Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ocean Fisheries Port Sampler will, conduct port sampling to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates in recreational and commercial fisheries:
- Through angler interviews, collect catch effort and biological data from the ocean recreational and commercial troll fisheries. Examining marine fish catches and collecting various biological data, including scales, DNA, Otoliths, and coded wire tags (CWT).
- Provide feedback and make judgments daily regarding sampling protocols and field procedures, which directly affects the statistical validity of data used by ocean fishery managers.
- Record, summarize, and chart field data utilizing electronic devices, software programs, and paper forms, including daily synchronization of data collected into external databases, emphasizing promptness and error-free records.
- Regular professional interactions with sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen to explain WDFW research projects, procedures, and objectives to enlist their cooperation in reporting marked fish encounters, recording the types and locations of catches, and overall fishing effort.
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 field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semesters or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.
Working Conditions:
- Position is 100% fieldwork and can occur in busy fish houses or cannery rooms around various types of equipment, machinery, sharp sampling tools or fishing gear.
- Work hours include long periods of sitting, squatting, kneeling, walking, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying and occasionally lifting (up to 60 lbs. unassisted) heavy containers of fish, fish blood, and slime, negotiating steep ramps unstable docks and slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, 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. Must be able to negotiate water in emergencies.
- Coastal temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the field.
- Some computer work is to be expected.
Travel Requirements: A personal vehicle for daily travel is required within assigned ports. Seldom travel is needed to Montesano or other ports within Washington.
Salary range: $3,581.00 – $4,771.00 Monthly
Application deadline: July 7, 2025
