Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent-Twenty-One Openings-*01146-25
Title- Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Twenty-one (21)
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations, Western Washington
*Multiple locations within Western Washington and a variety of anticipated appointment lengths – apply for one, a few, or ALL twenty-one (21) positions by submitting one application!
APPOINTMENT LENGTHS & LOCATIONS:
Anticipated Appointment Length: 4.5 months
May 1, 2025 – September 15, 2025
Two (2) Position – Ilwaco, Washington – Pacific County
One (1) Position – La Push, Washington – Clallam County
Four (4) Positions – Westport, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Four (4) Position – Neah Bay, Washington – Clallam County
Anticipated Appointment Length: 3.5 months
June 16, 2025 – September 30, 2025
One (1) Position – Neah Bay, Washington – Clallam County
Three (3) Positions – Westport, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Six (6) Positions – Ilwaco, Washington – Pacific County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Join the WDFW Team and collect catch effort and biological data from ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries through angler interviews.
Examine marine fish catches and collect various biological data including, scales, DNA, otoliths and Coded Wire Tags (CWTs).
Make a positive impact on fishing opportunities in our coastal communities while ensuring that conservation objectives are met for fishery sustainability.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler will,
Conduct port sampling to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates in recreational and commercial fisheries:
- Through angler interviews, collect catch effort and biological data from the ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries. Examining marine fish catches and collecting various biological data, including scales, DNA, Otoliths, and coded wire tags (CWT).
- Provide feedback and make judgments daily regarding sampling protocols and field procedures, which directly affects the statistical validity of data used by ocean fishery managers.
- Record, summarize, and chart field data utilizing electronic devices, software programs, and paper forms, including daily synchronization of data collected into external databases, emphasizing promptness and error-free records.
- Regular professional interactions with sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen to explain WDFW research projects, procedures, and objectives to enlist their cooperation in reporting marked fish encounters, recording the types and locations of catches, and overall fishing effort.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Position is 100% fieldwork and can occur in busy fish houses or cannery rooms around various types of equipment, machinery, sharp sampling tools or fishing gear.
- Work hours include long periods of sitting, squatting, kneeling, walking, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying and occasionally lifting (up to 60 lbs. unassisted) heavy containers of fish, fish blood, and slime, negotiating steep ramps unstable docks and slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives.
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be able to negotiate water in emergencies.
- Coastal temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the field.
- Some computer work is to be expected.
Schedule: Monday - Sunday, non-scheduled, 24/7. Typically, 8 - 10 hours per day between 3:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. 40 hours per week. Weekend work, non-consecutive days off, and occasional long hours are required.
Travel Requirements: A personal vehicle for daily travel is required within assigned ports. Seldom travel is needed to Montesano or other ports within Washington.
Tools and Equipment: Knives, scissors, tweezers, hemostats, measuring board, PFD, iPad, cell phone, laptop, and T wand.
Customer Interactions: Interacts with the public daily for fisheries data collection, providing basic information regarding fisheries resources, sport fishing regulatory information, and agency programs and activities. This may include interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration—liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.
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 school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Please note: College coursework 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) semesters or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License
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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01146.