Recreational Creel Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Positions - Non-Permanent - 2026-06584

State of Washington•Grays Harbor County – Montesano, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

In this position, you’ll gain hands-on field experience as a recreational creel technician and learn sampling techniques. In this role, you’ll perform scientific work, independently following both established and new sampling protocols to collect data from recreational fisheries. This is a full-time, non-permanent position with an appointment length of 5.5 months, typically from September 16 to February 28. The duty station is Montesano, Washington, in Grays Harbor County. The WDFW Program is Fish Program – Fish Management.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
OR 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 health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
College course work 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) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Background in basic biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification.
At least 6 months of experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
Familiarity with WA State freshwater sport fishing regulations.
Strong inter-personal communication skills to work effectively with the public, state, and federal agencies.
Resolve potentially contentious situations involving disgruntled anglers or public where listening, patience, empathy, and self-control skills are vital.
Experience in collecting electronic field data on an iPad and iForms in an accurate manner.
Experience in completing biological data forms (e.g., scale cards) in an accurate and legible manner.
Experience in reporting fishery violations to supervisor when observed in the field.
Experience in communicating in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) and providing basic information regarding current sport fishing rules.
Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologist.
Reviewing information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
Working with numbers; understanding how numbers are related, combined, and estimated.
Accurately performing arithmetical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Basic knowledge of Google Maps and GPS mapping skills.
Reporting accidents or critical incidents to supervisor in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Collect freshwater recreational fisheries data for salmon and steelhead to monitor catch, species composition, and marked/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead.
If necessary, collect coded-wire tags (CWT) to determine stock origin and biological data.
Collect data from the freshwater recreational fishery through angler interviews by following sampling protocols and accurately recording data electronically on iPads and iForms.
Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon species and steelhead.
Record the mark type (presence or absence of an adipose fin) for all coho, Chinook, and steelhead.
Sample all retained coho, Chinook, and steelhead.
Review and maintain accurate records for daily submission to supervisor.
Informs supervisor daily regarding project progress and issues affecting data collection and work schedules.
Operate and maintain assigned field equipment, vehicles, and other gear.
Daily inspect and clean all gear, vehicles (interior and exterior), and other equipment to ensure proper functionality.
Inform supervisor in a timely manner of issues affecting the daily use of gear, vehicles, or other field equipment.
Other duties as assigned to assist District 17 Grays Harbor projects.
Depending on project needs may assist: As an on-board observer for commercial fisheries monitoring.
Depending on project needs may assist: Hatchery staff at facilities.
Depending on project needs may assist: Other field projects such as spawning ground surveys.