Some of what out Fishery Sampler Supervisor will enjoy doing, 

Recruits, hires, and supervises sampling staff. Reviews and summarizes data. Provides feedback to and evaluates the performance of direct reports: 

• Recruits, hires, trains, directs, and evaluates direct reports. May fill in and perform supervisory duties for the Regional Supervisor when they are on leave.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor and other sampling staff.
• Electronically enters, reviews, and edits sampling data.
• Maintains inventory of sampling supplies for regional fishery sampling operations including state vehicles. 
• Submits and keeps track of Order Payment Forms (OPF), p-cards and Travel Expense Management (TEM) for self and direct reports.

Samples recreational and/or commercial fisheries for salmon, halibut, lingcod, other marine fish, and shellfish catch to determine catch per unit effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and marine fish: 

• Conducts angler creel interviews at assigned boat launches, marinas, and shore-based fishing locations. Assists in establishing sampling protocols and accurately records data into electronic data collection application and on scale card paper form.
• Observes, counts, and accurately identifies all salmon and marine fish species. Samples all Chinook and Coho salmon with electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices.
• Samples some marine fish species for length/weight, and collects lingcod spines, DNA, and any other biological tissues as requested for marine fish.
• This position may sample fish from any salmon fishery in Puget Sound that is delivered to one of our North Sound fish buyers. Upon request this position may assist in training tribal samplers

As needed, conducts test fishing and angler effort surveys (boat surveys) in Marine Areas of Puget Sound during mark-selective fisheries as needed:

• Pilots WDFW research vessels to conduct angler effort surveys (boat surveys).
• Pilots WDFW research vessels to conduct test fishing. Uses a variety of fishing methods, weight and bait, downrigger, jigging, diver, etc. to emulate the recreational fishing flee.
• Operates outboard motorboat, including trailering, launching, docking, coming alongside in all types of weather conditions.
• Sample catch to obtain stock composition (DNA), age structure (scales), length information (legal & sublegal proportions) and hatchery/natural origin proportions (mark-status proportions).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is conducted both in the field and in an office environment. 
  • Fieldwork may include exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood and slime, possible punctures from toxic fish spines or teeth, biting and stinging insects, and pollen.
  • Work on slippery docks in marine environment and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) properly at all times when working on docks or on the water. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • Other potential hazards may include danger from vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, at times frequently lifting up to 40 pounds, working and standing in a confined space, slippery surfaces, rain gear, and use of knives.
• Schedule:
  • This position is 24/7 (non-scheduled). Typically, 8 – 10 hours per day between 5:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. 40 hours per week. 
  • Weekend and evening work required. Overtime required when needed.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel around the Puget Sound area with seldom-overnight travel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance when using privately owned vehicle for official state business and good driving skills especially during winter weather conditions. 
• Tools and Equipment:
  • iPad, cell phone, electronic sampling device (coded wire tag detector), weighing scale, calculator, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, canopy for shade, portable table, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, outboard motor boat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers, computer, VHF radio, marine survival suit. Personal flotation device (PFD), first aid kit, WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and raingear and copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
  • A government vehicle and gas credit card for fuel are provided and a responsibility of this position.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Interacts with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers, and the public during data collection.
  • Provides basic information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs and activities and sport fishing regulatory information to the public.
  • Includes occasional contact with individuals who are frustrated. 
  • Acts as liaison to Central Sound supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field. Acts as liaison between tribal staff and WDFW staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

OR

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 or environmental science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on position need and training availability.
• Successful completion of the Washington Boater’s Safety Course (prior to boarding vessels).
• Successful completion of agency Supervisor Training within six (6) months of hire.
• Successful completion of agency Culture of Feedback training within six (6) months of hire.
• Basic First Aid and CPR with AED training within six (6) months of hire. Keeps required training up to date every two (2) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: 

• At least 12 months experience creel sampling recreational and commercial fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.
• Ability to identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species. 
• Familiar with salmon life history and sportfishing regulations.  
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.  
• Proper fish handling technique.  
• Experience of Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, Outlook and Windows and Teams) on a computer and use a state cell phones and iPads.
• Experience handling motorized vessels in the marine waters of Puget Sound or an equivalent area.

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

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 cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume. 
• Three professional references. 

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following: Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types. 

Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA),  and an Employee Assistance Program.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. 

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.  

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.

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.

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