Title- Recreational Crab Harvest Sampling Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Appointment/Season Length- 5 months – February 16, 2025 – July 15, 2025 

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Coastal Shellfish 

Duty Station- Ocean Park, Washington is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate an alternate duty station of Montesano, Washington may be considered.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This role supports WDFW’s mission to ensure sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experiences by assisting with the coastal crab monitoring project.

Envision yourself gathering essential creel census and biological data that helps estimate recreational crab harvests.

Come join our dynamic team and directly support sustainable fish and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Recreational Crab Harvest Sampling Technician will,

Collect Field Data:

• Conduct effort surveys and crabber interviews at assigned boat ramps, WDFW access sites, public beaches or on docks to collect effort and harvest estimates.
• Observe and count crabbers, boat trailers, vehicles and/or crab gear from land, docks, and/or aboard vessels.
• Collect biological crab data including species, sex, shell hardness, width, and weight.

Record Data:

• Record daily catch data using tablets or paper forms.
• Sync data to database at the end of each sampling day.
• Perform QA/QC on data.
• Assist with entering collected crab effort, harvest, and biological data using established methodologies.

Other Duties:

• Safely drive a state vehicle on freeways, rural roads, and coastal beaches under all weather conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Work locations include office, dockside, beach, and shipboard, in all types of weather and ocean conditions.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea, especially during rough seas and inclement weather.
• Spend long periods of time sitting, standing, bending, and walking along boat ramps, docks, and slippery surfaces.
• Driving a 4x4 pick-up truck on beaches navigating debris and washouts.
• Safely handle live crab to avoid being pinched.
• Work alone or in small groups.

Schedule: 

Sunday to Saturday, non-scheduled, 24/7, 40 hours per week, weekend, working holidays, and occasional long hours required. Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day. The work may require long and odd hours during peak crabbing times. Workdays and hours are flexible to meet project needs. Overtime eligible on approval.

Travel Requirements: 

Washington coastal areas for field work.

Tools and Equipment: 

Laptop PC, tablet, 4x4 pickup, personal protective wear, cell phone, personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPRIB), Personal Floatation Device (PFD), binoculars, various shellfish, and fishery sampling/monitoring equipment.

Customer Interactions: 

Interact with the public while working in the field, providing basic information regarding shellfish resources. Knowledgably describe agency shellfish regulations and management decisions. May interact with upset individuals.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience with fisheries creel methodology.
• Ability to handle and identify Washington coastal crab species.
• Knowledge of commercial and recreational crab fishing methods and gear.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
• Experience with using the following computer software: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Windows.

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 #2024-13848.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram