Creel Surveyor – Scientific Technician 2 – Non-Permanent – *01843-25

Working Title– Creel Surveyor
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length– 6.5 Months – April 16, 2025 – October 31, 2025
WDFW Program– Fish Program – Fish Management
Duty Station– Ephrata, Washington – Grant County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to provide information for developing best management practices toward sustaining recreational fishing opportunities.

We are seeking a candidate to conduct angler creel surveys to assess catch and harvest of warmwater fishes, primarily Walleye.
 

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Conduct creel surveys on lakes and reservoirs to gather information on angler usage and harvest.

• Launching and trailering a 16’ boat independently and conducting angler effort counts and angler interviews.
• Boat travel will include 20-30 miles each day, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Working extensively with the public to collect information on fisheries.
• Total and/or index counts and interviewing individual anglers.
• Identifying fish species, taking total length measurements.

Assist Regional Fish Program Staff.

• Assist with stock assessment surveys on lakes using a boat electrofisher, gill nets and fyke nets.
• Recording data and using computers to enter data into spreadsheets.
• Equipment maintenance, ad hoc fisheries investigations, fisheries gear preparation.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work settings will include onboard creel boats, electrofishing boats, gill net boats, recreational fishing docks, laboratories, and office environments. Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while on the water, possibly during inclement weather. Assigned work will be conducted on slippery/uneven/steep/moving decks and docks. Climbing steps/ladders, frequent and repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted over a 10-hour work shift, communicating on a CB/VHF radio, and hearing/communicating over loud motors and other vessel equipment is necessary to successfully perform all tasks.   This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Schedule is variable.  Typically, work will consist of an 8- to 9-hour day, 40 hours per week depending on the creel schedule. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.

Travel requirements: Daily travel in WDFW issued vehicles, up to 2,500 miles per month.

Customer Interactions: Extensive work with the public conducting interviews and informing anglers of rules and regulations. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  Graduation from high school or GED including one 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 year of high school science, and two (2) years of laboratory or 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 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.

Licenses/Certifications:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned activities included Motor Operations Training Course.

 

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

• Experience conducting creel surveys on resident and/or anadromous fish species in lake environments.
• Knowledge of resident fish species.
• Working knowledge of lake fish surveys.
• Good public relations with the ability to work independently.

 

Your application should include the following:

• 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.

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 emailJayme.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.govand reference job #2025-01843.

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