Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non

Job Overview

Working Title: Creel Surveyor

Classification: Scientific Technician 2

Job Status: Full‑Time / Non‑Permanent

Appointment Length: 5.5 months – August 13, 2026 – January 29, 2027

WDFW Program: Fish Program – Fish Management Division

Duty Station: Auburn, Washington – King County

• Conduct angler creel surveys for Chinook, pink, and coho salmon in the Green River Basin.
• Perform visual examinations of fish to identify species and collect detailed information from anglers, including angling duration, species targeted, caught, and released.
• Explain survey project, procedures, and objectives to sport fishermen to enlist cooperation in providing quality data.
• Daily walks, bike rides, and drives along the river, including climbing difficult slopes to reach the riverbank where anglers are fishing.
• Maintain accurate records of survey data and summarize results in PowerPoint presentations and written reports.
• Enter data into Excel daily, compile charts, draw graphs, and prepare illustrations to convey the data.

Work is performed alone for long hours in physically demanding conditions, climbing down steep banks, walking, biking, and driving long distances. Tasks may involve rowing a pontoon boat in the river and working in or near water, including navigating and performing duties related to water environments.

40 hours per week, Wednesday through Saturday. Surveys are conducted in the morning (e.g., 6 a.m. start) and evening (e.g., 4 p.m. start).

Local travel to field sites is required daily. An agency vehicle will be provided for surveys.

• Option 1: High school diploma or GED with at least one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
• Option 2: High school diploma or GED with at least one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
• Valid driver’s license.
• College coursework involving biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied fields will substitute year-for-year for experience if it includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

• Working knowledge of salmon life history and experience identifying Pacific salmon.
• Experience interviewing members of the public.
• Experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers.
• Experience collecting data in the field and recording data accurately.
• Experience with rafting, kayaking, or similar activity on the water.
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently with very little oversight.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, basic life, and long‑term disability insurance. Employees may also enroll in flexible spending accounts and other plans. Retirement benefits are available through the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Additional benefits include paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, and leave options in accordance with state law.

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.

Per RCW 73.16.010, veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.