Coastal Crab Electronic Monitoring Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Permanent - 2025-06995
Title- Coastal Crab Electronic Monitoring Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Region 6
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Please note: This job announcement closes on October 13th. The manager anticipates scheduling interviews for after November 12th.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This position plays a key role in supporting Washington’s electronic monitoring (EM) program for the coastal Dungeness crab fishery, which became mandatory for all 223 participants in 2023. Working under the guidance of the EM Project Manager, the incumbent will ensure the integrity and usefulness of EM data by downloading and conducting quality checks, importing records into Access and Excel databases, and troubleshooting discrepancies between fish ticket landing reports and EM system outputs. The role also involves providing hands-on support to fishers with report submissions and permits, and monitoring activity for potential compliance issues - escalating concerns to the EM Lead Technician as needed.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coastal Crab Electronic Monitoring Technician will,
Provide data support for the Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program
- Import data from EM systems into existing Access and Excel databases
- Identify, document, and resolve inconsistencies between Fish Receiving Tickets and data generated by EM systems
- Flag suspicious fishing activity and work closely with the EM Lead Technician to determine if enforcement action is needed.
- Prepare data summaries and reports for internal review.
Engage with fishery participants and support regulatory compliance
- Regularly download and perform quality control on data coming from EM systems
- Monitor commercial crab vessel activity using EM fleet viewer tools
- Answer requests from fishers for various permits associated with the EM program and assist fishers in submitting EM Program reports.
Assist the Razor Clam Team during annual stock assessment work, harvest monitoring, and biotoxin sampling
- Assist with razor clam stock assessment and harvest monitoring including the collection of effort, CPUE, and biological data.
- Follow established methods to conduct field sampling.
- Collect Department of Health (DOH) samples at various coastal locations for biotoxin testing.
Assist in the collection of Dungeness crab and Spot shrimp biological data in port and at-sea
- Assist in sampling commercial Dungeness crab for biological data including sex, length and shell condition both in port and at-sea aboard commercial fishing vessels.
- Assist in sampling commercial Spot shrimp landings for biological data including length and sex.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards: Work is performed in an office (80%) and field (20%) setting. Work in adverse weather conditions (fog, wind, rain, etc.) on land or off a marine vessel platform. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Work on vessels in extremely rough open-ocean conditions. Must effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea, especially during rough seas and inclement weather. Drive automobiles and 4x4 pickups on freeways and rural roads under all weather conditions, and during daylight and nighttime hours while pulling a 15-foot trailer. Duties include backing the trailer into tight spaces.
Schedule: Work schedule would be 24/7 with most work completed Monday -Friday 8 a.m. – 5 pm.
Travel: Travel overnight (for several days at a time) to other parts of the Region for sampling purposes (up to 10%).
Tools: Laptop PC, 4x4 pickup, personal protective wear, VHF handheld radio, cell phone, personal EPRIB, binoculars.
Customer interactions: Effectively interact positively with unhappy commercial fishers and members of the public while explaining fishery regulations, seasons, and electronic monitoring systems.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist or professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields.
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.
Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
- Experience interacting with customers via phone and email
- Experience on commercial fishing vessels
- Experience with high level excel spreadsheets and Access databases
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
- 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 RecruitmentTeam@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: 2024-1234 – 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov