Boat Captain - Scientific Technician 3 - Part-Time/Project - 2026-06315

State of Washington•Jefferson County - Port Townsend, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Imagine yourself out on Washington’s scenic marine waters, from the Puget Sound and all along the Washington coast, to conduct boat-based surveys researching marbled murrelets, a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. As the captain of a research vessel, you will assist in collecting essential data on marbled murrelets, in addition to seabirds and marine mammals, in support of conservation and recovery efforts. With your expertise in vessel operation and marine navigation, your work will contribute to key strategies outlined in the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan and help state and federal agencies make informed research and management decisions.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist (or closely related experience).
Experience operating a vessel in inland waters and on open ocean and rugged outer coast, including frequent bar crossings and navigation in tides, swell, and current.
Experience docking, close quarters maneuvering, trailering, launching and retrieving 26-foot vessels.
Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation, and boating safety regulations and laws.
Proficiency in using typical marine electronics (such as GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter).
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 course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.
Valid Driver’s License.
Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification (scheduled to be obtained within the first month of hire if the incumbent has not yet completed this training).

Nice To Haves

Bachelors of Science in biology, marine biology, biological science, zoology, ecology, or closely related field.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)/US Coast Guard Master’s License >25 gross tons (Gt) upon Inland/Near-Coastal waters.
Experience as a primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
Identifying Washington’s seabirds, in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, and Washington’s marine mammals.
Using line transect distance sampling from boats.
Applying principles and procedures of biological research and field methods.
Using standard field equipment (such as binoculars and range-finders).

Responsibilities

Conduct boat-based surveys in Puget Sound and the outer coast of Washington for Wildlife Science program research projects.
Serve as boat captain for Research Vessels Fog Lark and Puffin, each 26-feet long with twin outboards.
Conduct inland Puget Sound, nearshore outer coast, and pelagic surveys 80 kilometers off the Washington coast.
Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea, including monitoring weather forecasts and conditions using marine electronics (GPS, depth finder, radar, and VHF radio).
Ensure vessels are ready for work including fueling, survey communication equipment, maintenance and repairs on vessel and trailer, and current safety equipment.
Trailer, launch, retrieve, and safely store vessels; Trailering the research vessel can be up to 3-4 hours one way.
Regularly brief the team and guest passengers on safety procedures.
Provide mentorship/professional development opportunities to team members to increase boating skills and abilities, such as trailering, launching and retrieving the vessel, navigating in open ocean and marinas, and small maintenance tasks.
Organize and schedule in-season maintenance and shop time for research vessels and trailers.
Conduct regular vessel, motor, trailer, and agency vehicle maintenance as needed.
Ensure vehicles, vessels, motors, and trailer are clean and stored properly at the end of the sampling day.
Maintain vessel and safety equipment inspection logs; ensure safety items are operational and not expired; inventory, inspect, and replace the team’s assigned inventory items (such as personal floatation devices).
Regularly maintain and clean binoculars, electronic equipment, and communication equipment.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electronic problems.