What are the responsibilities and job description for the Boat Operator - Scientific Technician 3 - Project/Hourly - *00906-25 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
Description
Working Title – Boat Operator
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Project/Hourly (See working conditions)
Appointment/Season Length- 11 months - May 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Marine Science Division
Duty Station- Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo caption: Marbled Murrelet – Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Pacific Region
Join our field team conducting boat-based surveys across Washington’s stunning marine waters, including Puget Sound and the outer coast. You will captain our research vessel to collect essential data on marbled murrelets, seabirds, and marine mammals, supporting conservation and recovery efforts.
Your work will contribute to key strategies outlined in the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan and influence state and federal conservation policies. Bring your boating knowledge and skills and love for marine life to help protect Washington’s unique ecosystems!
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Scientific Technician 3 will,
Conduct boat-based surveys in Puget Sound and the outer coast of Washington for Wildlife Science program research projects:
- Serve as boat captain for Research Vessels Fog Lark and Puffin each 26 feet in length with twin outboard engines.
- Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea.
- Study marine weather and tide forecasts to ensure the team can safely execute study plans according to protocol for each research project and area, including coastal and offshore work. Work collaboratively with team to construct survey plans and schedule.
- Ensure vessels are ready for work each day including fueling, , maintenance, repairs, maintaining survey communication equipment and current safety equipment, etc.
- Be responsible for trailering, launching, retrieving, and storing vessels with tow vehicle provided.
- Be responsible for regular vessel safety briefings for team and for new or guest passengers.
- Take opportunities to apply and develop the potential of team members to increase boating skills and abilities with coaching, training, and providing opportunities for growth to improve their skills.
- Work collaboratively with small team to make decisions.
Maintenance of vessel and WDFW equipment:
- Organize and schedule in-season maintenance/shop time for research vessels.
- Conduct vessel and trailer maintenance as needed.
- Ensure vehicles, vessels, and motors are stored and cleaned properly at end of sampling day.
- Alert supervisor to any issues or maintenance needed on vessels, trailers and/or trucks.
- Maintain and clean boats, binoculars, electronic equipment, safety equipment, tools, and communication equipment regularly.
- Trouble shoot mechanical and electronic problems and performs small repairs, or finds reputable repair shops.
- Maintain vessel and safety equipment inspection logs and make sure that safety items are not expired and are in working order.
- Be responsible for all assigned inventory items.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily on a boat for long hours in adverse weather and sea conditions including bar crossings and areas with swell and current. Maneuvering over slippery surfaces while maintaining balance. Launching and recovering research boats from slippery launches and docks. Exposure to chemicals possible (primarily fluids associated with boats and motors). Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule: This is a project position that may be abolished if external funding ends. Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day. Weekend and evening work is required. This is a project position, funded through March 2026, position will work part-time, under 40 hours each week. The desire is to maintain this position on external funding; however, we cannot guarantee funding beyond March 2026 at this time.
Travel Requirements: Frequent daily travel and overnight travel. May be required to use personal-use vehicle when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable (mileage reimbursed).
Tools and Equipment: Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, chart plotter, compass, binoculars, range finder, laptop computer, GPS Units, VHF radio, wireless headsets, and voice recorders. This position is provided a float coat, vest PFD, and WDFW uniform apparel.
Customer Interactions: Communication with State, federal (military and civilian), tribal, and public entities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Option 2: 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 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 science classes.
For both options above the following is required:
- Expert level vessel handling both on inland waters of Puget Sound/Salish Sea and on the outer coast of Washington including all of the following skills and experience: crossing bars, operating vessels close to shore in areas with tide and swell, operating vessels offshore, docking, close quarters maneuvering, trailering, and launching.
- Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation and boating safety regulations and laws
- Proficient in use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter)
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid driver’s license
- Completion of an approved boating safety course (within 30 days of hire)
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.
- Must obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 60 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all the following:
- Bachelor of Science in: biology, marine biology, biological science, zoology, ecology, or closely related field.
- Merchant Marine Credential/USCG Masters >25Gt upon Inland/Near Coastal waters.
- Experience as primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
- Experience identifying Washington’s seabirds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, and Washington’s marine mammals.
- Experience using line transect distance sampling from boats.
- Applying principles and procedures of biological research and field methods
Experience using standard field equipment (binoculars, range-finders, radios, etc.)
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.
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 qualifying spouses 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
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