Duties

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct test fishing and angler effort surveys in multiple Marine Areas of Puget Sound during mark-selective fisheries.
• Ensure safety of self and other samplers while at sea by following all rules, safety procedures and agency policies on operation of vessels at sea.
• Use a variety of methods (e.g. weight and bait, downrigger, jigging, diver) to emulate the recreational fishing fleet.
• Operate GPS, depth finder, AIS, VHF, and electronic data collection devices.
• Operate outboard and inboard/outboard motorboats, including trailering, launching, docking and coming alongside other boats in motion in all types of weather conditions.
• Perform minor routine maintenance on the boat, motor, trailer, and test fishing equipment.
• Sample catch to obtain stock composition (DNA), age structure (scales), length information (legal & sublegal proportions) and hatchery/natural-origin fractions (mark-status proportions).  Assess overall health rating to each fish prior to release to aid in our attempts to look at survival of released fish.  Summarize the amount of time spent on fishing each method.
• Record data using electronic data forms.  Ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized and uploaded to headquarters’ database and regional supervisor.
• Intercept recreational and charter fishing vessels at sea (stationary and trolling) to conduct angler effort interviews.  Record returning ramp location, number of anglers and target species for each boat intercepted.
• Covid-19 safety protocols will be required to be followed while preforming all duties with these positions. Some of the Covid-19 safety requirements will be a health screen every day before work and wearing a mask and gloves while onboard the vessel, mandatory social distancing and wearing a mask when interacting with the public.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of the vessel is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily conducted in the field, candidates may encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, slippery surfaces, noise, odors, confined spaces with fish blood/slime and biting/stinging insects.
• Repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews. Carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) and moving containers of fish.

Schedule & Travel Requirements:

• 24/7 Non-Scheduled.  Typically, 40 hours per week – 8 to 10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Weekend and evening work is required.
• Traveling within the Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel.

Tools and Equipment:

• Outboard motor boat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, data logger, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers, computer, pick-up trucks, cell phones, electronic sampling equipment, iPads, weighing scale, VHF radio, AIS, Radar, calculator, knives, PFD, marine survival suit, rubber boots, rain gear

Customer Interactions:

• Interact with the general public during data collection and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities.
• Provide sport fishing regulatory information to the public.  This includes contact with some individuals who may be angry, distraught or frustrated.
• Liaison to regional supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.

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.QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science AND four years of experience as a Scientific Technician. OR
Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science AND four 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).Experience:

• Experience fishing marine waters from a boat.
• Able to ID all salmon species, and common marine fish species.
• Familiar with salmon, marine fish, and shellfish life histories and sport fishing regulations.
• Safe operation of vessel at times in adverse conditions in the Puget Sound and proficient use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS, depth finder, radar, radio).
• Excellent attention to detail and good communication skills.
• The use of sound judgement where safety of you and co-workers are concerned.
• Experience working with members of the public.
• Motorboat Operator’s Certification Course (MOCC) boat safety class completion or equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License

Supplemental InformationIn order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A current resume
• Three professional references

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

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.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.