Title- Dockside Fishery Sampler

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Two (2)

Appointment Length- 3 months – July 6, 2026 – October 7, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Puget Sound Management Division – Region 4
Duty Station- Friday Harbor Marina – Friday Harbor, Washington – San Juan County

Housing Accommodations- Available at a reduced rate at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs (620 University Rd. Friday Harbor, WA 98250). The cost per person is approximately $155 per week. For additional information, please review the Working Conditions.

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until May 25, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on May 14, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Coho salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

These positions play a vital role in monitoring recreational fisheries by collecting and summarizing catch data for salmon, marine fish, and shellfish in Puget Sound. 

Through field sampling at boat ramps across Marine Areas 5 through 13, you’ll gather key biological data, including stock composition, age structure, fish length, and hatchery or natural-origin status. 

This information supports accurate fisheries assessments and sustainable resource management.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Dockside Fishery Samplers will,

Fisheries Sampling and Data Collection:

• Conduct sampling of recreational fisheries for salmon, halibut, marine fish, and shellfish to assess catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates.
• Interview and sample recreational fishery anglers at assigned boat launch facilities.
• Accurately record data using electronic or backup paper forms.
• Identify and count all salmon and marine fish species.
• Use electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices to sample Coho and Chinook salmon.
• Classify, sort, and count salmon based on adipose fin marks and tag presence.
• Retrieve CWTs from Chinook and Coho salmon snouts for stock assessment in fisheries modeling.
• Collect biological data from recreational and commercial salmon catches, including DNA samples, scales for aging, and other biological samples.

Data Review, Public Relations, and Maintenance:

• Conduct error checks on collected sampling data.
• Provide sport fishing regulation and fish identification information to the public.
• Report observed fishery violations to WDFW Enforcement and supervisor.
• Operate and maintain agency vehicles as needed.
• Maintain sampling equipment.
• Use iForms, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for daily communication and reporting.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily conducted in the field. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, and climbing in and out of boats. 
• Will sample salmon in a boat, carry, kneel, occasional heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, with fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Housing:

• The incumbents will be attending training in Bellingham, WA from July 6 to July 13. 
  • If needed, housing accommodation cost will be fully provided by the agency from July 5 to July 13, 2026, at the Bellis Inn (3710 Meridian St. Bellingham, WA 98225).
• Housing accommodations are available at a reduced rate at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs (620 University Rd., Friday Harbor, WA 98250).
  • From July 13 to October 8, 2026, incumbent will be housed in a private apartment at the Friday Harbor Labs.
  • The cost of housing is approximately $155/week per person.

Travel Requirements:

Travel throughout Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal. Overnight travel will be infrequent, and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

Tools and Equipment:

iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment (coded wire tag detector), weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, personal floatation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions:

Engage with WDFW staff and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers, and the public during data collection. Provide basic fisheries information and explain sport fishing regulations to the public, including occasional interactions with upset individuals. Provide a high level of customer service to anglers and the public. Serve as liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

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:

Experience with:

• Conducting creel surveys and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area. 
• Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species. 
• Salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.  
• Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear. 
• Handling fish.  
• Working with members of the public.
• Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Teams, and MS Windows.

Your application should 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 (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2026-1234 – 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-03792.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

AL