Recreational Creel Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - 2026-06590

State of Washington•Grays Harbor County – Montesano, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves collecting data through angler interviews to monitor catch, species composition, and mark/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead. The role requires identifying and sampling fish, collecting biological data, and ensuring accurate records for daily submission. The technician will work outdoors in various weather conditions, communicate professionally with anglers, adhere to safety protocols, and operate state vehicles. Duties may also include collecting coded-wire tags, assisting with commercial fisheries monitoring, hatchery operations, or other field projects like spawning ground surveys.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED.
One (1) year of high school science.
Two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician OR 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.
Ability to 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.
Experience communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Experience communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologist.
Ability to review information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
Experience 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.
Experience 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.
Collect coded-wire tags (CWT) to determine stock origin and biological data, if necessary.
Conduct duties outdoors during all weather conditions at public boat launches and on gravel bars used by recreational anglers along rivers in Grays Harbor County.
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.
Inform 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.
Assist with other duties as assigned to support District 17 Grays Harbor projects, such as on-board observer for commercial fisheries monitoring, hatchery staff support, or spawning ground surveys.