Title- Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length- Seven (7) months – March 2-October 15
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish/Ocean Management Division
Duty Station- La Push, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position supports the conservation and protection of native fish resources by collecting recreational and commercial catch data essential for short-term quota monitoring and long-term management of ocean fisheries, ensuring harvest levels remain within conservation limits. 

Accurate and timely data collection helps maximize sustainable fishing opportunities in economically depressed coastal communities while supporting long-term fishery sustainability, a healthy economy, and overall community well-being. 

The position also provides high-quality customer service through regular public interaction, answering questions and clearly explaining sampling procedures to recreational and commercial fishers.

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

Conduct port sampling and on-board observing of recreational and commercial fisheries:

• Collect accurate catch effort and biological data from the ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries through standardized angler interviews, proper fish handling and examination of marine fish catch, accurate species identification, and the collection of various biological data. 
• Provide daily feedback and assessments on sampling protocols and field procedures that influence the statistical validity of data used by ocean fishery managers. This vital data supports the responsible regulation of ocean fish populations while championing the conservation of these species through sustainable harvesting practices, ultimately enriching the economies, livelihoods, and unique culture of Washington’s coastal communities.
• Record, summarize, and organize field data using electronic devices, software programs, and paper forms. This includes daily synchronization of data collection devices to external databases and and ensuring that all data is reported accurately and on time to fishery managers for in-season quota management..
• Engage routinely with sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen to explain WDFW research projects, procedures, and objectives. This collaboration aims to encourage their involvement in reporting marked fish encounters, documenting the types and locations of catches, and tracking overall fishing efforts. 

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

This job involves 100% fieldwork and requires long, irregular hours during the ocean fisheries season. Work hours are primarily spent outdoors, often in inclement weather. Duties include sitting, standing, walking, bending, navigating steep ramps, and negotiating slippery or unstable surfaces, including docks and vessels. There may also be occasional lifting, handling, and manipulating fish weighing up to 60 pounds, which requires caution when using or being near sharp sampling tools and fishing gear.

The position involves some computer work. Work can take place in busy fish houses or cannery rooms, surrounded by various equipment and machinery. Employees may encounter extreme coastal temperatures and weather while performing their duties.

Additionally, this position may require working on or near water, including tasks that involve navigating and performing duties in ocean environments.

Schedule: Monday through Sunday, non-scheduled, 24/7. Typically, 40 hours per week - Weekend work, non-consecutive days off, occasional long hours, working over forty hours a week, and holiday work are required.

Travel Requirements: Traveling within the assigned port daily and occasional travel to Montesano or other ports within Washington using personal vehicle.

Tools and Equipment: Knives, scissors, tweezers, hemostats, measuring board, personal flotation device, cell phone iPad, Coded Wire Tag Wand (T wand), passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader, and laptop.

Customer Interactions Daily interactions with co-workers from WDFW, Tribal members, commercial anglers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, and the public during data collection. Includes occasional contact with individuals who may be upset.

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 school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. 

Please Note: College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied fields will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes 

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Six (6) months or more of experience in/with: 

• Marine fishery sampling.
• Salmonid Identification in their ocean phase
• Collection of catch and effort data from ocean fisheries. 
• Recording and synchronizing data using electronic devices and paper forms error-free. 
• Sampling objectives and methodologies including fish handling, species identification, standardized interviews, CWT wanding technique, Chinook DNA, and scale collection. 
• Disseminating accurate information on ocean seasons and management actions to the public. 
• Providing insights and feedback concerning sampling activities and staff performance to the supervisor 
• Ensuring and promoting the safety of individuals, staff, constituents, and the public.
• Ensure that assigned equipment is properly maintained, kept clean, and in good repair.
• Working outdoors on docks and on unstable surfaces in inclement weather

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 diana.humes@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 in our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome and are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, the 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

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