Salary: $20.58 - $27.42 Hourly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: On-Call
Job Number: 2026-03753
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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 !
Commercial Fisheries Observer - Photo Credit: 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.
Puget Sound seiner - Photo Credit: WDFW
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.
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 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.
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: 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 #2026-03753.
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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
