Puget Sound Shellfish Technician - Scientific Technician - Career Seasonal

Puget Sound Shellfish Technician – Scientific Technician 2

Title:

Puget Sound Shellfish Technician
Classification:
Scientific Technician 2
Job Status:
Full‑Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length: 6 Months – April 1 to September 30
Program:
Puget Sound Shellfish Program
Duty Station:
Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County

Play a key role in the collection of shellfish harvest and population data critical to the management of Puget Sound’s shellfish resources. As part of the Puget Sound Shellfish Program, participate in intertidal bivalve population surveys, crustacean test fisheries, and bivalve shellfish enhancement projects across the Puget Sound.

• Conduct intertidal and crustacean harvest assessment surveys, including interviewing recreational fishery participants, implementing sampling protocols, recording data, and collecting information on species, counts, measurements, and weights.
• Perform harvester effort sampling to quantify daily shellfish harvester intensity and report observations of fishery violations.
• Locate sampling points for intertidal bivalve population surveys, dig and sort beach sediment to identify target bivalve shellfish, count and measure oysters, assist with pre‑ and post‑survey organization, and spread clam seed and oyster cultch on public beaches.
• Enter and review data for creel and effort surveys in ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Excel; identify intertidal bivalve species and record measurements in a lab setting.
• Work in office and field environments, including inclement weather and marine vessels, performing strenuous land‑based field activities and handling heavy loads.
• Adhere to schedules that may include irregular workweeks, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel.

Required:

• High school diploma or GED plus one year of high school science education.
• Two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1, or two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. College coursework in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, or natural sciences substituting for experience (at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes).
• Valid driver’s license.
• First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
• Complete required safety training and any watercraft certifications as directed.

Preferred:

• Experience conducting biological field work and data collection in challenging conditions.
• Proficient in data entry, proofreading, and management of natural resource data.
• Experience with harvester (creel) surveys and sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or similar area.
• Ability to identify crustacean, molluscan, and finfish species.
• Skilled with GPS, electronic scales, calipers, iPads, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Access).
• Knowledge of locally occurring intertidal bivalve species and the geography of Puget Sound, including Hood Canal.

• Complete online application demonstrating how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• Include a cover letter detailing your interest, relevant skills, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• Provide at least three professional references with current contact information.
• Submit any required veteran and military spouse documentation if applicable.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accommodations are encouraged. Contact information for accommodations, technical difficulties, or additional questions is available through WDFW’s career portal.