Dockside Fishery Sampler - Scientific Technician 2

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is hiring two Dockside Fishery Samplers (Scientific Technician 2) for a full-time, non-permanent role in Friday Harbor, WA, from July 8 to October 7, 2025. Responsibilities include sampling fisheries, interviewing anglers, data collection, and public engagement. The position requires fieldwork in various weather conditions and includes evening and weekend shifts. Housing accommodations are available at a reduced rate.
Title- Dockside Fishery SamplerClassification- Scientific Technician 2Job Status- Full-Time / Non-PermanentNumber of Vacancies- Two (2)Appointment Length- 3 months – July 8, 2025 – October 7, 2025WDFW Program- Fish ProgramDuty Station- Friday Harbor Marina – Friday Harbor, Washington – San Juan CountyPosting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until June 2, 2025. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time and candidates may be selected before the listed closing date.Housing Accommodations: Available at a reduced rate at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs (620 University Rd. Friday Harbor, WA 98250) and the Orca Inn (770 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250). The cost per person is approximately $255 per week. For additional information, please review the Working Conditions.Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW! What to Expect-Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Dockside Fishery Samplers will,Fisheries Sampling and Data Collection:Conduct sampling of recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish to assess catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates.Interview recreational anglers at assigned boat launch facilities.Accurately record data using electronic or paper forms.Identify and count all salmon and marine fish species.Use electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices to sample Coho and Chinook salmon.Classify, sort, and document salmon based on adipose fin marks and tag presence.Retrieve CWTs from Chinook and Coho salmon snouts for stock assessment in fisheries modeling.Collect biological data from recreational and commercial salmon catches, including DNA samples, scales for aging, and sex ratios.Data Review, Public Relations, and Maintenance:Conduct error checks on collected sampling data.Provide sport fishing regulation information to the public.Report observed fishery violations to the regional supervisor and prepare written reports.Operate and maintain agency vehicles as needed.Maintain sampling equipment.Use iForms, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for daily communication and reporting. WORKING CONDITIONS:Work Setting, including hazards:Work is primarily conducted in the field. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, and climbing in and out of boats.Will sample salmon in a boat, carry, kneel, occasional heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, with fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, the use of knives.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. Typically, 8 - 10 hours per day between 5:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Weekend and evening work is required.Housing:The incumbents will be attending training in Bellingham, WA from July 8 to July 14.If needed, housing accommodation cost will be fully provided by the agency from July 7 to July 14, 2025, at the Bellis Inn (3710 Meridian St. Bellingham, WA 98225).Housing accommodations are available at a reduced rate at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs (620 University Rd., Friday Harbor, WA 98250) and the Orca Inn (770 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250).Position #1: From July 14 to October 7, 2025, incumbent will be housed in a private bedroom unit (with locking door) within a five (5) bedroom dormitory at the Friday Harbor Labs, with shared access to a bathroom and kitchen.Position #2: From July 14 to July 29, 2025, incumbent will be housed in a one (1) bedroom hotel (no kitchenette) at the Orca Inn. From July 29 to October 7, 2025, incumbent will move to a private bedroom unit (with locking door) within a five (5) bedroom dormitory with shared access to a bathroom and kitchen at the Friday Harbor Labs.The cost of housing (either Orca Inn or Friday Harbor Labs) is approximately $255/week per person.Travel Requirements:Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel. May transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. Will be required to use a personal vehicle for work when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable.Tools and Equipment:iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment (coded wire tag detector), weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, personal floatation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, rain gear and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.Customer Interactions:Engage with WDFW staff and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers, and the public during data collection.Provide basic fisheries information and explain sport fishing regulations to the public, including occasional interactions with upset individuals.Provide a high level of customer service to anglers and the public.Serve as liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field. 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.ORGraduation 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. Preferred Qualifications:In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:Experience with:Conducting creel and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.Salmon life history and sport fishing regulations. Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.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.