Recreational Creel Technician – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – Two Openings – *09062-24

Title– Recreational Creel Technician
Classification– Scientific Technician 2 
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies– Two (2)
Appointment Length– 5.5 Months – September 16, 2024 – February 28, 2025
WDFW Program– Fish Program
Duty Station– Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to gain valuable working knowledge and field experience in fisheries.

In this role, collect and summarize data to support the monitoring of freshwater recreational fisheries for salmon and steelhead by engaging with the public through creel surveys and documenting biological data.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Recreational Creel Technician will, 

Collect freshwater recreational fisheries data for salmon and steelhead to monitor catch, species composition, and marked/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead:

• Collect data from the freshwater recreational fishery through angler interviews by following sampling protocols and accurately recording data electronically on iPads and iForms.
• Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon species and steelhead.  Record the mark type (presence or absence of an adipose fin) for all coho, Chinook and steelhead.
• Sample all retained coho, Chinook and steelhead with an electronic coded wire (CWT) detection wand, remove snouts containing tags with a serrated knife and collect biological data including scales, sex, and fork length.
• Review and maintain accurate records for daily submission to supervisor.
• Maintain regular and professional communication with recreational anglers to facilitate public cooperation in reporting fish encounters and overall fishing effort.

Operate and maintain assigned field equipment, vehicles, and other gear:   

• Inspect and clean all gear, vehicles (interior and exterior), and other equipment to ensure proper functionality.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: The primary work environment occurs outdoors during all weather conditions. During recreational fishery monitoring: stand, walk, bend, traverse slippery boat ramps, riverine gravel bars and muddy forest trails. On-board commercial fishery monitoring: board gillnet boats from department boats or public boat launches and stand for long periods of time (up to 12 hours) observing the commercial fishery. Lift, handle, and manipulate fish up to 40 pounds and equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Safely using a serrated knife to remove fish snouts. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations 

Schedule: Monday – Sunday, and the selected workdays are variable. 10 hours a day, 40 hours per week depending on the length of daylight between 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Includes weekday, weekend, and holidays and possible evening work. Hours over 40 per week accrues as compensation time.

Travel: Driving to boat ramps and river trail access locations within the Humptulips and Chehalis River Basins.

Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment, iPads, coded wire tag (CWT) wand, serrated knife, hemostats/tweezers, measuring tape and vehicles.

Customer Interactions: Includes some interactions with angry, distraught, or frustrated public individuals.  

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 of field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist or zoologist.

Please Note: 

• College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allies 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.
• Professional and volunteer experience involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural resources, engineering, or closely allied fields may substitute, year for year, for experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience/Familiarity with: 

• Background in basic biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification.
• At least six (6) months experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Familiarity with Washington State freshwater sport fishing regulations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with the public, state, and federal agencies.
• Basic knowledge of Google Maps and GPS mapping skills.

Ability to:

• Collect electronic field data on an iPad and iForms in an accurate manner.
• Complete biological data forms (example: scale cards) in an accurate and legible manner.
• Report fishery violations to supervisor when observed in the field.
• Communicate in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) and provide basic information regarding current sport fishing rules.
• Follow all department safety operating procedures and policies.
• Sample deceased fish regardless of condition
• Review information carefully and recognize when relevant information is incorrect or missing.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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 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 2024-09062

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