Boat Operator and Test Fisher - Scientific Technician 3 - Non-Permanent - Nine Openings - *02603-25

Title- Boat Operator and Test Fisher 

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Number of Vacancies- Nine (9)

Anticipated Appointment Length- 4.5 months - May 28, 2025 – October 7, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Division
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations, Western Washington

*Multiple locations throughout Western Washington. Apply for one (1), a few, or all nine (9) positions by submitting one (1) application. 

One (1) Position – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Two (2) Positions – Edmonds, Washington – Snohomish County
Two (2) Positions – Port Angeles, Washington – Clallam County
Four (4) Positions – Anacortes, Washington – Skagit County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: WDFW Test Fishing – Photo Credit: WDFW

Envision yourself piloting a research vessel through the waters of Puget Sound, conducting recreational test fishing and on-the-water surveys for salmon fisheries. 

This hands-on role also includes occasional sampling at boat ramps and docks, where you’ll gather critical data to support fisheries management, stock assessments, and conservation efforts. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Boat Operator and Test Fisher will, 

Conduct test fishing and on the water boat surveys in the Marine Areas of Puget Sound (Areas 5 -13) for salmon fisheries:

• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct recreational test fishing.
  • Use a variety of fishing methods (e.g., weight and bait, downrigger, jigging, diver) to emulate the recreational salmon fishing fleet.   
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard motorboats, including trailering, coming along side other boats in motion, launching and docking, in all types of weather conditions.  
  • Train and direct staff in the techniques used while Test Fishing.  
• Perform minor routine maintenance on the boat, motor, trailer, and test fishing equipment. Operate GPS, depth finder, AIS, VHF, and electronic data collection devices.
• Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea. 
• Collect biological data on salmon catch.
• Ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized, and uploaded to Puget Sound Sampling Unit’s database.
• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct on the water boat surveys. 
  • Intercept recreational and charter fishing vessels at sea (stationery and while trolling) to conduct angler interviews.  
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard boats, including trailering, coming alongside other boats in motion, launching and docking, safely in all types of weather conditions, with little supervision. 
  • Train and direct new staff in launching, retrieving and operating the vessel safely.

Sample recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish:

• Interview as many recreational fishery anglers as possible at assigned boat launch facilities.  
• Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species.
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).

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 sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, occasionally heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) of containers of fish.
• Work and stand in confined space, encounter fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects and the use of knives, 
• Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea, especially during rough seas and inclement weather.
• This position involves working in, on or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.
• Work on slippery docks in marine environments, with the requirement to always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) while on docks or the water.

Schedule: 24/7 non-scheduled. Typically, 8 - 10 hours per day between 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., 40 hours per week. Weekend and evening work is required.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel. May transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. May also be required to use personal-use vehicle when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable.

Tools and Equipment: 

• Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, data logger, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers.
• Sampling equipment - iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment (CWT 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 and personal flotation device (PFD). 
• WDFW apparel, gloves, and rain gear as well as copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions: 

• Interactions with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
• Interacts with the public daily for fisheries data collection, to provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs and activities, and sport fishing regulatory information.
• May include interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.
• Liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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.  

In addition to the options above, the following experience is required: 

• Minimum six (6) months or more operating 16’-28’ length motorized vessels in marine waters such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area. 
• Competent in fishing for salmon from a vessel.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

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.
• First Aid/CPR 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: 

• More than six months operating 16-28’ length motorized vessels in marine water such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area.
• Six (6) months experience test fishing for salmon in Puget Sound equivalent area.
• Sampling salmon fisheries.
• Identifying all salmon species, common marine fish species, and crab species.
• With salmon, marine fish, and shellfish life histories and sport fishing regulations.
• Safely operating a vessel in adverse conditions in the Puget Sound and proficient use of typical marine electronics (e.g., GPS, depth finder, radar, radio).
• Using sound judgement where safety of you and co-workers are concerned.
• Working with members of the public.

Competencies: 

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.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-02603.

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Salary : $3,999 - $5,370