Sample Catcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Title- Recreational Fisheries Sampler Classification- Scientific Technician 2 Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal Season Length- 5.5 Months - May 25 - November 7 For the 2026 season, this position is anticipated to begin October 1, 2026 WDFW Program- Fish Program - Puget Sound Management Duty Station- Tacoma, Washington - Pierce County Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW. Photo Caption: Chinook Catch Sampling - Photo Credit: WDFW As part of the Puget Sound Management team, you will collect and summarize recreational salmon, marine fish, and shellfish catch information and collect biological data to meet fisheries sampling goals. This dynamic role will take you to boat ramps across the Puget Sound to conduct sampling and interview recreational anglers

With your experience, you will obtain stock composition, age structure (scales), length information for legal and sublegal proportions, and hatchery/natural-origin proportions (clipped/un-clipped adipose fin status) for salmon fisheries. What to Expect- Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Recreational Fisheries Sampler will, Interview and sample recreational fishery anglers at assigned boat launch facilities for salmon, halibut, marine fish, and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition. Collect data to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish.

Sample salmon for coded wire tags (CWT). Collect biological data from fish. Use iForms and review sampling data before uploading.

Provide members of the public with information on sport fishing regulations and fish identification. Working Conditions: Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily conducted in the field. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, and finger manipulations.

Long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, and boating for angler interviews. Work includes climbing in and out of boats and kneeling on hard surfaces to sample salmon and other marine fish, as well as carrying and occasional heavy lifting of containers of fish (up to 40 pounds, unassisted). Work in confined spaces, around fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives.

May transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, 24/7 scheduling.

Typically, 8 to 10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., including weekend days. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period

Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs. Travel Requirements: May travel throughout the Puget Sound area with infrequent overnight travel. May be required to use a personal vehicle when an agency-owned vehicle is unavailable.

Customer Interactions: Interact daily with members of the public to collect fisheries data and provide information regarding fisheries resources, agency programs, and activities. Interact with Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, and recreational anglers and shellfishers. May encounter individuals experiencing frustration.

Qualifications: 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 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 experience in some or all the following: Experience with: Conducting creel and fisheries sampling in the Puget Sound or a similar area. Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.

Salmon life history and sport fishing regulations. Commercial and sport fishing methods and gear. Handling fish.

Working with members of the public. Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Windows). 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.

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 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 #2026-07325. Know someone who would like to volunteer. WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram dg