair LinkedIn Newspaper Other Other State Agency Other Website Professional Association Society of American Foresters (SAF) Texas A&M Twitter University Job Board UW College of the Environment WDFW Employee WDFW Recruiter WDFW Website Word of Mouth WorkSource 12 Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting. 13 Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments). Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04