Fishery Sampler

These positions play a vital role in monitoring recreational fisheries by collecting and summarizing catch data for salmon, marine fish, and shellfish in Puget Sound.

Through field sampling at boat ramps across Marine Areas 5 through 13, you’ll gather key biological data, including stock composition, age structure, fish length, and hatchery or natural-origin status. This information supports accurate fisheries assessments and sustainable resource management.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Fishery Samplers will:

• Fisheries Sampling and Data Collection:

  • Conduct sampling of recreational fisheries for salmon, halibut, marine fish, and shellfish to assess catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates.

  • Interview and sample recreational fishery anglers at assigned boat launch facilities.

  • Accurately record data using electronic or backup paper forms.

  • Identify and count all salmon and marine fish species.

  • Use electronic coded wire tag (CWT) detection devices to sample Coho and Chinook salmon.

  • Classify, sort, and count salmon based on adipose fin marks and tag presence.

  • Retrieve CWTs from Chinook and Coho salmon snouts for stock assessment in fisheries modeling.

  • Collect biological data from recreational and commercial salmon catches, including DNA samples, scales for aging, and other biological samples.

• Data Review, Public Relations, and Maintenance:

  • Conduct error checks on collected sampling data.

  • Provide sport fishing regulation and fish identification information to the public.

  • Report observed fishery violations to WDFW Enforcement and supervisor.

  • Operate and maintain agency vehicles as needed.

  • Maintain sampling equipment.

  • Use iForms, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for daily communication and reporting.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily conducted in the field. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, and climbing in and out of boats. Will sample salmon in a boat, carry, kneel, occasional heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, working and standing in confined space, with fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

• Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

• Travel Requirements: Travel throughout Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal. Overnight travel will be infrequent, and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

• Tools and Equipment: iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment (coded wire tag detector), weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard and scissors, personal floatation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, gloves, and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

• Customer Interactions: Engage with WDFW staff and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers, and the public during data collection. Provide basic fisheries information and explain sport fishing regulations to the public, including occasional interactions with upset individuals. Provide a high level of customer service to anglers and the public. Serve as liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience with:

  • Conducting creel surveys and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.

  • Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.

  • Salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.

  • Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.

  • Handling fish.

  • Working with members of the public.

  • Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).