Coast Ecology Sonar Technicians
Full time/Permanent
The Department of Fish and Wildlife in the State of Washington (USA) has an opening for two (2) x Scientific Technicians for their Fish Program: Coast Ecology and Life Cycle monitoring. This to provide valuable information on salmonid escapement to scientists and managers on Washington coastal rivers.
Responsibilities include monitoring salmon and steelhead escapement, run timing, population trends, diversity, and distribution, while working closely with other agency staff, tribal co-managers, and outside agencies. While the primary duty station for this position is Olympia, Washington, there is also a possibility of duty stations in Grays Harbor County or Clallam County.
Duties
- Review sonar data following data review and entry protocols. Count, mark, and measure fish using ARIS Fish or Echoview software.
- Enter and summarize data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets following data review and entry protocols.
- Enter species composition and biological sampling data into excel spreadsheets.
- Assist with setup and deployment sonar units at multiple locations.
- Check and maintain sonar equipment daily. Use ARIS Scope software to position sonar unit.
- Monitor stream flows and weather. Maintain sonar unit and platform according to conditions.
- Install and maintain fish deflection weirs.
- Download data from sonar computer and external hard drive in the field.
- Use tangle or seine nets to capture adult salmonids. Identify species, sex, mark status and collect length, scale, and genetic samples.
- Use boats and/or dry suits to deploy nets and survey sampling locations.
- Snorkeling - Gather data in rivers via snorkeling to identify, count and/or collect fish, and/or deploy and inspect field gear.
- Use sport fishing gear to sample and enumerate catch.
- Use fish traps to capture adult salmonids. Identify species, sex, mark status and collect length, scale and genetic samples.
- Enter netting, angling, trapping and snorkeling data onto field data forms.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED, including one 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 year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with sonar projects
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel computer software programs
- Experience identifying, handling, and biologically sampling salmonids
- Experience operating a raft/pontoon in a variety of stream flow conditions including whitewater
- Proficient swimmer
For further information on this position, including how to apply, please visit the website here.
