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Posted: January 29, 2026 (3 days ago)

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At-Sea Research Survey Angler - Scientific Technician 1 - On-Call/Non-Perm - 7 Openings - 2026-00870

State of Washington

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$18 - $23.67

per hour

Closes

February 13, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves going out on boats along Washington's coast to fish for rockfish and other bottom-dwelling fish as part of scientific research surveys, collecting data that helps manage fish populations for conservation.

You'll use your fishing skills to catch, measure, and record fish on day trips, while helping with gear maintenance and working in tough sea conditions.

It's ideal for experienced anglers who enjoy outdoor work, can handle unpredictable schedules, and want to contribute to protecting marine life.

Key Requirements

  • Experience in recreational or commercial angling, especially for groundfish like rockfish
  • Ability to work at sea in rough weather, on slippery decks, and in inclement conditions
  • Flexibility for on-call schedule, including long days (8-14 hours), evenings, weekends, and up to 60 hours per week
  • Physical fitness to navigate vessels, ladders, and water environments, with possible overnight hotel stays
  • Skills in handling scientific and fishing gear, including loading, unloading, cleaning, and maintenance
  • Comfort measuring fishing time accurately and assisting with data collection during surveys
  • Availability for part-time fieldwork from March to October, about 20 days in spring and 10 in fall

Full Job Description



Title- At-Sea Research Survey Angler

Classification- Scientific Technician 1

Number of Vacancies- Seven (7)

Job Status- Part-Time/On-Call/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 8 Months – March 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
WDFW Program-
Fish Program – Coastal Marine Fish Science Unit
Duty Station-
Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County


Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


WDFW employee in a hooded sweatshirt, camo waders, and red and black lifejacket holding a brown spotted lingcod in both hands while on a boat. The sky is gray and the water is calm.
Photo Caption: WDFW Employee with Juvenile Lingcod – Photo Credit: WDFW


Turn your passion for fishing into meaningful conservation work for Washington State’s coastal marine fish.


Picture yourself fishing for rockfish and other groundfish (bottomfish) species and conducting at-sea research studies on the Washington coast.


Using your angling expertise, you will collect critical data that state and federal scientists rely on for stock assessments to help guide the management and long-term health of coastal marine fish populations.


What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the At-Sea Research Survey Anglers will,


Participate in at-sea research surveys for the marine groundfish species that inhabit Washington’s coastal waters:

  • Angle for fish from the Washington/Oregon border to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
  • Measure time fished with a stopwatch.
  • Deploy on multiple single day trips on an agency research vessel, chartered research vessel, or commercial fishing vessel.
  • Assist with the loading, unloading, cleaning, and maintenance of scientific and fishing survey gear.


Working Conditions:


Work Setting, including hazards:

  • Work is typically conducted onboard vessels at-sea, at recreational or commercial fishing docks, and in an office setting.
  • At-sea duties may be performed onboard agency-owned vessels, chartered vessels, or commercial fishing vessels in unprotected coastal waters.

    Work will be performed in rough seas, severe inclement weather, and on slippery, moving decks and docks.

    This position must navigate steps and ladders and communicate over loud motors and other vessel equipment.

  • This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

  • Schedule is determined by ocean conditions, weather conditions, and vessel schedules, requiring a high level of flexibility.
  • This on-call position works approximately 20 days from March through May and 10 days from September through October.
  • Workdays are typically 8-14 hours long and may include working days, evenings, and weekends as needed. Fieldwork occurs 24/7—may work up to 60 hours per week.

Travel Requirements:

  • Multiple nights at a hotel may be necessary and accommodated at agency expense. Meals may be provided for the group, or individuals may be responsible for acquiring food for personal use from grocery stores or restaurants, at agency expense during travel.

Tools and Equipment: Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and a stopwatch.



Qualifications:


Required Qualifications:


Graduation from High School or GED, including one (1) year of high school science.


Or equivalent education/experience.



Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:


Experience:

  • On open, exposed ocean waters.

  • Fishing for rockfish or bottomfish from a vessel.

  • Angling for rockfish or bottomfish for scientific surveys.

Skills:

  • Advanced marine water angling skills (such as in using rod and reel gear).



Your application must include the following:

  • A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.

Additional Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.


Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents


Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.


Yes Vets Image - Say Yes to those who served.


Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

  • Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
    • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
  • Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Everyone Belongs Outdoors - WDFW Flag.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.


The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.


Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.


Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.


Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-00870.


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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/29/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/30/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5218537