Title- Sampler Supervisor

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Appointment/Season Length- 9 months – February 1 – October 31

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Puget Sound Sampling Unit 

Duty Station- Sekiu, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position supervises dockside sampling staff and is responsible for collecting and editing biological and catch data for recreational and commercial fisheries, including salmon, halibut, lingcod, marine fish, and shellfish. The supervisor ensures that staff meet fisheries sampling goals, providing critical data used by Tribal and WDFW biologists to assess resource status and manage fisheries effectively.

Working under limited supervision, the Sampler Supervisor recruits, hires, and trains sampling staff, approves timesheets in Total Time, evaluates employee performance, beta-tests electronic sampling forms, and conducts error checks to ensure data accuracy.

What to Expect-

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

• Recruits, Hires, onboards, trains, supervises, schedules, and evaluates seasonal Scientific Technician 2 field staff under their chain of command to ensure proper execution of sampling designs and reliable collection of catch and biological data.
• This position samples recreational and/or commercial fisheries for salmon, halibut, lingcod, other marine fish, and shellfish catch to determine catch per unit effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and marine fish.
• Conducts angler creel interviews at assigned boat launches, marinas, and shore-based fishing locations. Assists in establishing sampling protocols and accurately records data into electronic data collection application and on scale card paper form.
• Assist with test fishing and angler effort surveys (boat surveys) in Marine Areas of Puget Sound during mark-selective fisheries as needed.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is conducted both in the field and in an office environment. While in the field, the following may be encountered: Exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, fish blood and slime, possible punctures from toxic fish spines or teeth, biting and stinging insects, and pollen.

Works on slippery docks in marine environment. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Other potential hazards include danger from vehicles and vessels during boat launch and retrieval, rough water, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, lifting (40 lb. max), working and standing in a confined space, slippery surfaces, rain gear, and use of knives.  

Schedule: This position is 24/7 (non-scheduled); Typically 8-10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. 40 hours per week; weekend and evening work required. Overtime required when needed.

Travel Requirements: Puget Sound area with seldom-overnight travel.   

Tools and Equipment: 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.

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. Includes occasional contact with individuals who are angry, distraught, or frustrated.  Acts as liaison to Peninsula supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.  Acts as liaison between tribal staff and WDFW staff.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.   

OR

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and Four (4) 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.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Successful completion of agency Supervisor Training (within 6 months of hire).
• Successful completion of agency Culture of Feedback training (within 6 months of hire).
• HSI CPR/First Aid (within 6 months of hire).  Keeps training up to date every 2 years.
• Completion of the Washington Boater’s Safety Course prior to boarding vessels (optional)

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• One year or more of supervisor or lead experience.
• One year of experience creel sampling recreational and commercial 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.
• Proper fish handling technique.
• Experience with Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, TEAMs and MS Windows.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 and reference the job number in the subject line:

Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram