This is a one (1) permanent, full-time Scientific Technician 3 position in the Fish Program, Marine Resources .  The duty station is located at 411 Tillicum Lane, Forks, WA. 98331-9271. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2017.

This position contributes to the collection of critical scientific information used to assess and manage marine fish species that support valuable ocean fisheries.  Marine Fish Science port samplers collect and process primarily commercial groundfish catch, biological and logbook data used by state and federal research scientist to conduct scientific population assessments and by resource managers to develop fishery management plans for groundfish fisheries along the coast of Washington, Puget Sound, Oregon, and California.  Marine Fish Science port samplers also collect data from other fisheries as needed to support federal and state assessment and management.  Port samplers serve as the agency’s liaison with the commercial industry and with other enforcement agencies.

The work conducted by this position is directly linked to WDFW’s mission to ensure “Sustainable management of marine resources to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the state’s fishing industry and to enhance recreational and commercial fishing in state and off-shore waters.”

Duties

Independently monitor commercial landings from 60 up to 100 species of marine fish in several distinct fisheries, including treaty and non-treaty, in the ocean (coast), Straits of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound
Tasks include:

  • Accurately identify and enumerate fish by species; adhering to established quality standards, collect catch and biological data to meet established sampling goals.
  • Completely and accurately document required sampling information on either paper or electronic data forms.
  • Monitor fishing activity within port through constant communication with individual fishers and buyers.
  • Track weather and other factors that might influence or modify fishing schedules. Schedule work hours to correspond with fishing activity to ensure sampling goals (week, month. annual) are met for assigned port(s).

Data and sample processing: Process and submit biological structures, and compile, summarize and submit catch, logbook and sampling data on schedule. 
Tasks include:

  • Skillfully prepares fish age structures (e.g., fins, otoliths, and vertebrae). The incumbent will be responsible for  preparing samples using established procedures for proper processing (cleaning, labeling and packaging)  of fish age structures and ensure data integrity through careful documentation to link age structure and associated sampling data.
  • Collect logbooks from fishers, compile with corresponding fish tickets and accurately enter log/fish ticket data into electronic database.
  • Collect fish tickets from commercial dealers, check for errors and summarize data into an electronic spreadsheet on a weekly basis.
  •  Conduct error-checking procedures per protocols for biological sample database and fish ticket database entries specific to assigned fisheries/gears/areas. Flag errors to database administrators.

Fish expertise
Tasks include:

  • Maintain knowledge of current fishery regulations and general management actions.
  •  Disseminate new regulations or alert industry to anticipated changes. Educate industry as needed to ensure compliance with regulations; notify enforcement with non-compliance issues and serves as expert witness in specific court cases.
  • Keep department managers apprised of activities in port.
  • Coordinate with enforcement agency to conduct training sessions. Obtain fish for identification courses.

Tasks as assigned
Tasks Include:

  • Following study protocols assist with Marine Fish research projects, at-sea fishery surveys, and observe (ride-along) at-sea commercial vessel fishing activity.

More Information here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/1562520/permanent-scientific-technician-3-10509-16