Recreational Creel Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - Career Seasonal - 2026-06590

Posting number: 2026-06590

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Natural Resources, Wetlands, Sciences, Green-Collar/Environmental, Wildlife

Working Title- Recreational Creel Technician

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Season Length- 5.5 Months – September 16 – February 28

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

If you are interested in being considered for a similar position that is non-permanent, please submit a separate application for that recruitment.  To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for each position.  Recreational Creel Technician - Scientific Technician 2 - 2 Positions - Non-Permanent - 2026-06584

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Westport jetty fishing – Photo Credit: WDFW

In this position, you’ll collect data through angler interviews, accurately recording species composition, monitor catch, record mark types and use electronic tools like iPads and iForms.

Working in the beautiful outdoors, you'll identify and sample fish, collect biological data, and ensure accurate records for daily submission. This position requires professional communication with recreational anglers, adherence to safety protocols, and safe operation of state vehicles.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Collect freshwater recreational fisheries data for salmon and steelhead to monitor catch, species composition, and marked/unmark encounter rates for salmon and steelhead.   If necessary, collect coded-wire tags (CWT) to determine stock origin and biological data. Duties conducted outdoors during all weather conditions at public boat launches and on gravel bars used by recreational anglers along rivers in Grays Harbor County.

• Collect data from the freshwater recreational fishery through angler interviews by following sampling protocols and accurately recording data electronically on iPads and iForms. Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon species and steelhead.  Record the mark type (presence or absence of an adipose fin) for all coho, Chinook, and steelhead.  
• Sample all retained coho, Chinook, and steelhead.
• Review and maintain accurate records for daily submission to supervisor. Informs supervisor daily regarding project progress and issues affecting data collection and work schedules.

Operate and maintain assigned field equipment, vehicles, and other gear.

• Daily inspect and clean all gear, vehicles (interior and exterior), and other equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Inform supervisor in a timely manner of issues affecting the daily use of gear, vehicles, or other field equipment.

Other duties as assigned to assist District 17 Grays Harbor projects.

• Depending on project needs may assist:
  • As an on-board observer for commercial fisheries monitoring.
  • Hatchery staff at facilities.
  • Other field projects such as spawning ground surveys.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: The primary work environment occurs outdoors during all weather conditions and can be physically demanding. During recreational fishery monitoring, work hours are spent standing, walking, bending, traversing slippery boat ramps, slippery riverine gravel bars, and muddy, slippery forest trails. Lifting, handling, and manipulating fish up to 40 pounds.  Lifting equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Safely using a serrated knife to remove fish snouts. On-board commercial fishery monitoring work hours are spent boarding gillnet boats from department boats or public boat launches and standing for long periods of time (up to 12 hours) observing the commercial fishery during all weather and water conditions. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. The standard work schedule requires flexibility. May be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. 

Travel requirements: Travel to rivers within the Chehalis River Basin.

Customer Interactions: Includes some interactions with angry, distraught, or frustrated public individuals.

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.
 

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 health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied 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 or environmental science classes.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Background in basic biology and knowledge of salmonid and trout species identification.
• At least 6 months of experience sampling recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries.
• Familiarity with WA State freshwater sport fishing regulations.
• Strong inter-personal communication skills to work effectively with the public, state, and federal agencies.  Resolve potentially contentious situations involving disgruntled anglers or public where listening, patience, empathy, and self-control skills are vital.   

Experience in:

• Collecting electronic field data on an iPad and iForms in an accurate manner.
• Completing biological data forms (e.g., scale cards) in an accurate and legible manner.
• Reporting fishery violations to supervisor when observed in the field.
• Communicating in a professional and positive manner with the public (recreational anglers) and providing basic information regarding current sport fishing rules.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Communicating ideas in technical discussions with biologist.
• Reviewing information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
• Working with numbers; understanding how numbers are related, combined, and estimated.
• Accurately performing arithmetical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Basic knowledge of Google Maps and GPS mapping skills.
• Reporting accidents or critical incidents to supervisor in a timely manner.

• 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

WDFW diversity logo

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06590.

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