Do you want to contribute to the agency mission by providing maximum recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the long-term conservation of salmon, steelhead and inland fisheries resources?   Do you want to make a positive impact to the recovery of federal ESA listed anadromous stocks?  If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

Department of Fish and Wildlife presents a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience to help develop a career in fisheries.  Must be a team player, resourceful, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and produce high quality work.
 
This position functions as a lead fishery sampler, performing advanced technical scientific duties, independently executing established and new sampling procedures, and training and directing technicians in sampling northern Puget Sound Fisheries. This position collects and summarizes commercial salmon and recreational salmon, marine fish, and shellfish fisheries data to meet sampling goals set by biometricians. Proper implementation of this region’s fisheries sampling program provides the information necessary to estimate catch and effort statistics for commercial and recreational fisheries management, assessment of biological information by stock, and subsequent achievement of spawning escapements and court-mandated catch allocations.

Duties

The location of the sampling work rotates through a set of sites in north Puget Sound, many of which are at boat ramps, including but not limited to: Washington Park, Fort Casey, Cornet Bay, Oak Harbor, Squalicum Harbor, Sandy Point, Friday Harbor, Freeland Ramp, Coupeville, Bowman Bay, Skyline Marina, Deception Pass North/West Beach, Swinomish Channel, Lagoon Point, Bush Point, Driftwood, Keystone Spit, Double Bluff, Mutiny Bay, and Ledgewood Beach.

• April 1-April 15: Prepare for Halibut, Ling Cod, Prawn seasons
• April 16-June15: Sampler support, prepare sampling and electronic inventory for recreational salmon, and sampling recreational Halibut, Ling Cod, Prawn seasons; hiring/training, QA/QC, data editing
• June 16-September 30: Hiring, training, prepare sampling and electronic inventory for recreational salmon, sampling of salmon and prawn seasons, QA/QC, data editing, commercial salmon sampling
• October 1-November 7: Check in, clean, put away seasonal sampler’s gear; clean and store PPE supplies, edit data, commercial salmon sampling

Fishery Sampling
Monitors, collects catch information and samples commercial and recreational fisheries of mixed species of salmon and marine fish catches for Northern Puget Sound.  
Tasks include:
Recreational Baseline Sampling

• Conducts creel interviews of large numbers of recreational anglers at assigned boat launch facilities, marinas, and shore-based fishing locations.
• Observes, counts, identifies, and records all salmon and marine fish species.
• This information is used for angler effort estimates and species composition in Puget Sound recreational fisheries.

Tag Detection and Tag Recovery Sampling

• Monitors recreational and commercial landings of multi species salmon catch to recover coded wire tags (CWT) for an assigned region.
• Samples all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic CWT detection devices (blue wand or T wand).
• Classifies, sorts, and enumerates marked tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
• Incumbent is required to use discretion in selecting and modifying sampling protocol based on current equipment, sample size and available help.
• Makes visual observations for external tags on all species of salmon and marine fish.

Biological Sampling

• Collects scales, determines sex, and measures the fork length of salmon and marine fish.

Special Study Biological Sampling

• Performs complex biological analysis on salmon and marine fish.
• Participates in special studies to analyze component parts, assess age, sex, and stock structure of salmon and marine fish.
• Collects salmon and marine fish DNA, otolith (ear bone), lingcod spines, and GSI (Genetic Stock Identification) analysis.

Catch Estimation Sampling

• Catch estimates are conducted in high effort mark selective recreational fisheries. These studies are intensive and require additional people at the sampling sites and on the water.
• Interviews all anglers exiting a fishery at pre-selected sites.
• Participates in site effort evaluations, by interviewing anglers on the water.
• Position is a lead worker in executing intensive sampling designs as well as training of temporary staff needed to conduct catch estimates. Uses electronic data collection devices.

Lead sampler, Data Review & Summary, Public Relations and Maintenance duties, etc. 
Tasks include:

• Functions as a lead worker, training and directing temporary staff.
• Assigns available staff to recreational and commercial fishery sampling as needed.
• Position coordinates in-field collection of data and instructs temporary employees in the process.
• Coordinates with and trains treaty tribal samplers and biologists as requested.
• Recommends changes in sampling strategies and techniques.
• Enters and/or summarizes fishery data for fishery updates.
• Provides recreational fishing regulatory information to the public.
• Liason to regioal supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.
• Provides written reports on violations and may give testimony informally or in court.
• Provides computer generates table and memos as required.
• Electronically enters sampling data as needed.
• Responsible for operation and maintanance of agency vehicle and boat as required.
• Maintains inventory of sampling supplies for regional fishery sampling operations.
• Troubleshoots and beta tests current electronic data collection platform then reports glitches to the device manager or data base manager.

Other duties as assigned
Tasks include:

• Follow Covid-19 safety protocols while performing all duties.
• Train temporary staff in Covid-19 protocols and monitor for their compliance.
• May collect additional catch or biological information for salmon, marine fish, and shellfish special studies.
• May help with scheduling, coordinating, and supervising staff as directed by supervisor.
• Maintain vehicles, vessels and sampling equipment.
• Make field purchases as needed.
• Complete “Total Time” to submit timesheets, travel and purchasing information when needed.
• Complete state and agency required trainings and attend staff meetings
• Other tasks as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Work Setting, including hazards:

• The 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 sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, rain gear, equipment holsters, personal flotation device (PFD), agency identifying clothing, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, transporting agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

Schedule:   

• 24/7 non-scheduled, 40 hours per week, weekend and evening work required.
• Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Travel Requirements: 

• Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel.

Tools and Equipment: 

• The following items are needed for sampling duties; iPad, cell phone, electronic sampling device (CWT detector), weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book or app, 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.
• A government vehicle and gas credit card for fuel are a responsibility of this position.
• This position is provided all necessary equipment including a PFD and first aid kit. The following clothing is supplied: WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and rain gear.
• Provided copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.
• May be required to use Microsoft Teams.

Customer Interactions:

• Interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers, and the general public during data collection.
• Provides basic information regarding fisheries resources to the public, as well as agency programs and activities.
• Provides sport fishing regulatory information to the public. Includes occasional contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated.
• Acts as liaison to North Sound supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.
• Acts as liaison between tribal staff and WDFW staff.

Licenses:

• A valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Completion of Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) within 1 year of hire.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science,

AND

• Four years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

OR

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science

AND

• Four years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

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 Experience and Knowledge: 

• Supervisory or lead worker/crew lead experience.
• At least 12 months experience creel sampling 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.
• Ability to operate boats up to 23’ in length in adverse weather and sea conditions.
• Completion of Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent within one year of hire. Proper fish handling technique.
• Experience with Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, and MS Windows.
• Familiar with iPads and electronic data collection.

Supplemental Information

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.govand 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: The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
 
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 professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.
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.

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.
 
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.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and are encouraged to apply. 
 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.

This recruitment is essential staff necessary to prosecute fisheries, hunting opportunities.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)

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.