Salary: $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Auburn, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05405
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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.
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.
- Conducts visual examinations of fish to identify them to species and obtain information from anglers fishing for Chinook, pink, and coho salmon including angling duration, and species targeted, caught, and released.
- Explains survey project, procedures, and objectives to sport fishermen to enlist their cooperation in providing quality data for the study.
- Daily walks, bikes, and drives long distances along the river often climbing down difficult slopes to reach the riverbank where anglers are fishing.
Keeps accurate records of survey data and summarizes results in both a PowerPoint and report.
- Accurately records and compiles creel survey data.
- Enters data into Excel on a daily basis and compiles charts, draws graphs, and prepares illustrations to convey the data.
- Creates a PowerPoint presentation of results and provides a summary report for the creels.
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:
- Working knowledge of salmon life history and previous experience identifying Pacific salmon.
- Experience interviewing members of the public.
- Experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers.
- Experience collecting data in the field and recording data accurately.
- Experience with rafting, kayaking, or similar activity on the water.
- Research and Gathering Information: Effectively and correctly identifies, collects, organizes and documents survey field data.
- Recordkeeping: Consistently and accurately documents information and updates records/databases.
- Using Personal Computers: Understands basic computer operation with experience in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently with very little oversight.
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 and other , there are other 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:
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 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
- 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 , 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #
2026-05405.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for