Description

Title- Commercial Fishery Observer
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Part-Time / On-Call / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Eight (8)
Appointment Length- 5 months – July 6, 2026 – December 15, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington –Thurston County
Posting Timeframe-This recruitment has been reopened to increase the applicant pool. If you applied previously, your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply.

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!

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

In these roles, you’ll 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 these roles, the Commercial Fishery Observers will,

• Board commercial fishing vessels while underway via vessel-to-vessel 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 on catch, by-catch, 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.
• Observe and record seabird and marine mammal interaction/encounters with fishing gear.
• 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 is an on-call position with hours assigned as needed; there is no guaranteed minimum. Work may be scheduled for up to seven (7) days per week, with shifts potentially exceeding 12 hours in a single day. Schedules will vary based on organizational needs and staff availability. Must be able to respond on short notice and be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Travel Requirements: 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. Often traveling occurs in the early morning and later night. Overnight stays are expected when sampling the fishing fleet in certain areas. 

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

Customer Interactions: Interact with co-workers from WDFW and Tribal Co-managers, commercial fishermen including vessel captains and crews, salmon buyers, fish processors, and the public.

Requirements

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science AND two (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 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 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 one or more of the following:

Experience:

• Experience identifying salmon, marine fish, sturgeon, and marine mammals (pinnipeds).
• Experience conducting fisheries sampling.
• Small boat experience, with the ability to work at sea while safely and effectively performing all assigned duties.
• Experience accurately recording information.
• Experience with communicating with the public.
• Experience working on boats in rough sea conditions.

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.