Title- Creel Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent

Appointment Length- 4 months – August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program 
Duty Station- Dayton, Washington – Columbia County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Walla Walla River – Photo Credit: Alan Bauer

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while supporting the conservation and mangement of native fish populations in southeast Washington

Envision yourself conducting creel surveys and interacting with anglers to collect data on fall chinook fisheries and steelhead fisheries across rivers throughout the region.  

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Creel Surveyor will,

• Conduct steelhead and fall Chinook creel surveys.  
• Identify fish species found in southeast Washington.  
• Collect biological data and samples on fish species including sex, length (total or fork), marks, origin, scales and genetic samples.  
• Scan fish for coded wire tags (CWT) or passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and recover and read CWT’s. 
• Accurately record and tabulate all fish survey data.
• Compile summaries and check field data as well as enter data into multiple data sets using Microsoft Office programs.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

Schedule: This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, working 10 hours per shift. The standard work schedule is variable, including consistently working weekends and occasional evening work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Requires extensive travel time within workdays, up to 300 miles per day.

Tools and Equipment: Manual hand tools, knives, PIT tag readers, coded wire tag (CWT) wands, cameras, satellite phone, and Garmin InReach Mini 2.

Customer Interactions: Daily interactions with the public and anglers during creel surveys.

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: 

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License. 

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Your application must 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.

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 #2026-05484.

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