Summary

This job involves working outdoors along Washington rivers to interview anglers, check their catches, and collect data on fish like salmon and steelhead to help manage fishing activities.

You'll spend time in the field walking rough terrain, handling fish, and using tools to record information, with some office work to enter data.

It's a good fit for someone who enjoys nature, has basic biology knowledge, and doesn't mind irregular hours in varying weather.

Key Requirements

Ability to identify fish species like steelhead, Chinook, and coho, distinguishing hatchery from natural origins
Experience or knowledge in collecting biological data, such as scanning for Coded Wire Tags, taking scales, measurements, and DNA samples
Comfort working in rugged outdoor environments, including walking up to 3 miles on slippery terrain, handling fish up to 40 lbs, and exposure to weather and water hazards
Proficiency in using electronic tools like iPads for data entry and syncing to databases
Willingness to work flexible, non-standard shifts up to 12 hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays
Valid driver's license and ability to drive a state vehicle for surveys and site visits
Basic skills in maintaining field equipment, such as sampling gear and vehicles

Full Job Description

Title- Creel Sampling Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Openings- Two (2)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 6 months – May 15, 2026-November 15, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: WDFW Staff walking the Stillaguamish River – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join our freshwater recreational fisheries monitoring program and help provide in season estimates of salmon and game fish harvested on the Stillaguamish and Snohomish Rivers.

As our Creel Sampling Technician you will interact with and interview anglers to collect data about their fishing trips, catches, and fishing effort on the rivers.

Data gathered will be used by management to make decisions on fisheries and will be presented to co-managers as part of the North of Falcon state/tribal plans.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Creel Sampling Technician will,

Examine angler catch and sample salmonids and game fish (such as steelhead).
Perform surveys to assess angling effort by counting angler vehicles and trailers at designated river locations via motor vehicle.
Conduct angler interviews at boat ramps, WDFW access sites, and along the riverbank to gather information about fishing activity and catch.

Differentiate between steelhead, Chinook, and coho by species and origin (hatchery or natural).

Collect biological data (scan for Coded Wire Tags (CWT’s), scales, length measurements, and DNA).
Accurately record creel data using iPads and sync to the database at the end of each sampling day.
Maintain and service equipment including electronic sampling gear (iPads), Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wands, measuring board, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is primary conducted in the field, in and around rivers and streams, with periodic computer work at the WDFW regional office.

Walk up to 3 miles on rugged, often slippery/uneven terrain in and out of water, manipulate fish weighing up to 40 lbs., safely use knives, and work around noise, odors, and fish blood/slime.

Up to 8 hours per day may be spent in a vehicle driving to sampling locations. Spend long hours waiting for anglers to complete their fishing trips at boat ramps and access points.

May encounter variable temperature and weather (such as heavy rain, snow, fog, smoke, and extreme heat) and swift moving water during moderate river flows and log jams operating a pontoon.

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

Schedule: Work may fall on any day of the week, Monday through Sunday, operating on a non-standard, 24/7 basis. Shifts may vary in length, up to 12 hours, and can include early mornings or late nights.

Most shifts are 8 to 10 hours long and typically occur between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Days off are non-consecutive and will include weekends.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel is required from the assigned duty station to river sites, where technicians will be expected to survey a large spatial area.

Tools and Equipment: Agency vehicle, exposure apparel (such as raincoat and waders/boots), sampling gear (such as personal floatation device (PFD), iPad, Coded Wire Tag (CWT) wand, and knives), and laptop.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public and recreational anglers, private landowners, and co-managers regarding fisheries, agency programs, and current sport fishing regulations.

Qualifications:

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 high school science, and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist

Please note: 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 science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft is dependent on supervisory direction, position need, and training availability.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Completion of a four-year degree or equivalent in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

Experience:

Identifying saltwater and river stage salmonids and other game fish species.
Using personal computers or mobile devices for data entry and producing accurate, timely work products.
With creel methodology.
Working with members of the public.
With the watersheds and fisheries of Snohomish County.

Your application should include the following:

A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental 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.

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 Diana.Humes@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: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-

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Creel Sampling Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Non-Permanent - Two (2) positions - 2026-02258

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Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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