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Fishery Sampler - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - *04239-25

Title- Fishery Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Anticipated Appointment Length- 3 Months  July 16, 2025 – October 15, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station- Twisp, Washington – Okanogan County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


Do you enjoy working outdoors and talking with passionate anglers?

Engage with the public while conducting creel surveys within the upper Columbia River system.

Gain valuable hands-on experience by taking various measurements, checking for marks and tags, collecting snouts for analysis, and taking scales and otoliths for age studies.

 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fishery Sampler will,

Conduct creel surveys on lakes and streams to gather information on angler usage and harvest:

  • Work with the public to collect information on fisheries.
  • Perform roving creel surveys, total and/or index counts, and interview individual anglers.

Sampling fish metrics:

  • Identify fish species, take various measurements, check for marks and tags (such as fin clips, floy tags, and/or passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags).
  • Collect snouts for analysis, take scales and/or otoliths for age studies, and occasionally capture fish by hook and line.

Conduct fish abundance surveys in small tributary waters:

  • Set up and maintain block netting and collect environmental data to include stream section length, average stream width, and water temperature.
  • Collect fish biological data and samples to include scales, tissue samples, length, weight, and species determination.


Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Field office is based in Wenatchee with work typically performed in all weather conditions including inclement weather. The majority of time will be spent in vehicles and hiking to rivers and lakes to conduct angler interviews and effort counts.

Walk short distances on uneven ground and navigate rocky river environments. Lift and sample salmon daily (weighing up to 40 pounds). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, with variable scheduling (24/7). Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

Travel Requirements: Travel daily in WDFW-issued vehicles up to 2,500 miles per month.

Tools and Equipment: Knife for removing fish snouts, boots, waders, electronic tag detectors, and GPS unit.

Customer Interactions: Extensive work with the public in conducting interviews and informing anglers of rules and regulations.

 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: 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.

Option 2: 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 will 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.


Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience with:

  • Conducting creel surveys on resident and/or anadromous fish species in stream and lake environments.
  • Resident and anadromous fish species.
  • Stream and/or lake fish surveys.
  • Public relations.
  • Working independently.

 

Your application should include the following:

  • A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
  • An up-to-date resume.
  • At least three professional references with current contact information.

 

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
 
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 RCW 73.16.010 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov
  • 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: 2025-1234 – 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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 support@neogov.com.
 
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-04239.

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