Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician - Scientific Tech - Career Seasonal

Position: Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Career Seasonal - *01095-25

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Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician - Scientific Tech 2 - Career Seasonal
- * 01095-25

Title-Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician
Classification-Scientific Technician 2
Job Status-Full-Time / Career Seasonal
Season Length-7 months– April 1 – October 31
WDFW Program-Fish Program – Marine Fish Science Division
Duty Station-Forks, Washington – Clallam County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

As part of the Fish Program’s Coastal Marine Fish Science Unit, this position plays a critical role in collecting and analyzing data on Washington’s commercial and recreational marine fisheries.

This role involves dockside sampling, at-sea research, and processing marine fish age structures to support sustainable fishery management.

The data gathered directly informs the WDFW, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), contributing to stock assessments and management plans for over 100 groundfish species and 10 coastal pelagic species.

By supporting responsible fisheries management, this position helps sustain economically valuable marine resources and protect species under federal rebuilding plans.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coastal Marine Fisheries Scientific Technician will,

Dockside Sample Marine Fish Landings at Washington’s Coastal Ports, Primarily at La Push and Neah Bay, and Secondarily at Ilwaco, Chinook, and Westport

• Collect biological, catch, and effort data from commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries, commercial coastal pelagic species (CPS) fisheries, and research project.
• Gather biological information, including weight, length, sex, maturity, genetic tissue samples, and ageing structures from various marine fish species.
• Evaluate catch composition and species distribution in fishery landings.
• Identify approximately 100 groundfish species and 10 coastal pelagic species found along Washington’s coast.
• Track fishery activity to meet sampling goals.

Process Samples in Laboratory

• Process fins (dry, cut, mount), otoliths, and other fish structures or tissues for age reading or other scientific evaluation.

Participate in At-Sea Research Surveys of the Marine Fish Species, such as groundfish and CPS that Inhabit Washington coastal waters from the Washington/Oregon border to the Sekiu River (Strait of Juan de Fuca)

• Deploy on multiple single-day trips or extended trips of up to six (6) days aboard agency research vessels, chartered research vessels, or commercial fishing vessels.
• Complete preseason preparations and postseason wrap-up assignments.
• Collect fishing effort and catch composition data.
• Gather biological data (e.g., weight, length, age structures, genetic tissue samples).
• Accurately identify fish species.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work environments may include at-sea aboard vessels, coastal beaches and estuaries, fish buying facilities, recreational or commercial fishing docks, laboratories and office settings.
• At-sea duties may take place on agency-owned, chartered or commercial fishing vessels in unprotected coastal waters where sea conditions can deteriorate quickly.
• Tasks must be completed in any sea state deemed safe by the vessel captain and lead biologist.
• Extended at-sea trips may last up to six (6) days, with limited accommodations, such as bunking in shared space, restricted water use for bathing, and basic cooking facilities.
• Work may be conducted in rough seas, severe inclement weather, and on slippery, uneven, steep, or moving decks and docks.
• Physical demands include climbing steps/ladders, frequent and repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted over a 10-hour work shift, communicating via CB/VHF radio, and over loud motors and other vessel equipment.
• Laboratory work may require up to 10 hours per shift.
• Additional hazards include vessel mechanical failure, risk of puncture wounds and lacerations from sampling equipment, knives, or fish spines, and repetitive stress injury from processing fish samples and computer data entry.
• Mus…