Summary

This job involves working outdoors at boat ramps in Washington's Puget Sound to interview anglers, collect samples from fish catches like salmon and shellfish, and record data to help manage fisheries sustainably.

It's a temporary full-time role lasting about 4.5 months, perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on fieldwork, interacting with the public, and learning about marine biology without needing advanced degrees.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, physically fit for lifting and outdoor conditions, and passionate about conservation.

Key Requirements

Ability to work full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible, variable shifts including evenings, weekends, and early mornings
Comfort with outdoor fieldwork in adverse weather, slippery surfaces, and water environments, including lifting up to 40 lbs
Skills in accurate data collection, recording on electronic forms (iForms), and performing error checks
Experience or willingness to handle fish sampling, including using detection devices, classifying salmon, and collecting biological samples like DNA or scales
Strong communication skills for public interaction, providing fishing regulations info, and angler interviews
Basic knowledge of fish identification, species composition, and fisheries regulations
Ability to maintain equipment and occasionally travel throughout Puget Sound

Full Job Description

Title- Dockside Sampler

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 4.5 months – May 26, 2026 – October 7, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Edmonds, Washington – Snohomish County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Coho salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain hands on fisheries experience in dynamic field environments while contributing to the sustainability of Washington’s fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities.

Envision yourself working at boat ramps across the Puget Sound, engaging with the public and collecting biological data on salmon, marine fish and shellfish species.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Dockside Sampler will,

Interview and sample recreational fisheries for salmon, halibut, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition.
Obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish at assigned boat launch facilities.
Accurately record data on appropriate electronic or backup paper forms.
Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).
Classify, sort, and enumerate marked (adipose fin-clipped) tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
Remove the snouts of Chinook and Coho salmon with CWTs to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
Sample recreational and/or commercial salmon catch for other biological data such as DNA, age (scales), and other biological samples.
May sample commercial salmon catch at fish buyers and processing facilities.
Daily use of iForms and conduct error checks of sampling data before uploading.
Provide the public with information on sport fishing regulation and fish identification.
Maintain sampling equipment.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

Work is primarily conducted in the field and may involve exposure to adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces and biting and stinging insects.

Duties may involve repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat.

Carry, kneel and heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) containers of fish, work and stand in confined space, use of knives and transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

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

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility as work hours may be assigned at any time within a 24-hour period. Shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel Requirements: This position may travel throughout Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal. Overnight travel will be infrequent, and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

Tools and Equipment: Sampling equipment such as an iPad, iPhone, electronic accessories, electronic sampling equipment such as a coded wire tag (CWT) detector, weighing scale, knives, forceps, head lamp, measuring board, tally counter, tide book, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, personal flotation device (PFD), WDFW apparel, and copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with co-workers from WDFW and tribal partners, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers and shellfishers.
Engage with the public daily while collecting fisheries data and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs and activities, and sport fishing regulatory information.
May encounter individuals who are experiencing anger, distress or frustration.
Serve as a liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience with:

Conducting creel surveys and/or sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.
Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.
Salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.
Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
Handling fish.
Working with members of the public.
Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, TEAMs and Windows.

Your application must include the following:

A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
An up-to-date resume.
A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
At least three professional references with current contact information.

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.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02756.

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Dockside Sampler - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-02756

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Additional Information

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