Boat Operator and Test Fisher - Scientific Technician 3 - Non-Permanent - Nine Openings

Photo Caption: WDFW Test Fishing Photo Credit: WDFW

Envision yourself piloting a research vessel through the waters of Puget Sound conducting recreational test fishing and onthewater surveys for salmon fisheries.

This handson role also includes occasional sampling at boat ramps and docks where youll gather critical data to support fisheries management stock assessments and conservation efforts.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role theBoat Operator and Test Fisher will

Conduct test fishing and on the water boat surveys in the Marine Areas of Puget Sound (Areas 5 13 for salmon fisheries:

• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct recreational test fishing.
  • Use a variety of fishing methods (e.g. weight and bait downrigger jigging diver) to emulate the recreational salmon fishing fleet.
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard motorboats including trailering coming along side other boats in motion launching and docking in all types of weather conditions.
  • Train and direct staff in the techniques used while Test Fishing.
• Perform minor routine maintenance on the boat motor trailer and test fishing equipment. Operate GPS depth finder AIS VHF and electronic data collection devices.
• Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea.
• Collect biological data on salmon catch.
• Ensure data is accurately recorded summarized and uploaded to Puget Sound Sampling Units database.
• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct on the water boat surveys.
  • Intercept recreational and charter fishing vessels at sea (stationery and while trolling) to conduct angler interviews.
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard boats including trailering coming alongside other boats in motion launching and docking safely in all types of weather conditions with little supervision.
  • Train and direct new staff in launching retrieving and operating the vessel safely.

Sample recreational fisheries for salmon marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish:

• Interview as many recreational fishery anglers as possible at assigned boat launch facilities.
• Observe count and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species.
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic codedwire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).

Working Conditions:

Work Setting including hazards:

• Work is primarily conducted in the field.
• May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions noise odors repetitive movements of hands finger manipulations long periods of sitting squatting walking boating for angler interviews climbing in and out of boats sampling salmon in a boat carrying kneeling occasionally heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) of containers of fish.
• Work and stand in confined space encounter fish blood and slime slippery surfaces biting and stinging insects and the use of knives
• Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea especially during rough seas and inclement weather.
• This position involves working in on or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.
• Work on slippery docks in marine environments with the requirement to always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) while on docks or the water.

Schedule:24/7 nonscheduled. Typically 8 10 hours per day between 5:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. 40 hours per week. Weekend and evening work is required.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel. May transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. May also be required to use personaluse vehicle when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable.

Tools and Equipment:

• Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling boat trailer GPS compass data logger fishing tackle and gear including downriggers.
• Sampling equipment iPad iPhone electronic accessories electronic sampling equipment (CWT detector) weighing scale knives forceps head lamp measuring board tally counter tide book totes/bins paper forms labels scale cards pencils pens clipboard and scissors and personal flotation device (PFD).
• WDFW apparel gloves and rain gear as well as copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions:

• Interactions with coworkers from WDFW and Tribes commercial harvester or fishers salmon buyers fish processors recreational anglers and shellfishers.
• Interacts with the public daily for fisheries data collection to provide basic information regarding fisheries resources agency programs and activities and sport fishing regulatory information.
• May include interactions with individuals experiencing anger distress or frustration.
• Liaison with regional supervisor and enforcement on fishery violations observed in the field.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED including one 1 year of high school science andfour 4 years of experience as a Scientific Technician.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one 1 year of high school science andfour 4 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 science classes.

In addition to the options above the following experience is required:

• Minimum six 6 months or more operating 1628 length motorized vessels in marine waters such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area.
• Competent in fishing for salmon from a vessel.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction position need and training availability.
• First Aid/CPR within six 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience:

• More than six months operating 1628 length motorized vessels in marine water such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area.
• Six 6 months experience test fishing for salmon in Puget Sound equivalent area.
• Sampling salmon fisheries.
• Identifying all salmon species common marine fish species and crab species.
• With salmon marine fish and shellfish life histories and sport fishing regulations.
• Safely operating a vessel in adverse conditions in the Puget Sound and proficient use of typical marine electronics (e.g. GPS depth finder radar radio).
• Using sound judgement where safety of you and coworkers are concerned.
• Working with members of the public.

Competencies:

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An uptodate 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 professional references with current contact information.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs 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 phoneor email or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at.