Working Title- Creel Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 5.5 Months – August 13, 2026 – January 29, 2027

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division

Duty Station- *Auburn, Washington – King County

*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County. Additionally, the salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Creel sampling – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about ensuring sustainable recreational and commercial fish populations for the future?

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will record, review, and tabulate recreational fisheries data impacts on salmon.

We are seeking a candidate to conduct creel surveys of recreational anglers fishing for salmon in the Duwamish/Green River.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

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

Conducts angler creel surveys for Chinook, pink, and coho salmon in the Green River Basin.

Keeps accurate records of survey data and summarizes results in both a PowerPoint and report.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Working alone for long hours in physically demanding conditions, climbing down steep banks to reach anglers, and walking, biking, and driving long distances, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. It may also include rowing a pontoon boat in the river. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Wednesday - Saturday. Surveys will be conducted both in the morning (e.g., 6am start) and evening (e.g., 4pm start).

Travel requirements: Local travel to field sites is required daily. An agency vehicle will be provided for surveys.

Customer Interactions: Extensive contact with recreational anglers on the river and boaters at boat ramps.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two (2) years of experience (professional or volunteer) as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2:

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience (professional or volunteer) 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 semester or nine quarter hours of natural 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:

Your application must 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 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 #2026-05405.

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