Title- At-Sea Research Survey Anglers
Classification- Scientific Technician 1
Openings- Seven (7)
Job Status- Part-Time/On-Call/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 8 Months – March 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Coastal Marine Fish Science Unit
Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until February 9, 2025. The first review of applications will take place on January 27, 2025. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible. This recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Use your passion for fishing to make a difference in the conservation of Washington State’s coastal marine fish species.

Picture yourself fishing for rockfish and other groundfish (bottomfish) species and conducting at-sea research studies on the Washington coast.

With your angling experience, you will collect vital data that will be used by state and federal scientists in stock assessments that inform both the status and management of healthy coastal marine fish populations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the At-Sea Research Survey Anglers will,

Participate in at-sea research surveys for the marine groundfish species that inhabit Washington’s coastal waters:

• Angle for fish from the Washington/Oregon border to the Sekiu River and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Measure time fished with a stopwatch.
• Deploy on multiple single day trips on an agency research vessel, chartered research vessel, or commercial fishing vessel.
• Assist with the loading, unloading, cleaning, and maintenance of scientific and fishing survey gear. 

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically conducted onboard vessels at-sea, at recreational or commercial fishing docks, and in an office setting. Work outdoors in unprotected coastal waters and on slippery, moving decks and docks in in severe inclement weather. Navigate steps and ladders. Communicate over loud motors and other vessel equipment. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency conditions.

Schedule: Schedule is determined by ocean conditions, weather conditions, and vessel schedules, requiring a high level of flexibility. This on-call position works approximately 20 days from March through May and 10 days from September through October. Workdays are typically 8-14 hours long and may include working days, evenings, and weekends as needed. Fieldwork occurs 24/7 – may work up to 60 hours per week.

Travel Requirements: Multiple nights at a hotel will be necessary and accommodated at agency expense. Meals may be provided for the group, or individuals may be responsible for acquiring food for personal use from grocery stores or restaurants, at agency expense during travel.

Tools and Equipment: Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and a stopwatch.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience:

• On open, exposed ocean waters.
• Fishing for rockfish or bottomfish from a vessel.
• Angling for rockfish or bottomfish for scientific surveys.

Skills

• Advanced marine water angling skills (such as from using rod and reel gear).

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.

Supplemental 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00300.

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