Commercial Fishery Observer – Scientific Technician

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is hiring 12 Commercial Fishery Observers for a 5.5-month on-call position to support fishery management in Puget Sound. Responsibilities include onboard sampling, data collection, and reporting on catch and bycatch. Candidates need a high school diploma and relevant experience. The job involves fieldwork on commercial fishing vessels, with exposure to various weather conditions, requiring travel and overnight stays.
Salary: $19.98–$26.62 per hour

Position Summary:

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) is hiring 12 Commercial Fishery Observers for a 5.5-month on-call appointment (July 1–December 15, 2025) to support conservation and sustainable fishery management in Puget Sound.

Observers will work aboard commercial fishing vessels, conducting onboard sampling, biological data collection, and reporting on catch composition, bycatch, and marine species interactions.

Key Responsibilities:
• Board commercial fishing vessels while underway or at the dock prior to departure.
• Conduct paper and electronic sampling to record catch data, bycatch, and vessel effort.
• Perform vessel-to-vessel interviews, gathering catch and set data.
• Identify salmon, marine fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, recording marked status and interactions with fishing gear.
• Assist in State & Tribal research fisheries, contributing to population assessments.
• Serve as research vessel deck crew, handling lines, assisting with vessel maintenance, loading gear, and launch/retrieval operations.
• Archive historical sampling data using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Working Conditions:
• On-water fieldwork (vessel transfers, active fishing operations, rough seas, inclement weather).
• Exposure to wet, slippery docks and physically demanding conditions (personal flotation devices required).
• Marine-grade portable toilets provided aboard some vessels.
• On-call scheduling, with up to 12+ hours per shift, including weekends, early mornings, and late nights.
• Travel required, with overnight stays expected (per diem rates applicable).

Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED, with:
• Two years of experience as a Scientific Technician OR
• Two years of lab/field assistant experience in biology, fisheries, zoology, or chemistry.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
• College coursework in biology, fisheries, marine sciences, or related fields.
• Experience with:
• Identifying salmon, marine fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
• Random fisheries sampling, live fish handling, and data collection protocols.
• Working on small boats, fishing vessels, and research vessels.
• Accurate field data recording, quality assurance, and reporting.
• Interacting with the public, fishers, and field research teams.

Certifications & Special Requirements:
• CPR & First Aid Certification (within six months of hire).
• Successful completion of all agency training required by supervisors.

Application Instructions:
• Apply via https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4914225/commercial-fishery-observer-sci-tech-2-part-time-on-call-non-perm-12-open.
• Submit:
• Resume outlining relevant experience.
• Cover Letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
• Three professional references with contact information.
• Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
• Start Date: After July 1, 2025

Additional Information:

WDFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Veterans and military spouses are eligible for preference.

Contact Information:

Name: Elizabeth Bullard

Email: elizabeth.bullard@dfw.wa.gov