Boat Operator and Test Fisher - Scientific Technician 3

Boat Operator and Test Fisher - Scientific Technician 3 - Permanent - 2025-06424

• Conduct test fishing and on the water boat surveys in the Marine Areas of Puget Sound (Areas 5 -13) for salmon fisheries
• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct recreational test fishing
• Operate outboard and inboard/outboard motorboats, including trailering, coming along side other boats in motion, launching and docking, in all types of weather conditions
• Train and direct staff in the techniques used while Test Fishing
• Perform minor routine maintenance on the boat, motor, trailer, and test fishing equipment
• Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea
• Collect biological data on salmon catch
• Ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized, and uploaded to Puget Sound Sampling Unit’s database
• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct on the water boat surveys
• Intercept recreational and charter fishing vessels at sea (stationery and while trolling) to conduct angler interviews
• Operate outboard and inboard/outboard boats, including trailering, coming alongside other boats in motion, launching and docking, safely in all types of weather conditions, with little supervision
• Train and direct new staff in launching, retrieving and operating the vessel safely
• Sample recreational fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish
• Interview as many recreational fishery anglers as possible at assigned boat launch facilities
• Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors)

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science
• Four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician
• 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
• Minimum of six (6) months operating 16’-28’ length motorized vessels in marine waters such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area
• Competent in fishing for salmon from a vessel
• Six (6) months experience test fishing for salmon in Puget Sound equivalent area
• Sampling salmon fisheries
• Working with members of the public

• Health insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Vacation leave
• Dependent care assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Retirement plan
• Deferred compensation plan

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