Title- Commercial Fishery Observer
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Number of Vacancies- Five (5)
Job Status- Part-Time / On-Call / Non-Permanent
*Anticipated Appointment Length- Varied (2.5 months to 3 months) 
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management
*Duty Station- Region 6 – Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

*Multiple locations in Western Washington and a variety of appointment lengths – apply for one (1) or all the positions listed below by submitting one (1) application!

Ocean Park, Washington – Pacific County

• Two (2) Positions – August 1 to October 31, 2026

Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

• Two (2) Positions – September 1 to November 15, 2026
• One (1) Position – September 1 to November 30, 2026

Play a key role in supporting the department’s commitments made during the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC)/North of Falcon process by ensuring sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. 

While working closely with other members of the team and commercial fishing vessel crew(s), these positions are responsible for conducting a variety of on-board sampling and data collection during each fishing trip.

The critical in-season data you collect will directly inform real-time management decisions made by state, tribal, and federal co-managers. 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Commercial Fishery Observers will,

Conduct commercial salmon fisheries monitoring within Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor basins:

• Perform commercial on-board monitoring duties, including boarding commercial vessels for 12-hour fishery openers, documenting gillnet soak times and mesh size, ensuring compliance with recovery box use, summarizing catch of retained and released fish by species, identifying mark status (presence or absence of adipose fin), detecting coded wire tags (CWTs) using standard protocols, collecting DNA genetic tissue samples, documenting bycatch and incidental encounters, and collecting other biological samples.
• Provide daily updates to supervisor regarding the work progress and/or any emerging issues.
• Maintain professional and courteous interactions with commercial fishermen and buyers that promotes a positive relationship to facilitate cooperation in reporting fishing effort and landings.

Data Management:

• Accurately and legibly record all field data and daily observations made while onboard a commercial vessel, in a fish house, or on a dock.
• Maintain tissue samples (genetics) and/or scale cards collected each day in chronological order.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

All work is conducted on a commercial fishing vessel in Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor basins.

• Work is typically performed outdoors and can be physically demanding. Work long days in inclement weather where it can be cold, windy, rainy, or extremely hot in full sun. These positions will involve working near or over water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. 
• Vessels are typically smaller, and rough weather can be unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. Hazards include boat-to-boat transfers between support vessels and commercial vessels, adverse weather conditions, prolonged standing, bending, maneuvering on a rocking boat, slippery surfaces, loud noises, close quarters, and repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Board and disembark a commercial vessel in rough weather and stand and squat for long periods. Must be able to make quick but accurate decisions regarding safety. 
• Must be able to effectively perform assigned duties while onboard, including during inclement weather. Collecting biological data such as DNA or scale samples on-board a gillnet vessel can be difficult in rough weather, while being cold and dealing with live fish. Most gillnet vessels do not have bathroom facilities.

Schedule:

• These non-permanent, part-time positions are on-call, intermittently scheduled seven (7) days per week during the open commercial salmon fishery season. 
• Fisheries operate in 12-hour openers. The hours of work are non-scheduled, hourly, and can be up to 15 hours per day, 3-5 days per week. 
• Weekend, holiday, and evening (overnight) work may be required. 
• Start and end times typically fall outside of the standard 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. schedule. Must be flexible with schedule and changing circumstances.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel within the Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor basins is required. 
• Depending on location, round-trip travel may range from two (2) to four (4) hours. 
• Frequently travel between the duty station and dock location using a personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with the Office of Financial Management's State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM) and agency policy.

Tools and Equipment: Personal floatation device (PFDs), DNA kit, thumb counters, scale sample kit (knives, tweezers, hemostats, scale cards, measuring tape), rain gear, coded wire tag (CWT) wand, and other safety equipment will be provided.

Customer Interactions: Regularly communicate with commercial captains and crews.

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 high school science
  And
Two (2) years of laboratory or 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 allied field may 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.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

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

Experience with:

• Identifying Pacific salmon, sturgeon, marine mammals, and some bird species.
• Fisheries sampling in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Boats, particularly experience boarding or working on vessels in a professional or field setting.
• Communicating and interacting with the public.

Ability to:

• Work independently.
• Collect and record data quickly, accurately, and legibly, with attention to detail.

Your application must 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 danielle.gustafson@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: 2026-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05133.

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