Openings- Two (2)
Title- Fisheries Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Season Length- 6.5 Months – May 12–November 30
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division
Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Note: We are also recruiting for two non-permanent Fisheries Sampler positions under job #2025-02097

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to gain hands on experience in fisheries at the Stillaguamish and Snohomish Rivers. Envision yourself in the field, interviewing anglers, recording fishing effort on the rivers, and recording species harvest. We are seeking a candidate who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Sampler will,

• Examine angler catch and sample salmonids and game fish including steelhead.
• Perform surveys to assess angling effort by counting angler vehicles and trailers at designated river locations via motor vehicle.
• Conduct angler interviews at boat ramps, WDFW access sites, and along the riverbank to gather information about fishing activity and catch.
• Differentiate between steelhead, pink, Chinook and coho by species and origin (hatchery or natural)
• Regularly provide updates to regional supervisors and enforcement staff regarding fishery violations and observations.
• Collect biological data: scanning for CWT’s, removing snouts, scales, and DNA, taking length measurements.
• Records creel data using iPads. Responsible for QA/QC their own data and syncing it to the database at the end of each sampling day. 
• Maintains and services equipment including electronic sampling gear (iPads), T wands, measuring board, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed primarily in the field in and around rivers and streams with periodic computer work at WDFW regional office. 

Up to eight (8) hours per day spent in a vehicle driving to sampling locations. Long hours waiting for anglers to complete their fishing trips at boat ramps and access points. Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood/slime, biting/stinging insects. Will be expected to manipulate fish up to 40 lbs and safely use sharp knives. Walking up to 3 miles on rugged, often slippery/uneven terrain in and around streams and rivers.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Exposure to variable temperatures and weather such as heavy rain, snow, fog, smoke, and extreme heat. May encounter swift moving water during moderate river flows and log jams operating a pontoon.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): Typically, work schedule is Monday through Sunday, non-scheduled, 24/7. Weekends, non-consecutive days off. Shifts may vary, lasting up to 12 hours, including early morning and late nights. Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours between 5 AM and 11 PM.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel is required from your assigned duty station to river sites. Technicians will be expected to survey a large spatial area.

Tools and Equipment: Agency will provide a vehicle, exposure apparel (raincoat and pants, hat, waders/boots), sampling gear (knives, scissors, tweezers, hemostats, measuring board, PFD, iPad, T wand) and laptop.

Customer Interactions: Regular communication with the public and recreational anglers, private landowners and co-managers regarding fisheries, agency programs, and current sport fishing regulations. May encounter customers who are frustrated. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1. 

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a 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 science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Completion of a four-year degree or equivalent in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Capability to identify saltwater and river stage salmonids and other game fish species.
• Experience using personal computers or mobile devices for data entry and producing accurate, timely work products.
• Experience with creel methodology.
• Experience working with members of the public.
• Knowledge of the watersheds and fisheries of the Snohomish County.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

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 RecruitmentTeam@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: 2024-1234 – 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram