Creel Surveyor – Scientific Technician – Non

Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 4 Openings
- * 04448-25

Title-Creel Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2 (ST2)
Job Status-Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies-Four (4)
Appointment Length-2.5 months– August 13, 2025 – October 31, 2025
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station-Puyallup, Washington – Pierce County

The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

Play a key role in supporting salmon management and conservation efforts in South Puget Sound.

These positions focus on collecting creel data from recreational salmon fisheries on the Puyallup and Carbon rivers, conducting spawning ground surveys, and assisting at adult trapping and hatchery facilities.

The data collected will help evaluate Catch Record Card-derived fishery impact estimates and support collaboration with tribal, federal, public, and private partners.

Your work will contribute directly to the effective collection and exchange of critical fishery and escapement data.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Creel Surveyors will,

• Conduct interviews with shore anglers on/near the river.
• Record all data into electronic data collection devices (iPads), review data for accuracy, and upload data daily at assigned duty station.

Effort Counts:

• Travel to multiple field sites on the river.
• Observe the number of vehicles present and record data into electronic data collection devices (iPads).

Biological Data Collection:

• Identify and sample salmon harvested by anglers.
• Record biological data (species, length, sex, mark status, etc.) onto creel forms, iPad, scale cards and head tags.
• Collect samples from harvested salmon (scales, snouts with coded wire tags, tissue, and otoliths).
• Scale cards will be dropped off weekly with interview forms and snouts will be left in designated freezers at the end of each shift.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work in all weather conditions including driving on and standing near busy parking areas and roadways.
• Field work can be strenuous while walking in or along streams with slick boulders, crawling over logjams, wading across riffles with moderate/fast current or maneuvering watercrafts.
• Stand, walk and drive on uneven and rough terrain. Work near fast flowing water.
• Must handle knives and deceased fish, carry all sampling equipment on one’s person, and is subjected to outdoor elements (cold and hot weather, rain, wind, insects and wild animals).
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, four (4) 10-hour work shifts. Typically, two (2) weekday shifts and two (2) weekend shifts. Holiday work will not be required.

Travel Requirements: Employees will be provided state agency vehicles to commute between duty stations and field locations.

Tools and Equipment: Code wire tag (CWT) wand, filet knife, measuring tape, forceps/tweezers, scale cards, head bags and tags, data forms, iPad, boots, rain gear, high-vis vests, life jackets and WDFW logo hat/shirt.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public on and near the river, including conducting interviews with anglers and communicating information to the public. May encounter members of the public who are frustrated and may be approached by law enforcement and military personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

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.

OR

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.

College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses: …