This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WDFW’s legal obligations: Essential due to: .Staff necessary to prosecute fishing and hunting opportunities.

WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Natural Resources.  

The suite of commercial fisheries sampled by this position directly produces food (e.g. rockfish, sole, flounders) or bait (e.g., anchovy) used in other food producing fisheries (e.g., albacore tuna).  This position also samples recreational groundfish (e.g., rockfish, Lingcod) catches. The data collected by this position are used by state and federal scientists in stock assessments that inform both the status and management of healthy coastal marine fish populations and overfished species (e.g., Yelloweye Rockfish, Pacific sardine) under federal rebuilding plans.

Duties

Dockside sample marine fish landings at Washington’s coastal ports, primarily at Ilwaco, Chinook, and Westport, and secondarily at La Push and Neah Bay. Collect biological, catch, and effort information on commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries, commercial CPS (e.g., anchovy, sardine, mackerel, and squid) fisheries, and research project landings. 

Tasks include: 

• Collect biological information (weight, length, sex, maturity, genetic tissue samples, ageing structures) on various marine fish species caught by research, commercial, and recreational fisheries. 
• Evaluate catch and species composition of fishery landings. 
• Correctly identify marine fish species including the approximately 100 species of groundfish and 10 coastal pelagic species found on the Washington coast.
• Collect logbooks from commercial fishermen.
• Track fishery activity and prioritize all sampling efforts to meet established sampling goals. 
• Communicate with charter skippers, commercial dealers and other WDFW Units (i.e., the Ocean Sampling Program) regarding daily schedules and logistics. Keep biologists and managers apprised of activities in port.
• Respond to public inquiries or concerns per unit protocols.
• Advise WDFW Enforcement personnel of potential illegal activities.
• Enter data and conduct data QA/QC following unit protocols.

Participate in at-sea research surveys of the marine fish species, i.e., groundfish and CPS that inhabit Washington’s coastal waters from the Washington/Oregon border to the Sekiu River – Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Some CPS research surveys extend spatially into Oregon and northern California. 

Tasks include: 

• Assist with daily project operations, including but not limited to: collect fishing effort and catch composition data, collect biological data (e.g., weight, length, age structures, genetic tissue samples), accurately identify species, tag fish with a Passive Integrated Transponder and/or external Floy tags, record data electronically in real time, angle for fish.

• Assist with survey gear preparation.
• Deploy on multiple single day trips or extended trips of up to 1 month (typically only one extended trip per season/year that includes periodic stops at port) on agency research vessels, chartered research vessels or commercial fishery vessels.
• Complete preseason preparation and postseason wrap up assignments.

Process samples at the Region 6 headquarters laboratory.

Tasks include: 

• Process fins (dry,cut,mount), otoliths, and other fish structures or tissues for age reading or other scientific evaluation. 
• Dissect fish specimens for biological data collection, tag retrieval, and/or preservation.

Maintain assigned equipment.

Tasks include: 

• Maintain and clean sampling equipment per unit protocols and schedules.
• Assist with unit vehicle and vessel maintenance and cleaning following unit protocols and schedules.

Other duties as assigned.

Tasks include: 

• Assist other projects as needed.

Working Conditions 
Working sitting, including hazards: 

• At-sea duties may be performed onboard agency-owned vessels, chartered vessels or commercial fishing vessels.  Travel is necessary for some projects and will entail multiple nights at hotel/motel accommodations at agency expense. Depending on specific project logistics meals will be provided for the group as “camp groceries” or individuals will be responsible for acquiring food for personal use from grocery stores or restaurants.  When in travel status per diem is available to cover food expenses. Some extended trips require living onboard vessels with limited or reduced accommodations (i.e., bunking in shared space, water restrictions for bathing, basic cooking facilities).  Food is provided during extended at-sea trips.

Schedule: 

• This is a fulltime Career Seasonal position.
• This schedule is highly variable and very demanding depending on the activity.  Schedule flexibility is crucial as work is dictated by ocean/weather conditions as well as by vessel offload schedules.  This position involves working days, evenings, nights and weekends as needed.
• Field work: 24/7 up to 80 hours/week. Office/lab work: typically, 8-5, M-F or 4-10s.  

Travel Requirements:

• Highly variable depending on activity.
• May require occasional extended travel up to one month to accomplish at-sea surveys.
• May require occasional overnight travel to other ports (in state and out-of-state) for dockside sampling.  

Tools and Equipment: 

• Equipment needed for collecting biological data, tagging or recovering/releasing marine species.
• Vehicles or vessels will be used to access needed information.
• Scientific equipment includes environmental sensing equipment and visual survey equipment, personal computer, electronic data loggers, electronic and mechanical scales, fishing rods/reels, pressure washer, tagging guns, knives, dissection tools measuring boards and cameras.  

License:

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts with the general public while port sampling and provides basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities.
• Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public.
• Includes contact with some individuals who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated.
• Will interact with commercial skippers, crew, and research biologists and scientists (state and federal) during research surveys.
• Will interact with office staff and dockside crew at commercial fish dealer/processing plants.
• Reports suspected violators and serves as expert witness in specific court cases.

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.”

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Or

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 biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Preferred experience and job knowledge .

• Familiarity with commercial fishery landing and processing operations, and sport fishery operations.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing marine gears, methods and regulations.
• Working knowledge of marine fish sampling techniques and random sample design.

Fieldwork

• Strong marine fish species identification skills; can correctly identify the approximately 100 species of groundfish and 10 coastal pelagic species found on the Washington coast.
• Skilled at procedures for collecting and processing biological ageing structures (otoliths, fins) from a variety of marine fish species.
• Ability to collect data systematically with a high degree of accuracy, precision and completeness.
• Physically capable of: climbing ladders, climbing onboard a vessel, walking and balancing on docks and vessels that are wet/slippery/steep/moving, repetitive lifting up to 50 pounds over an 8- to 10-hour work shift, working in inclement weather, hearing and communicating over loud motors and other vessel equipment, communicating on a CB or VHF radio, reading computer monitors, operating equipment requiring strong fine motor skills.
• Capable of working at sea without getting seasick to a degree that compromises ability to fully and effectively complete duties and tasks; able to tolerate being at sea for up to 30 days per trip.

Operating Equipment

• Familiar with the operation of electronic sampling and tagging equipment including CWT and PIT tag equipment, environmental sensing equipment and GPS tracking equipment.
• Experience trailering and operating outboard vessels; can safely and expertly operate agency research vessels.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment including microscopes, precision saws and fume hoods; capable of operating lab equipment safely following State and Federal guidelines.

Computing

• Basic skills using Excel, iForm, Access, and email software.
• Skilled in collecting real time data accurately and with minimal errors on electronic devices while in the field, including at sea.
• Can proficiently review and compile data collected by themselves for quality control.

 Communication Abilities

• Strong skills in diplomacy and relationship building between coworkers, stakeholders and the general public.
• Capable of communicating and being easily accessible via phone and e-mail.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications and competencies for this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

NOTE:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  Many of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

“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.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.