Salmon anglers in Marine Area 5 – Photo Credit: WDFW

Here are some things you will be doing as our Lead Fisheries Observer:

Assist with Developing, Planning, and Implementing In-season Data collection, and commercial observer training support: 

• Assist in the implementation of new sampling protocols, data collection methodology, and survey procedures (e.g. marine mammal/fisheries interaction surveys, vessel effort surveys, onboard observer protocol, and tender sampling protocols).
• Lead a test fishery to collect Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) materials and sampling data during chum fisheries in the field (October – November).
• Conduct archival data analysis, collect environmental, geospatial, and salmon data, and manage corresponding relational databases.
• Help develop fishery observer training materials for the commercial observer staff in conjunction with the annual hiring and on-boarding of these seasonal positions.

Assist with Coordination of staffing logistics for Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Monitoring Program: 

• Support daily in-field coordination for the monitoring of commercial salmon and recreational charter salmon fisheries during the fishery season.
• Coordinate deployment logistics with the Commercial Monitoring Biologist.
• Communicate with commercial fishing, tending, and charter fishing vessel captains to take observers on vessels participating in monitored fisheries.
• Make and communicate in-field decisions regarding sample rates, when and where samples are collected, and where the Scientific Technician 2 (ST2) crew members need to be located.

Data Management and Administration:

• Chum salmon GSI collection logistics and log the delivery of samples to the Molecular Genetics Laboratory.
• Record data and help maintain the Observer Database, as needed.
• Ensure the accurate and timely submission of Travel & Expense Management System (TEMS), Order Payment Forms (OPF), and Vehicle Mileage Tracking System (VTMS) reports.
• Assist in annual trainings, maintaining the virtual ‘Fish Friendly’ certification and Reef Net Log Books, and with the Twilio and Puget Sound commercial hotline.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • When not monitoring fishery activities, the primary work environment will be an office setting.
  • Field hazards include 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.
  • Must remain alert during long hours and be adaptable to changing schedules.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Schedule:
  • May – July: Up to 5 days a week in an office setting during the off-season. Flexibility to transport vessels and vehicles in the field, assist with training, possibly on vessels, and preparing equipment for the fishery season.
  • July – November: Frequent weekly travel, as needed, to assist with test fishing, fishery observations, and logistical support.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Fisheries may occur in areas away from the duty station. Overnight stays are required (July – November) when assisting sampling fishing fleets in certain areas.
  • May require use of personally owned vehicle with mileage reimbursement.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Office equipment, vessel electronics (e.g. depth-sounder, radar, GPS plotter), datasheets, thumb counters, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wands, forceps, isopropyl alcohol. Raingear, personal floatation devices, and boots are provided.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

           OR

Please Note:

Certifications/Licenses: 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Experience:

• Aboard commercial fishing vessels, as a State or Federal Fisheries Observer.
• Sampling fisheries and/or conducting scientific sampling.
• Accurately recording scientific or other critical information.

Ability to:

• Adapt to and remain flexible in a fast-paced work environment while still maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Collect and synthesize a variety of fishery-dependent and independent data used in fish management.

Knowledge of:

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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@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. 

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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