What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - *01239-25 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
Description
Title - Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler
Classification - Scientific Technician 2
Job Status - Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length - 8 Months - March 1 – October 31
WDFW Program - Fish Program
Duty Station - Neah Bay, Washington – Clallam County
WDFW Program - Fish Program
Duty Station - Neah Bay, Washington – Clallam County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Sekiu Sunrise – Photo Credit: Chase Gunnell
As our Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler, you will collect recreational and commercial catch data for short-term quota management and long-term management of ocean recreational and commercial fisheries, including salmon, halibut, bottomfish, and albacore.
These duties are critical in ensuring that ocean fishery catches do not exceed allowable levels established to conserve fish resources.
In addition to fieldwork, you will interact with the public, answer questions, and explain fishery sampling procedures - playing a key role in both data collection and public engagement.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler will,
Conduct port sampling of recreational and commercial fisheries:
Collect accurate catch effort and biological data from the ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries through standardized angler interviews, fish handling, examination of marine fish catch, accurate species identification, and collection of various biological data.
- Provide daily feedback and judgments regarding sampling protocols and field procedures that directly affect the statistical validity of data used by ocean fishery managers to regulate the exploitation of ocean fish populations while promoting the conservation of fish populations through the sustainable harvest of fish stocks, which directly affect the economies, livelihoods, and unique culture of Washington’s coastal communities.
- Record, summarize, and tabulate field data utilizing electronic devices, software programs, and paper forms, including daily synchronization of data collection devices to external databases and reporting of all data on forms error-free and on time to fishery managers used for in-season quota management.
- Regular professional interactions with sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen to explain WDFW research projects, procedures, and objectives to enlist their cooperation in reporting marked fish encounters, recording the types and locations of catches, and overall fishing effort.
- Distribute accurate information on ocean seasons and management actions to the public.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: 100% fieldwork, which requires long and odd hours during the ocean fisheries. Work hours are spent outdoors in inclement weather: sitting, standing, walking, bending, negotiating steep ramps, slippery surfaces, unstable docks and surfaces, boarding vessels, and occasionally lifting, handling, and
manipulating fish up to 60 pounds.
The work involves some computer work and utilizing or being near sharp sampling tools or fishing gear, work can occur in busy fish houses or cannery rooms around various equipment and machinery. Coastal temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the field.
This position may involve working on or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Monday through Sunday, non-scheduled, 24/7. Typically, 40 hours per week - Weekend work, non-consecutive days off, occasional long hours, working over forty hours a week, and holiday work are required.
Travel Requirements: Traveling within the assigned port daily and occasional travel to Montesano or other ports within Washington using personal vehicle.
Tools and Equipment: Knives, scissors, tweezers, hemostats, measuring board, personal flotation device, cell phone iPad, Coded Wire Tag Wand (T wand), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader, and laptop.
Customer Interactions: Daily interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribal members, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection. Includes occasional contact with individuals who may be upset. Answer questions, explain sampling policy and methodology, distribute catch, quota, and regulatory information, and answer other questions.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: 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.
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
Please Note: College coursework 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
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Health and Safety Institute (HIS) First Aid/CPR must be obtained within three (3) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience conducting creel surveys and sampling ocean fisheries or a similar area.?
- Able to identify all salmon species and common marine fish and shellfish species.?
- Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.?
- Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.?
- Experience 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.
- 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 kaila.daudt@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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01239.
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