Commercial Fishery Observer - Sci Tech - Part-Time​/On-Call

Title: Commercial Fishery Observer

Classification: Scientific Technician 2

Number of Vacancies: Five (5)

Job Status: Part-Time / On-Call / Non-Permanent

Anticipated Appointment Length: Varied (2.5 months to 3 months)

WDFW Program: Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station: Region 6 – Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties

Posting Timeline: Recruitment will remain open until July 10, 2026. If you applied previously, your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply. Application review is ongoing; submit your application materials as soon as possible. The recruitment may close at any time.

• Ocean Park, Washington – Pacific County: Two (2) Positions – August 1 to October 31, 2026
• Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County:
  • Two (2) Positions – September 1 to November 15, 2026
  • One (1) Position – September 1 to November 30, 2026

The Commercial Fishery Observer will play a key role in supporting the department’s commitments made during the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC)/North of Falcon process by ensuring sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.

Working closely with other team members and commercial fishing vessel crew(s), responsibilities include conducting a variety of on‑board sampling and data collection during each fishing trip. Critical in‑season data collected will directly inform real‑time management decisions made by state, tribal, and federal co‑managers.

• Conduct commercial salmon fisheries monitoring within Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor basins:
  • Perform commercial on‑board monitoring duties, including boarding commercial vessels for 12‑hour fishery openers.
  • Document gillnet soak times and mesh size, ensure compliance with recovery box use, summarize catch of retained and released fish by species.
  • Identify mark status (presence or absence of adipose fin) and detect coded wire tags (CWTs) using standard protocols.
  • Collect DNA genetic tissue samples, document bycatch and incidental encounters, and collect other biological samples.
  • Provide daily updates to supervisor regarding work progress and emerging issues.
  • Maintain professional and courteous interactions with commercial fishermen and buyers to facilitate cooperation in reporting fishing effort and landings.
• Data Management:
  • Accurately and legibly record all field data and daily observations made while onboard a commercial vessel, in a fish house, or on a dock.
  • Maintain tissue samples (genetics) and/or scale cards collected each day in chronological order.
• Working Conditions:
  • All work is conducted on a commercial fishing vessel in Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor basins.
  • Work is typically performed outdoors and can be physically demanding. Working long days in inclement weather (cold, windy, rainy, or extremely hot in full sun) and near or over water.
  • Vessels are typically smaller; rough weather can be unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. Hazards include boat‑to‑boat transfers, adverse weather conditions, prolonged standing, bending, maneuvering on a rocking boat, slippery surfaces, loud noises, close quarters, and repetitive tasks for extended periods.
  • Board and disembark a commercial vessel in rough weather and stand and squat for long periods. Must be able to make quick but accurate decisions regarding safety.
  • Must be able to effectively perform assigned duties while onboard, including during inclement weather. Collecting biological data such as DNA or scale samples on‑board a gillnet vessel can be difficult in rough weather, while being cold and dealing with live fish. Most gillnet vessels do not have bathroom facilities.
• Schedule:
  • Positions are on‑call, intermittently scheduled seven (7) days per week during the open commercial salmon fishery season.
  • Fisheries operate in 12‑hour openers. Hours of work are non‑scheduled, hourly, and can be up to 15 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
  • Weekend, holiday, and evening (overnight) work may be required.
  • Start and end times typically fall outside of the standard 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. schedule. Must be flexible with schedule and changing circumstances.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel within the Willapa Bay and/or Grays Harbor…