Commercial Fishery Observer - Sci Tech 2 - Part-TimeOn-Call - Non-Perm - 12 Openings

Photo Caption: Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to gain handson field experience in fisheries while directly supporting conservation and sustainable management efforts in Puget Sound.

In this role youll work alongside commercial fishing crews aboard active fishing vessels conducting onboard sampling processing biological data and recording critical information that informs fishery management and conservation decisions.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Commercial Fishery Observer will

• Board commercial fishing vessels while underway via vesseltovessel transfers or at the dock prior to departure.
• Interact professionally with commercial fishing crews and captains.
• Use paper and/or electronic sampling to accurately record data and counts on catch bycatch and vessel effort data.
• Conduct vessel to vessel interviews gathering catch and set data.
• Identify salmon and other marine fish by species record marked status of all salmon.
• Identify seabird and marine mammal species and record seabird and marine mammal interaction/encounters with fishing gear.
• Participate in Research and TestFisheries alongside State and Tribal fisheries technicians and biologist.
• Participate as research vessel deck crew by handling lines assisting in vessel maintenance loading gear launch/retrieval and following vessel operators instructions.
• Work with Microsoft Office (Word Excel Access) to assist in data archiving of previous years sampling efforts.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting including hazards:

• Sample on a working commercial fishing vessel transferring safely from research vessel to a fishing vessel while vessels are underway. Exposure to rough seas and inclement weather conditions with rain/wind.
• This position involves working in on or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments and slippery docks. Personal flotation devices (PFD) are required to be worn when working on the docks or on the water.
• Some research boats do not have bathroom facilities (heads) but a marine grade portable toilet will be available or it is possible to dock and use shoreside facilities.

Schedule:

• This position is oncall intermittently scheduled throughout seven 7 days a week for up to 12 plus hours per day plus travel hours.
• Long hours require the observers to remain alert and adaptable to changing schedules.

Travel Requirements:

• Will travel to and from the duty station to the location of the research boat using agency vehicles or a personal vehicle if an agency vehicle is not available (mileage reimbursement available).
• Often traveling occurs in the early morning and later night.
• Overnight stays are expected when sampling the fishing fleet in certain areas. Per diem rates are given during the day when on travel status

Tools and Equipment: iPads thumb counters coded wire tag (CWT) wands forceps scale cards GSI blotter paper isopropyl alcohol generic office equipment personal flotation device (PFD) first aid kit genetic supplies field safety equipment WDFW apparel rubber boots gloves and rain gear and copies of current commercial sampling manuals.

Customer Interactions: Interacts with coworkers from WDFW and Tribal Comanagers commercial fishermen including vessel captains and crews salmon buyers fish processors and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED including one 1 year of high school science andtwo 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 of 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 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.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of all agency trainings and/or certifications determined by supervisor.
• HSI CPR/First Aid (within 6 months of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

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

College courses in science or a related field.

Experience with:

• Adult salmon marine fish marine mammal and seabird identification.
• Fisheries sampling including random sampling methods fish ID live fish handling and following protocols.
• Small boats fishing vessels research vessels and capable of working at sea.
• Accurately recording information conducting infield quality control and assurance for collected data.
• Communicating with the public and working on a field crew.

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.