These positions serve as fisheries observers in the Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Monitoring Program, with anticipated assistance in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor fisheries monitoring programs. The onboard observer sampling programs fulfill agency fishery management commitments made during the 2021 North of Falcon/Pacific Fisheries Management Council proceedings. For 2021, similar to previous years, these fisheries observers are anticipated to assist in the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor fisheries monitoring programs, as well as other Puget Sound sampling needs. Data collected are essential in the estimation of by-catch and impacts to ESA listed Chinook, Steelhead, and marbled murrelets during the fisheries. Proper implementation of the commercial onboard sampling also provides Agency fishery managers and co-managers with valuable in-season management information.

These positions work closely with the boat pilots, biologists and fishery managers in the Fish Management unit. Fishery observers will also work closely with commercial fishing vessel crews, while on board commercial fishing vessels (i.e. purse seine, gillnet, or tangle net). In this position, the observer will be responsible for conducting a variety of onboard sampling, sample processing, and data recording/entry. These observers report directly to the Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Monitoring Biologist.

Schedule:   

• Intermittent, 7 days a week during the open commercial fisheries season.
• Hours over 40 per week accrues as comp time or overtime.

Travel Requirements: 

• Observers will be required to travel to and from their duty station to the location of the research boat using their personal vehicle.
• Often traveling occurs in the early morning and later night.
• Overnight stays are expected when sampling the fishing fleet in certain areas.
• Mileage from duty station to the vessels along with hotel stays are reimbursable. Per diem rates are given during the day.

Qualifications

OR 

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 Qualifications and Experience: 

• Salmon, marine fish, sturgeon, marine mammal (pinniped) identification experience.
• Fisheries sampling experience.
• Small boat experience, not prone to motion or sea sickness.
• Experience accurately recording information
• Experience with communicating with the public
• College courses in science or related field.
• Memory, accuracy, attention to detail, reading and numerical comprehension, legible handwriting, verbal communication skills, ability to recall instructions, function independently, accept supervisory authority, adaptability, and flexibility.
• Rapid but accurate data recording, attention to detail, ability to keep up with fast paced work environment.  Follow through to completion, maintain rapid pace while maintaining professional demeanor, have near/far vision, depth perception and color discrimination.
• A high level of comfort on boats and in rough seas.
• The ability to make swift but accurate decisions about safety.

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 of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT 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.