Picture yourself gathering biological data on stock composition, coded-wire tags (CWT), DNA, age structure data (scales), lengths, legal and sub-legal proportions, and adipose fin-clipped (marked)/unclipped status.

With your experience you will collect data to meet fisheries sampling goals, assist in the hiring and training of Peninsula region sampling staff, beta test electronic sampling forms, and perform error checks and edits for sampling data accuracy.

We are seeking candidates who respect and value the opinions of others, creating an inclusive team environment where every member feels they contribute value to the project and WDFW.

Duties
Supervisory Assistance, Data Review and Summary, Public Relations and Maintenance of Equipment:

• Assists in the hiring, training, directing, and evaluating of WDFW sampling staff.
• Sets schedules, answers questions from staff, approves timesheets, and handles other issues as they arise.
• May fill in and perform limited supervisory duties for the Peninsula region 
• Electronically enters, reviews, and edits sampling data.
• Maintains inventory of sampling supplies for regional fishery sampling operations including state vehicles.
• Trains staff in proper sampling, bio-sampling, and other protocols.  
• Recommends changes in sampling protocols, strategies and techniques.  

Samples recreational fisheries for salmon, lingcod, other marine fish:

• Determines catch per unit effort and species composition in order to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and marine fish. 
• Participates in test fishing and angler effort surveys (boat surveys) as needed in multiple Marine Areas.
• 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 cards paper form.
• Pilots WDFW research vessels to conduct angler effort surveys (boat surveys) and test fishing. 
• Operates outboard motorboat, including trailering, launching, docking, coming alongside vessels in all types of weather conditions.

Samples commercial salmon catch from tribal and non-tribal fisheries, at boat ramps and fish buying stations:

• Assess commercial salmon for CWT’s, determine mark-status (adipose fin clipped/un-clipped), collect DNA, take scales and determine sex and fork length. 
• Train and coordinate WDFW samplers and tribal samplers upon request.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:  
  1. Work is conducted both in the field and in an office environment. 
  2. Exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood and slime, possible punctures from toxic fish spines or teeth, biting and stinging insects, and pollen.
  3. Occasionally lifting and maneuvering of equipment upwards to or greater than 40 pounds. 
  4. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  5. Required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) properly at all times when working on docks or on the water.
  6. Other potential hazards include danger from vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, working and standing in a confined space, slippery surfaces, rain gear, and use of knives.
• Schedule:          
  1. Work hours are generally 8-10 hours per day – weekends and evening work is required. Overtime required when needed.
  2. Workdays and hours are determined by weather, stream flows, visibility, and degree of spawning activity. 
• Travel Requirements:
  1. Travel within the Puget Sound area with seldom-overnight travel.  
  2. Must have insurance when using privately owned vehicle for official state business 
• Tools and Equipment:
  1.  iPad, cell phone, electronic sampling device (CWT 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.
  2. Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers, computer, Very High Frequency (VHF) radio, marine survival suit. 
  3. A government vehicle and gas credit card for fuel are a responsibility of this position. 
  4. PFD, first aid kit, WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, rain gear and current recreational/commercial sampling manuals.
• Customer Interactions:
  1. Interactions are primarily with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shell fishers, and the general public during data collection.
  2. Will provide basic information regarding fisheries resources to the public, sport fishing regulatory information, as well as agency programs and activities.
  3. Occasional contact with individuals who may be frustrated.   
  4. Act as liaison to Peninsula supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field, and tribal staff.

Qualifications
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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Twelve (12) months experience creel sampling recreational and commercial fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.  
• Able to identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.
• Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Proper fish handling technique.
• Experience with Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Windows, and MS Teams.
• Experience handling motorized vessels in the marine waters of Puget Sound or an equivalent area.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• A valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft within six (6) months of hire.
• Basic First Aid and CPR with AED training within six (6) months of hire.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.  You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials – your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

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

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3892976/lead-fisheries-sampler-scientific-technician-3-career-seasonal-01466-23

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: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Subject line should 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. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 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.

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3892976/lead-fisheries-sampler-scientific-technician-3-career-seasonal-01466-23