Title- Fishery Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status- Full-Time / Career Seasonal
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Season Length- 7 months – March 22 – October 22
WDFW Program- Fish Program
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations

*Apply to one (1) or both locations by submitting one (1) application.
One (1) Position – Sequim, Washington – Clallam County
One (1) Position – Port Angeles, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

These positions play a vital role in monitoring recreational fisheries by collecting and summarizing catch data for salmon, marine fish, and shellfish in Puget Sound. 

Through field sampling at boat ramps across Marine Areas 5 through 13, you’ll gather key biological data, including stock composition, age structure, fish length, and hatchery or natural-origin status. 

This information supports accurate fisheries assessments and sustainable resource management.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fishery Sampler will,

Recreational Fisheries Sampling:

• Sample predominantly recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish.
• May sample commercial salmon fisheries at fish buyers and plants.
• Interview recreational fishery anglers at assigned boat launch facilities.
• Implement interview procedures and sampling protocols.
• Accurately record data on appropriate electronic or paper forms.
• Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species.
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).
• Classify, sort, and count marked (adipose fin-clipped) tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
• Retrieve CWTs from the snouts of Chinook and Coho salmon to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
• Collect biological data, including DNA, scales for aging, and sex ratios, from recreational and/or commercial salmon catches.

Data Review, Public Engagement, and Additional Duties:

• Conduct error checks and review sampling data for accuracy.
• Provide sport fishing regulatory information to the public.
• Report observed fishery violations to the regional supervisor and prepare written reports; may be called to testify if needed.
• Operate and maintain agency vehicles as required.
• Maintain sampling equipment.
• Daily use of iForms, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Primarily field-based work, often in adverse weather and sea conditions.
• Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood and slime, biting and stinging insects.
• Repetitive hand movements, finger manipulations, and prolonged periods of sitting, squatting, and walking.
• Tasks may involve climbing in and out of boats, and sampling salmon in a boat.
• Kneeling, carrying, and occasionally lifting containers of fish (up to 40 lbs. unassisted).
• Working and standing in confined spaces on slippery surfaces and using knives.
• Driving agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:
24/7 non-scheduled, 40 hours per week, weekend and evening work is required. Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day, between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Travel Requirements:
Primarily within the Puget Sound area, with occasional overnight travel. May need to use a personal vehicle for work if an agency-owned vehicle is unavailable.

Tools and Equipment:
iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector), weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, Personal Flotation Device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, and rain gear and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions:
Engage with WDFW staff, co-managing Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, shellfishers, and the public during data collection, providing information on fisheries, agency programs, and sport fishing regulations. Deliver excellent customer service, even when dealing with individuals who may be frustrated. Serve as a liaison to regional supervisors and enforcement regarding fishery violations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.  

OR

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.  

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 (6) semester or nine (9) 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 is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
• Obtain Health and Safety Institute (HSI) First Aid/CPR certification, with completion within six (6) months of hire (Provided by WDFW).

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

• Experience conducting creel and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.
• Ability 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.
• Experience working with members of the public.

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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01588.

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