Job: Commercial Fisheries Observers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Olympia, WA) |

Salary– $16.46 – $21.27 Hourly

Our Scientific Technician 2,

Perform on-board fish sampling and data collection.

Interact professionally with commercial fishing crews and captains.
Use paper and/or electronic sampling to accurately record data on catch, by-catch, and vessel effort data.
Collect biological samples including but not limited to tissue for GSI/DNA analysis, scales, sex/lengths, otoliths, and possible bird carcasses.
Observe and record seabird and marine mammal interaction/encounters with fishing gear.
Review and summarize data for mid-day and end of day reporting.
Maintain organized and legible records of data collected and observations made each day as well as all biological samples while on-board.
Participate in the Apple Cove test fishery – work with Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and tribal staff members to collect biological and catch composition data during the test fishery.

Other duties as assigned.

Participate as Research Vessel deck crew – handling lines, assisting in vessel maintenance, loading gear, assisting in launch/retrieval, and following vessel operators’ instructions.
Work with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) to assist in data archiving of previous years sampling efforts. Data entry and Quality Assessment/Quality Control (QA/QC) of datasheets, assisting with office work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Sampling on a working commercial fishing vessel, transferring safely from one boat to a fishing vessel while vessels are underway, exposure to rough seas and inclement weather conditions with rain/wind. Long hours require the observers to remain alert and adaptable to changing schedules.
Some of the research boats do not have heat; therefore, appropriate layers of warm clothing will be needed during colder months. Warmer months may require sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Some of the research boats do not have bathroom facilities, but a marine grade portable toilet will be available, or it is possible to dock and use shoreside facilities.

Schedule:

Intermittent, 7 days a week, 12 plus hours per day, plus travel hours.
The work week is Sunday – Saturday, hours worked over 40 will be considered overtime which is either paid or earned as compensatory time by mutual agreement.

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.

Tools and Equipment:

iPads, thumb counters, Coded Wire Tag CWT wands, forceps, isopropyl alcohol, generic office equipment, Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs), genetic supplies, and other safety equipment.

Customer Interactions:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science AND Two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

MES Weekly