Fisheries Sampler Support – Scientific Technician 3 – Permanent – *01974-25

Title- Fisheries Sampler Support
Classification- Scientific Technician 3 (ST3)
Job Status– Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Puget Sound Management Division
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Flight Pay– Salary listed does not include flight pay – flight pay is base pay plus 15% while performing low level flight operation duties.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Scientific Technician 3 position supports the Puget Sound Sampling Unit by conducting advanced technical scientific work to collect crucial biological and harvest data on salmon and marine species. 

This role ensures efficient operations through administrative, data management, and field support, providing the necessary tools for effective data collection. 

By performing aerial surveys, creel interviews, and boat surveys, this position directly contributes to data-driven fisheries management, supporting conservation efforts for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species and sustainable fishing opportunities.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fisheries Sampler Support will,

Administrative and Sampler Support Responsibilities:

• Collect bids, locate equipment and vendors, order supplies and equipment, and distribute supplies throughout the unit.
• Maintain spreadsheets tracking supplies, orders, equipment, and vendors.
• Conduct annual and periodic inventories of sampling supplies.
• Process inventory transfer and surplus forms.
• Assist in maintenance and updating the unit’s Smartsheet files, such as electronic device inventory, employee information, CWT inventory, required training, and HR Action Tracking.
• Arrange for repairs or replacement of damaged equipment.
• Organize and maintain storage cages at the Lacey warehouse and other storage spaces for sampling supplies and equipment.
• Ensure vehicles are stocked with necessary supplies, have current maintenance, and contain required safety equipment.
• Process Order Payment Forms (OPFs) in DocuSign and complete P-Card log.

Data Management:

• Edit current recreational and commercial sampling data, including catch, effort, CWT and biological data (salmon DNA and scales).
• Edit electronic data using the database web interface.
• Enter data from Salmon Trip Report (STR), commercial CWT Recovery forms, and age data into MS Access, Excel, Smartsheets or web-based databases.
• Organize, prepare, and file data forms for storage and archiving.

Fisheries Sampling:

• Conduct aerial flight surveys in a small fixed-wing airplane over Puget Sound waters, recording angler boat count data in electronic forms.
• Sample recreational fisheries by conducting angler creel interviews and accurately recording data into electronic forms.
• Assist the unit’s Boat Operations with test fishing and boat surveys as needed.
• Participate in special studies to collect catch or biological information for salmon, marine fish, or shellfish, including halibut and shrimp.

Historical Fisheries Data Verification and Editing:

• Work with WDFW Biologists and IT Staff to identify and correct errors in historical fisheries data.
• Cross-check database records against digital files or paper datasheets for validation and error correction.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Office work (85%) is in an office, which involves prolonged periods of computer use, repetitive data entry, extended sitting or standing, repetitive hand movements, finger manipulation, and keyboarding.
• Field work (approximately 15%) involves working in adverse weather, sea conditions, and confined spaces.
• Exposure to noise, odors, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, the use of knives, and physical demands such as prolonged sitting, squatting, walking, kneeling, and occasional unassisted lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Sample salmon from boats, climb in and out of vessels, work on slippery docks in a marine environment and properly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when working on docks or water.
• Flying as a passenger in small aircraft over Puget Sound waters with turbulence and sudden turns.
• The position includes conducting aerial surveys where boat counts are conducted using electronic data collection from a small fixed-wing aircraft over Puget Sound waters.
• This position may involve working in or on water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

• Non-scheduled work hours are typically Monday – Friday, working 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
• Occasionally work weekends, evenings and may work more than 40 hours per week.
• Periodically on-call evenings or weekends to sample.

Travel Requirements:

• Some travel required within Washington State as needed, especially Puget Sound and vicinity with occasional overnight travel.
• Transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

Tools and Equipment:

• Agency computers and software, iPads, phones (cell and desk), gas credit card, government vehicles, boats, hands tools and car repair equipment, Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), fillet knives, measuring boards, electronic sampling device (CWT detector), forceps, weighing scale, head lamp, tide book or app, canopy for shade, portable table, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, Outboard motor boat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, compass, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers, VHF radio, marine survival suit, electronic data collection devices and forms, WDFW apparel, rubber boots, gloves, and rain gear.
• Provided copies of current recreational and commercial sampling manuals.

Customer Interactions:

• Internal interactions include WDFW samplers, supervisors, biologists, natural resource scientists, lab technicians, Fish Program administrative staff and managers, and aircraft pilots.
• External interactions include merchandise vendors, Tribal samplers, recreational anglers and shellfish harvesters, salmon buyers/processors, commercial salmon fishermen and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.  

OR

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 or environmental science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Health and Safety Institute (HSI) First Aid/CPR Certification, completion within one (1) year of hire.
• Successful completion of agency Culture of Feedback training within six (6) months of hire.
• Completion of WDFW Basic Aircraft Safety Training and Standard Operating Procedures before working aboard small aircraft.
• Completion of WDFW Water Ditching and Survival before working aboard single engine aircraft with floats.
• Completion of the Washington Boater’s Safety Course within one (1) year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience:

• Data editing or quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) experience.
• Working with databases.
• Using tablets (e.g. iPads) and iForms electronic data collection program.
• SharePoint software platform.

Competencies: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Able to identify all salmon species, crab and shrimp species, and common marine fish species in Puget Sound.
• Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.
• Knowledge of WDFW purchasing, inventory, and other administrative processes.

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 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 #2025-01974.

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