Seasonal Container Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $3,653.00 - $4,866.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Seattle - West Seattle, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 2026-06666
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Dockside 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 September 16, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program - Puget Sound ManagementDuty Station- Seattle, Washington - King County
Please note: The salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: WDFW Staff Conducting a Creel Survey - 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 launch facilities 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 Dockside 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 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 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 .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06666.
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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