Title- Coastal Shellfish - Oyster Reserve Manager

Classification- Scientific Technician 4

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Coastal Shellfish Unit – Region 6
Duty Station- Ocean Park, Washington – Pacific County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Olympia Oysters in Discovery Bay – Photo Credit: WDFW

This position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Willapa Bay Oyster Reserves, which were established through legislation to provide shellfish resources for both commercial and recreational users.

The role is responsible for coordinating the annual sealed-bid sale of oysters and/or clams to the shellfish industry. Revenue generated from these sales is directed to agency-managed accounts that support research, septic system repair, and reserve management activities.

In addition, this position serves as the sampling coordinator for the ocean pink shrimp fishery. This large commercial fishery has a five-year average annual landing exceeding 20 million pounds and includes more than 25 active vessels, primarily based out of Westport, Washington. The coordinator works to ensure effective sampling operations that support fishery monitoring and sustainable management.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Coastal Shellfish - Oyster Reserve Manager will,

Manage field activities in the Willapa Bay Oyster Reserve:

• Observe field operations and record daily oyster and clam sales from reserve lands.
• Prepare sale invoices and maintain transactions records.
• Mark annual sale tracts.
• Direct the return of cultch.
• Maintain reserve monuments and pilings.
• Patrol reserve lands to prevent encroachment and theft.
• Conduct monthly oyster condition index sampling.

Coordinate sampling for the ocean pink shrimp fishery:

• Collect, compile, track, and analyze catch data from the ocean pink shrimp fishery.
• Coordinate with other staff technicians and participate in the collection of biological samples.
• Compile in-season effort and harvest data.
• Maintain and update the fishery logbook database.

Razor clam sampling:

• Assist with annual razor clam stock assessment work.
• Support recreational harvest estimates and condition index studies.
• Collect samples for the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

Vessel and field station operation and maintenance:

• Serve as the primary boat operator for the Willapa Bay Field Station, transporting agency staff and outside agency staff to field locations throughout Willapa Bay.
• Coordinate and/or perform maintenance on agency boats based at the field station.
• Assist with general maintenance of field station buildings, interpretive center, and grounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Extended hours piloting agency vessels in Willapa Bay under a variety of weather conditions.
• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, get in and out of boats, and walk up to a mile over soft, unstable substrate.
• Work aboard vessels without being affected by motion sickness.
• Drive on freeways and rural roads in all weather conditions, during both daytime and nighttime hours.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; however, work hours are often dictated by tidal cycles. Monitoring oyster sales and assisting with razor clam work may require very early morning or late evening work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Weekend work may occur approximately every other weekend during the oyster sale season (April–September) and during much of the recreational razor clam season.

Travel Requirements:

May have some limited overnight travel.

Tools and Equipment:

Basic hand and power tools, automobiles, and 4x4 pick-up trucks.

Customer Interactions:

Interact regularly with the public, commercial shellfish growers, and fishers. Respond to phone calls and inquiries, and provide information about agency programs, activities, and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND five (5) years of experience as a Scientific Technician, three (3) years of which must be as a Scientific Technician 2 and/or 3 level.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND five (5) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Option 3: Equivalent education/experience.

Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field may 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 driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
• Three (3) years of experience operating and maintaining power vessels at least 25 feet in length in open water.
• Demonstrated ability to perform minor vessel repairs using basic carpentry or mechanical skills.
• Expertise in data analysis, including the systematic application of statistical and/or logical techniques to filter, summarize, and evaluate fisheries data.
• Experience generating data summaries, reports, or assisting with the production of peer reviewed publications.
• Working knowledge and experience with Access databases and Excel spreadsheet software.
• Experience using geographical information systems (GIS) software to perform tasks.
• Ability to design, coordinate, and execute data collection programs, including at-sea data collection training and/or experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three professional references with current contact 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2026-1234 – 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 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02212.

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