Title- Boat Captain

Classification- Scientific Technician 3

Job Status- Part-Time/Project

Anticipated Project Length- 7.5 Months – September 1, 2026 – April 15, 2027
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Science Research Division
Duty Station- Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Marbled Murrelet During At-Sea Study – Photo Credit: WDFW

Imagine yourself out on Washington’s scenic marine waters, from the Puget Sound and all along the Washington coast, to conduct boat-based surveys researching marbled murrelets, a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

As the captain of a research vessel, you will assist in collecting essential data on marbled murrelets, in addition to seabirds and marine mammals, in support of conservation and recovery efforts.

With your expertise in vessel operation and marine navigation, your work will contribute to key strategies outlined in the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan and help state and federal agencies make informed research and management decisions.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Boat Captain will,

Conduct boat-based surveys in Puget Sound and the outer coast of Washington for Wildlife Science program research projects:

• Serve as boat captain for Research Vessels Fog Lark and Puffin, each 26-feet long with twin outboards.
• Conduct inland Puget Sound, nearshore outer coast, and pelagic surveys 80 kilometers off the Washington coast.
• Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea, including monitoring weather forecasts and conditions using marine electronics (GPS, depth finder, radar, and VHF radio).
• Ensure vessels are ready for work including fueling, survey communication equipment, maintenance and repairs on vessel and trailer, and current safety equipment.
• Trailer, launch, retrieve, and safely store vessels; Trailering the research vessel can be up to 3-4 hours one way.
• Regularly brief the team and guest passengers on safety procedures.
• Provide mentorship/professional development opportunities to team members to increase boating skills and abilities, such as trailering, launching and retrieving the vessel, navigating in open ocean and marinas, and small maintenance tasks.

Perform maintenance of vessel and WDFW equipment:

• Organize and schedule in-season maintenance and shop time for research vessels and trailers.
• Conduct regular vessel, motor, trailer, and agency vehicle maintenance as needed.
• Ensure vehicles, vessels, motors, and trailer are clean and stored properly at the end of the sampling day.
• Maintain vessel and safety equipment inspection logs; ensure safety items are operational and not expired; inventory, inspect, and replace the team’s assigned inventory items (such as personal floatation devices).
• Regularly maintain and clean binoculars, electronic equipment, and communication equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electronic problems.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work primarily on a boat with long hours, and adverse weather and sea conditions possible. Bar crossings, working close to shore, and navigating areas with tide, swell, and current are a regular part of this work. Maneuvering on slippery surfaces, including while launching and recovering research boats from launches and docks, is routine. May be exposed to chemicals, such as boat and motor fluids. This position will involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Part-time, under 40 hours per week, typically Monday – Friday. The schedule may be set or vary based on operational needs. Additional hours may be available depending on workload and staffing requirements. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed

Travel Requirements: Frequent daily and overnight travel. May be required to use personal-use vehicle when an agency owned vehicle is unavailable (mileage is reimbursable).

Tools and Equipment: Outboard motorboat operation including proper and safe fueling, boat trailer, GPS, personal protective equipment, chart plotter, radar, compass, binoculars, range finder, laptop computer, GPS Units, VHF radio, wireless headsets, and voice recorders.

Customer Interactions: Interact with state, federal, tribal, and public entities.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

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

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one (1) year of high school science and four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, biologist, chemist, or zoologist (or closely related experience).

For the options above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

• Experience operating a vessel in inland waters and on open ocean and rugged outer coast, including frequent bar crossings and navigation in tides, swell, and current.
• Experience docking, close quarters maneuvering, trailering, launching and retrieving 26-foot vessels.
• Knowledge of marine weather forecasts, navigation, and boating safety regulations and laws.
• Proficiency in using typical marine electronics (such as GPS, depth finder, radar, radio, plotter).

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 course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural or environmental science classes.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certification (scheduled to be obtained within the first month of hire if the incumbent has not yet completed this training).

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Bachelors of Science in biology, marine biology, biological science, zoology, ecology, or closely related field.

• Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)/US Coast Guard Master’s License >25 gross tons (Gt) upon Inland/Near-Coastal waters.

Experience:

• As a primary research vessel operator responsible for crew safety and sampling logistics.
• Identifying Washington’s seabirds, in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, and Washington’s marine mammals.
• Using line transect distance sampling from boats.
• Applying principles and procedures of biological research and field methods.
• Using standard field equipment (such as binoculars and range-finders).

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 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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06315.

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