Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Non-Permanent -2026-04954

State of Washington•Wahkiakum County – Other, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments throughout the lower Columbia River. The Weir Operations and Broodstock Biologist will lead field operations of the adult resistance board weirs operated on Germany Creek and Grays River. This role will also lead fall Chinook broodstock collection and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events at Beaver Creek Hatchery.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science or related field
One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research or habitat management or research
Experience with resistance board weirs and beach seining
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Leading and coordinating field staff
Leading broodstock sorting and spawning events
Basic skills in aluminum and steel welding, bending and cutting
Adult salmon identification
Conducting quality analysis and control exercises on large, complex datasets
Applying adult population estimation methods and assumptions
Handling and tagging adult salmonids with methods such as floy, carcass, opercle, passive integrated transponder (PIT)
Basic carpentry skills
Conducting spawning ground surveys via foot and/or pontoon raft for Pacific Salmon
Operating small jet powered boats
Knowledge of Salmonid life histories

Responsibilities

Lead field operations of the adult resistance board weirs operated on Germany Creek and Grays River: Coordinate daily weir operations, including staff schedules and timesheets.
Implement study designs following prescribed guidelines and conduct complex data collection in the field in a manner to ensure a high-quality dataset.
Examine, enumerate, and identify species, run type, and origin 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.
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 by snorkeling to identify, count, collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.
Snorkel in rivers to observe fish presence and observe seining gear being deployed and to monitor weir operations.
Lead implementation of fall Chinook broodstock collection for the Conservation Hatchery programs at Beaver Creek Hatchery and sampling of fall Chinook spawn events at Beaver Creek Hatchery.
Assist and participate with seining activities to collect natural origin broodstock.
Coordinate with Beaver Creek Hatchery staff to ensure weekly broodstock collection goals are met and ensure accurate final disposition of fish transported for brood is recorded correctly.
Apply passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags into fall Chinook salmon.
Assists hatchery staff with sorting in adult holding ponds at Beaver Creek Hatchery.
Collect spawn pairing information.
Manage field data, biological samples, and equipment under the general guidance of the project leader: Record complex data electronically using a Toughpad tablet during each sampling event, conduct quality analysis/control exercises after sampling, and sync tablet to master Traps, Weirs, and Surveys (TWS) database daily.
Supervise technicians: Plan, assign, and review the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads.
Assesses training needs of staff and arranges for or provide instruction.
Manage personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, performance issues.