Title- Dockside Sampler

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time – Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Seven (7)

Appointment Length- 3 months – July 8, 2026 – October 7, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Division
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations, Western Washington – Snohomish County

*Multiple Duty Stations: 

Five (5) positions – Everett, Washington – Snohomish County

Two (2) positions – Mukilteo, Washington – Snohomish County 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Coho Salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain hands-on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while contributing to the sustainability of Washington’s fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities. 

 Envision yourself working at boat ramps across the Puget Sound, engaging with the public and collecting biological data on salmon, marine fish and shellfish species.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Dockside Sampler will, 

• Interview and sample recreational fisheries for salmon, halibut, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition. 
• Obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish at assigned boat launch facilities.
• Accurately record data on appropriate electronic or backup paper forms. 
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors). 
• Classify, sort, and enumerate marked (adipose fin-clipped) tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.   
• Remove the snouts of Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.  
• Sample recreational and/or commercial salmon catch for other biological data such as DNA, age (scales), and other biological samples.
• May sample commercial salmon catch at fish buyers and processing facilities. 
• Daily use of iForms and conduct error checks of sampling data before uploading. 
• Provide the public with information on sport fishing regulation and fish identification. 
• Maintain sampling equipment. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

Schedule: 

Travel Requirements: This position may 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: Sampling duty equipment such as an iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment such as a coded wire tag (CWT) detector, weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, personal flotation device (PFD), WDFW apparel and gloves and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions: 

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 will 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: 

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 #2026-03780.

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