Seattle Public Utilities Watershed Management Division’s seeking a Temporary Watershed Resources Technician (Fish Ecology) on a seasonal temporary basis. This position is primarily field-based, reporting to work at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in North Bend, WA. Apply by 24 June, 2025.

Water Resources Technicians are an integral part of the Watershed Natural Resources Section, an inclusive, adaptable team that is responsible for performing a variety of skills in reforestation, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring.

The Watershed Resources Technician (Fish Ecology) will support bull trout and water temperature monitoring in the Cedar River Municipal Watershed to help meet watershed stewardship and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) commitments centered on Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed bull trout.

Successful candidates will enjoy working with their hands and a variety of equipment in an outdoor setting in varied climates and terrain in the Cascade Mountains. Be a part of this dynamic team and make a difference in the community!

Apply via City of Seattle website.

Job Responsibilities

Essential job responsibilities as a Temporary/Seasonal Watershed Resources Technician (Fish Ecology):

• Independently conduct weekly bull trout redd surveys and visually estimate school size of spawning pygmy whitefish.
• Conduct exploratory off-channel habitat surveys for presence of spawning or rearing bull trout. Collect redd, fish count and habitat data, photos and water temperature and fry emergence trap/egg pocket monitoring station information in a Field Map application using a City issued iPhone. Sync survey data every day to spatial data network. View and QA/QC data using custom dashboard.
• Assist lead in implementing a bull trout redd scour study. Conduct cross sections, Wolman pebble counts, and other in-stream channel data collection in habitat units at sample locations. Construct and deploy accelerometers across sample locations. With lead, collect download, process (QA/QC) and analyze and interpret the data. .
• Download, maintain, and deploy stream water temperature data loggers (Onset HOBOs, TidbiTs, and Bluetooth pendants).
• Deploy, maintain, and sample bull trout fry emergence traps for emerging fry. Download data loggers and record surface and interstitial temperature and dissolved oxygen data instantaneously using a YSI meter.
• Offload data from data loggers using HoboWare and HOBOconnect software and organize into Windows explorer folders. Export data to .csv file. Use hourly temperature data to estimate thermal unit status for each redd being trapped.
• Collect, upload, and support the analysis of spatially explicit stream discharge, reservoir and streambed (redd) elevations, water temperature, spawning, and habitat use data. Assist in analyzing potential impacts of reservoir operations on incubating bull trout embryos.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience/Education Requirements: Associate of the Arts degree in Forest Technology or Civil Engineering Technology

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: At the time of appointment must hold a current/valid Washington State Drivers License

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $43.94 per hour – $51.23 per hour.

*Temporary employees will start at Step 1 of this progressive range, at $43.94 per hour.

Workplace Environment:

• Must be available to work Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather and terrain.
• Respond to emergency conditions resulting in overtime with little or no advance notices.
• Must be able to list 50 lbs. repeatedly and safely

Background Check
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.   Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Pre-Placement Physical
SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.

Who may apply: All qualified candidates may apply

Apply by 24 June, 2025. Apply via City of Seattle website.