Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician - Non-Perm

Creel Surveyor

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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, these 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.
• Travel to multiple field sites on the river.
• Observe the number of vehicles present and record data into electronic data collection devices (iPads).
• 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 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. Generally, 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:

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 allies 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.

License:

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience identifying and sampling salmonids.
• Experience identifying inland fish species.
• Experience in sportfishing regulation.
• Experience operating non-motorized watercraft in river type waters.
• Experience following oral and written instructions, communication skills and the ability to interact with the general public.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.