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Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Career Seasonal - *01095-25
State of Washington
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Posted 6+ months ago
Description
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Title- Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time / Career Seasonal
Season Length- 7 months – April 1 – October 31
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Marine Fish Science Division
Duty Station- Forks, Washington – Clallam County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
La Push Beach – Photo Credit: WDFW
As part of the Fish Program’s Coastal Marine Fish Science Unit, this position plays a critical role in collecting and analyzing data on Washington’s commercial and recreational marine fisheries.
This role involves dockside sampling, at-sea research, and processing marine fish age structures to support sustainable fishery management.
The data gathered directly informs the WDFW, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), contributing to stock assessments and management plans for over 100 groundfish species and 10 coastal pelagic species.
By supporting responsible fisheries management, this position helps sustain economically valuable marine resources and protect species under federal rebuilding plans.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician will,
Dockside Sample Marine Fish Landings at Washington’s Coastal Ports, Primarily at La Push and Neah Bay, and Secondarily at Ilwaco, Chinook, and Westport:
- Collect biological, catch, and effort data from commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries, commercial coastal pelagic species (CPS) fisheries, and research project.
- Gather biological information, including weight, length, sex, maturity, genetic tissue samples, and ageing structures from various marine fish species.
- Evaluate catch composition and species distribution in fishery landings.
- Identify approximately 100 groundfish species and 10 coastal pelagic species found along Washington’s coast.
- Track fishery activity to meet sampling goals.
Process Samples in Laboratory:
- Process fins (dry, cut, mount), otoliths, and other fish structures or tissues for age reading or other scientific evaluation.
Participate in At-Sea Research Surveys of the Marine Fish Species, such as groundfish and CPS that Inhabit Washington coastal waters from the Washington/Oregon border to the Sekiu River (Strait of Juan de Fuca):
- Deploy on multiple single-day trips or extended trips of up to six (6) days aboard agency research vessels, chartered research vessels, or commercial fishing vessels.
- Complete preseason preparations and postseason wrap-up assignments.
- Collect fishing effort and catch composition data.
- Gather biological data (e.g., weight, length, age structures, genetic tissue samples).
- Accurately identify fish species.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work environments may include at-sea aboard vessels, coastal beaches and estuaries, fish buying facilities, recreational or commercial fishing docks, laboratories and office settings.
- At-sea duties may take place on agency-owned, chartered or commercial fishing vessels in unprotected coastal waters where sea conditions can deteriorate quickly.
- Tasks must be completed in any sea state deemed safe by the vessel captain and lead biologist.
- Extended at-sea trips may last up to six (6) days, with limited accommodations, such as bunking in shared space, restricted water use for bathing, and basic cooking facilities.
- Work may be conducted in rough seas, severe inclement weather, and on slippery, uneven, steep, or moving decks and docks.
- Physical demands include climbing steps/ladders, frequent and repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted over a 10-hour work shift, communicating via CB/VHF radio, and over loud motors and other vessel equipment.
- Laboratory work may require up to 10 hours per shift.
- Additional hazards include vessel mechanical failure, risk of puncture wounds and lacerations from sampling equipment, knives, or fish spines, and repetitive stress injury from processing fish samples and computer data entry.
- Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule:
During the season, the schedule is highly variable and demanding, depending on the activity. Schedule flexibility is crucial as work is dictated by ocean/weather conditions and by vessel offload schedules. Work includes days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
- Fieldwork: No set schedule (24/7), heavily dependent on ocean conditions and vessel schedules.
- At-Sea Surveys: May require up to 14-hour workdays and over 40 hours per week.
- Dockside Sampling: Typically follows a 4-day 10-hour (4x10) schedule, including weekends.
- Office/Lab Work: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or a 4x10 schedule.
Travel Requirements:
Travel varies based on project needs and may involve multiple overnight stays. Extended travel of up to one (1) month may be required to accomplish at-sea surveys.
Tools and Equipment:
- Vehicles or vessels will be used to access needed information.
- Environmental sensing equipment and visual survey equipment, personal computer, electronic data loggers, electronic and mechanical scales, fishing rods/reels, pressure washer, tagging guns, knives, dissection tools measuring boards and cameras.
Customer Interactions:
- Engage with the public while conducting port sampling, providing basic information on fisheries resources, agency programs, and activities. Offer sport fishing regulatory guidance and interact with individuals who may be upset.
- Coordinate with commercial skippers, crew, and research biologists and scientists from state and federal agencies during research surveys. Communicate with office staff and dockside crew at commercial fish dealer/processing plants.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
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.
OR
Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
General Knowledge:
- Familiar with commercial fishery landing and processing operations, as well as sport fishery operations.
- Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing marine gears, methods and regulations.
- Working knowledge of marine fish sampling techniques and random sample design.
Fieldwork:
- Strong marine fish species identification skills, with the ability to accurately identify approximately 100 species of groundfish and 10 coastal pelagic species (CPS) found along the Washington coast.
- Experience with collecting and processing biological ageing structures (otoliths, fins) from a variety of marine fish species.
- Ability to collect data systematically with a high degree of accuracy, precision and completeness.
Operating Equipment:
- Familiar with the operation of electronic sampling and tagging equipment including Coded Wire Tag (CWT) and Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag equipment, environmental sensing equipment and GPS tracking equipment.
- Experience trailering and operating outboard vessels; can safely and expertly operate agency research vessels.
- Safely operate laboratory equipment, including microscopes, precision saws and fume hoods, in compliance with State and Federal safety guidelines.
Computing:
- Basic skills using Excel, iForm, Access, and email software.
- Skilled in collecting real time data accurately and with minimal errors on electronic devices while in the field, including at sea.
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
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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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01095.
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