Coastal Shellfish Technician - Scientific Technician 3 - Non-Permanent - *03517-25
Working Title- Coastal Shellfish Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 4 Months
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Coastal Shellfish Division
Duty Station- *Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County
*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Montesano, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This is an opportunity to conduct stock and harvest assessments essential for the sustainable management of Washington’s coastal razor clam fishery.
With your experience, you will ensure that data is collected using standard methods and is of sufficient quality to support generation of the coastwide annual estimate of razor clam population abundance.
We are seeking a candidate to perform a variety of complex scientific tasks using standardized methods and recommends new or modified sampling methods to biological staff.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Razor Clam Stock Assessment.
- Implement annual razor clam stock assessment by arranging specific dates, locations and staffing under the guidance and in cooperation with supervisory biologists.
- Regularly coordinate and work collaboratively with agency partners, including tribal co-managers and Olympic National Park staff.
- Supervise the day-to-day execution of the razor clam stock assessment field data collection. Supervise and direct duties of lower-level technicians in completion of stock assessments.
- Make last minute decisions regarding daily sampling plans when difficult environmental conditions are present without risking the safety of staff members, but maintain the statistical validity of the sampling methodology.
- Prepare forms for data collection. Record, organize, compile, and summarize collected razor clam stock and harvest data using arithmetical and elementary statistical procedures. Organize and manage data after collection. In a timely fashion, enter collected razor clam data in prescribed formats and databases.
- Prepare and maintain sampling equipment (water pumps, metal carts, hoses, PVC poles, trailers, etc.) for field work and off-season storage.
Razor Clam Harvest Monitoring.
- Assist in the collection of razor clam harvest data including effort, CPUE, lengths, wastage, and ingress/egress.
- Dig specimens for bimonthly toxicity sampling. Ensure timely delivery of samples to the Washington Department of Health for biotoxin analysis.
Process Razor Clam Population Estimate Data.
- Conduct quality control of razor clam stock assessment data.
- Identify and record GPS coordinates for sampling sites, ensuring accurate integration with stock assessment data.
- Using established methods, enter the data collected and calculate estimates for the number of recruit and pre-recruit razor clams present on each of five management beaches.
Other Duties.
- Work closely with supervising biologist to execute field work associated with special research projects on razor clams, Dungeness crab, and other species and projects as necessary.
- Participate in additional field work and sample collection required for the management of coastal shellfisheries, including, Dungeness crab (boat-based/dockside sampling), and other species (e.g., spot prawn, pink shrimp) and projects as necessary.
- Work closely with Willapa Bay staff to conduct on-going monthly razor clam condition index, maturity studies, and shellfish habitat and stock enhancement projects using standard methods.
- Maintain, organize, and repair equipment and facilities (shellfish workstation in the shop, outdoor storage, vehicle wash rack, etc.).
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work is performed outdoors in adverse weather conditions on land or off a marine vessel platform. Work long hours using a sampling technique that requires using a repetitive motion to raise and lower a six-foot wand (made of 1.5” diameter PVC pipe). Lift and transport sampling equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. Pull 100-foot-long 2-inch fire hoses (used in sampling) up to 600 feet along a sandy beach. Dig razor clams by kneeling on the beach using a shovel and a repetitive digging motion. Work on vessels in extremely rough open-ocean conditions. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be capable of towing a trailer and backing it into tight spaces. Spend long periods of time using a computer keyboard while entering data.
Schedule: Often begin the workday at very early hours or end the workday at very late-night hours, often in inclement weather, and for several consecutive days. Since the majority of field work being conducted is based on the tide schedule, this position will require weekend and holiday work, and does not have a set schedule.
Travel requirements: Travel overnight (for several days at a time) to other parts of the Region for sampling purposes (up to 15%).
Customer Interactions: Effectively interact positively with unhappy members of the public while explaining fishery regulations and seasons.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and four (4) years of experience as a Scientific Technician.
Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and four (4) 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 will substitute year-for-year for experience, provided the course work includes at least 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.
License:
Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Experience harvesting razor clams.
- Experience spending time at sea on commercial fishing vessels.
- Intermediate experience with high-level of skill using Excel spreadsheets and Access databases.
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 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 Cheri.Potter@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: 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 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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-03517.