Ashish Katru

Scientific Tech experience with WDFW : BS in Environmental Science from UWT.

Kent, Washington, United States

About

Graduated 2017 from University of Washington Tacoma and interested in full-time work. Accrued 6 seasons of experience as a Scientific Technician 2 for WDFW, 7 months as an Alaskan Fisheries Observer, 2 seasons as Environmental Educator for 1st-6th graders, and a quarter as Biology 2 Lab Assistant at UWT. Pursuing a career in wildlife biology; Environmental awareness is paramount to my way of life. Willing to relocate if necessary. Knowledge and understanding of ecological systems, both terrestrial and aquatic, has been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember. In 2016, I began a permaculture garden system that I have been utilizing to educate my friends and colleagues on sustainable gardening. Through Scientific tech work and field labs, I have acquired experience involving many ecological research skills. These include extensive wildlife sampling for biological data (particularly salmonid research), spawning ground surveys, operation and maintenance of government boats and vehicles, the use of various water quality measurements (in rivers and open water), stream flow, BMI, species ID (insects and macro-invertebrates, local flora and fauna) using dichotomous keys if necessary, as well as forest ecology research. Through the Sci Tech work and lab classes, I gained experience with many lab-related skills as well. These include surgically inserting PIT tags into live juvenile salmonids, coded-wire tagging, salmonid spawning, titrations, calorimetry, spectrophotography, making stock solutions, using a hemocytometer, PCR, gel electrophoresis, scientific data management, ecological experiment set-ups, scientific presentations and reports. I may m get a masters degree as well, as I am always looking for career advancement. I am very eager to contribute my knowledge and skill set to a company with similar environmental ideals.

Experience

  • Alaskan Observers, Inc. (8 mos)
    • Fisheries Observer
      Apr 2025 - Nov 2025 · 8 mos

      Sampled commercial trawl vessel catches for species composition, and for incidence of salmon, halibut and crab. Made estimates of total catch, collected age structures and gathered relevant biological data from target species. Collected information for the purposes of both in-season management and to establish fishing quotas for future seasons.

    • Intern
      Apr 2025 - Nov 2025 · 8 mos

      Sampled commercial trawl vessel catches for species composition, and for incidence of salmon, halibut and crab. Made estimates of total catch, collected age structures and gathered relevant biological data from target species. Collected information for the purposes of both in-season management and to establish fishing quotas for future seasons. Trained to: Obtain reliable estimates of injury to marine mammal and seabird species, including endangered species, and Collect biological samples to support and promote scientific studies on ESA listed species.

  • Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (On-site)
    • Scientific Technician 2
      Jan 2021 - Mar 2022 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Assisted in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the 5 ft rotary screw trap on Green River. Sampled 5 different juvenile salmonids at various stages of development; Collected biological information including scales and DNA. Identified PNW freshwater fish: dyed, caudal clipped, or PIT tagged target fish accordingly. Entered and QA/QC fish data on Microsoft Access fish database.

    • Scientific Technician 2
      Aug 2021 - Nov 2021 · 4 mos

      Conducted spawning ground surveys all around Whatcom County, mainly the North fork of the Nooksack river along Mt Baker Highway. Safely operated and maintained state vehicles and float rafts. Collected biological samples of post-spawn Fall chinook, coho, pink, and chum salmon. Labeled samples accurately including otoliths and scales. Identified freshwater and anadromous fish, utilized CWT readers and other field sampling equipment. Maintained an accurate catalog of spawning ground data for fisheries database.

  • Technician at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife / NRB
    Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 · 6 mos

    Assisted in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the 5 ft rotary screw trap on Green River. Sampled 5 different juvenile salmonids at various stages of development; Collected biological information including scales and DNA. Identified PNW freshwater fish: dyed, caudal clipped, or PIT tagged target fish accordingly. Entered and QA/QC fish data on Microsoft Access fish database.

  • Scientific Technician 2 at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
    Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 · 6 mos

    Assisted in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the 8 ft rotary screw trap on the main stem of the Chehalis River. Identified PNW freshwater fish, CWT and PIT tagged target fish accordingly. Sampled 4 different juvenile salmonids; Collected biological information including scales and DNA. Identified markings like caudal clips and VIE marks. Safely operated and maintained state vehicle and living trailer. Used Microsoft Access to enter and QA/QC fish data.

  • Technician at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife / NRB
    Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 · 6 mos

    Assisted in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the 8 ft rotary screw trap on the main stem of the Chehalis River. Sampled and labeled 4 different juvenile salmonids; Collected biological information including scales and DNA. Identified small markings like caudal clips and VIE marks. Identified PNW freshwater fish, CWT and PIT tagged target fish accordingly. Safely operated and maintained state vehicle and living trailer. Used Microsoft Access to enter and QA/QC fish data.