Salary: $2,957.00 – $3,915.00 Monthly
Location: Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2023-0680
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/19/2023
Closing Date: 6/18/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Multiple locations in Western Washington and a variety of anticipated appointment lengths – apply for one or all the positions listed below by submitting one application!

One (1) Position – Tumwater, Washington – Anticipated Appointment Length: 3 months – July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023

One (1) Position – Tumwater, Washington – Anticipated Appointment Length: 4.5 months – July 1, 2023 – November 15, 2023 

One (1) Position – Tumwater, Washington – Anticipated Appointment Length: 3.5 months – August 1, 2023 – November 15, 2023 

One (1) Position – Tumwater, Washington – Anticipated Appointment Length: 3 months – August 16, 2023 – November 15, 2023

One (1) Position – Puyallup, Washington – Puyallup Hatchery – Anticipated Appointment Length: 3.5 months – August 14, 2023 – November 30, 2023 

Two (2) Positions – Puyallup, Washington – Puyallup Hatchery – Anticipated Appointment Length: 3.5 months – August 14, 2023 – November 30, 2023 

Make a difference in the future of fish conservation in South Puget Sound! Collect creel data from the recreational salmon fisheries on the Nisqually and Puyallup rivers, conduct test fishing, spawning ground surveys and assist at adult trapping and hatchery facilities.

With that in mind, 
Picture yourself conducting interviews with boat and on shore anglers, on and near the Nisqually & Puyallup rivers.

With your experience you will record data using electronic data forms, ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized, and if necessary uploaded to database.

You are excited to be teamed up with others to conduct spawning ground surveys in large streams. 

We are seeking a candidate who models WDFW agency ASPIRE values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Empathy.

Duties
Our Creel Surveyor and Test Fishers,

Conduct angler interviews: 

• Collect data including the total number of hours fished, types of fish encountered, number of individuals in the party, and types of gear used.
• Record all data onto hard-copy interview forms, transfer to electronic data collection devices (iPads), review data for accuracy, and drop off weekly at designated area in assigned duty station.

Conduct test fishing in District 11 streams for salmon fisheries:

• Use a variety of fishing methods (bobber, lure, jig, drift fishing) to emulate the recreational salmon anglers. 
• Collect, age structure (scales), length information (legal and sublegal proportions), hatchery/natural-origin (mark-status) proportions and assess the overall health rating of each fish prior to release. 

Record effort counts:

Collect Biological Data: 

• Identify and sample salmon harvested by anglers.
• Record biological data including species, length, sex, and mark status onto creel forms, scale cards and head tags.

Assist regional staff with spawning ground surveys: 

Assist with Adult Salmon Traps and at Hatchery Facilities:

• Accurately collect and record biological data – includes species identification, length, weight, tags, marks, scales, and genetics.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Field Work includes working in inclement weather conditions, navigating uneven and rough terrain, fast flowing water, streams with slick boulders, crawling over logjams, wading across riffles with moderate/fast currents or maneuvering watercrafts. 
  • Drive on and be near busy parking areas and roadways. 
  • Handle knives and dead fish, carry all sampling equipment and will be subjected to outdoor elements, insects, and wild animals. 
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. 
• Schedule:
  • Four, 10-hour work shifts – typically, two (2) weekday shifts and two (2) weekend shifts. 
  • Holiday work will not be required.  
• Travel Requirements:
  • Employees will be provided with state agency vehicles to commute between duty stations and field locations.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Coded wire tag (CWT) wand, filet knife, measuring tape, forceps, tweezers, scale cards, head bags & tags, data forms, boots, rain gear, high-visibility vests, and WDFW logo hat and shirt.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with the public on and near the river – may interact with individuals who are frustrated and be approached by law enforcement and military personnel.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

OR

• Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.  

Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License/Certifications: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: 

• Identifying and sampling salmonids.  
• Identifying inland fish species.
• Recreational salmon fishing in freshwater streams.
• Operating non-motorized watercraft in river type waters. 

Knowledge of:

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

To Apply
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 current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4050588/creel-surveyor-and-test-fisher-scientific-technician-2-non-permanent-7-open