Surveyor Jobs in Washington

Description

Number of Vacancies: Four (4) Positions
Working Title: Creel Surveyor
Classification: Scientific Technician 2
Job Status: Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length: 2.5 Months – August 17, 2026 – October 31, 2026
WDFW Program: Fish Program
Duty Station: Puyallup, Washington – Pierce County

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 Team WDFW! Photo Caption – Sekiu Sunrise – Photo Credit: Tyler Woodland

Play a key role in supporting salmon management and conservation efforts in South Puget Sound.

These positions focus on collecting creel data from recreational salmon fisheries on the Puyallup and Carbon rivers, conducting spawning ground surveys, and assisting at adult trapping and hatchery facilities. The data collected will help evaluate Catch Record Card-derived fishery impact estimates and support collaboration with tribal, federal, public, and private partners. Your work will contribute directly to the effective collection and exchange of critical fishery and escapement data.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, these Creel Surveyors will:

Conduct Angler Interviews:

- Conduct interviews with shore anglers on/near the river.
- Record all data into electronic data collection devices (iPads), review data for accuracy, and upload data daily at assigned duty station.

Effort Counts:

- Travel to multiple field sites on the river.
- Observe the number of vehicles present and record data into electronic data collection devices (iPads).

Biological Data Collection:

- Identify and sample salmon harvested by anglers.
- Record biological data (species, length, sex, mark status, etc.) onto creel forms, iPad, scale cards and head tags.
- Collect samples from harvested salmon (scales, snouts with coded wire tags, tissue, and otoliths).
- Scale cards will be dropped off weekly with interview forms and snouts will be left in designated freezers at the end of each shift.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

- Work in all weather conditions including driving on and standing near busy parking areas and roadways.
- Field work can be strenuous while walking in or along streams with slick boulders, crawling over logjams, wading across riffles with moderate/fast current, or maneuvering watercrafts.
- Stand, walk and drive on uneven and rough terrain. Work near fast flowing water.
- Must handle knives and deceased fish, carry all sampling equipment on one’s person, and is subjected to outdoor elements (cold and hot weather, rain, wind, insects and wild animals).
- This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Typically, four (4) 10-hour work shifts. Generally, two (2) weekday shifts and two (2) weekend shifts. Holiday work will not be required.

Travel Requirements:

Employees will be provided state agency vehicles to commute between duty stations and field locations.

Tools and Equipment:

Code wire tag (CWT) wand, filet knife, measuring tape, forceps/tweezers, scale cards, head bags and tags, data forms, iPad, boots, rain gear, high-vis vests, life jackets and WDFW logo hat/shirt.

Customer Interactions:

Interact with the public on and near the river, including conducting interviews with anglers and communicating information to the public. May encounter members of the public who are frustrated and may be approached by law enforcement and military personnel.

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 will 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.

License:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Experience identifying and sampling salmonids.
- Experience identifying inland fish species.
- Experience in sportfishing regulation.
- Experience operating non-motorized watercraft in river type waters.
- Experience following oral and written instructions, communication skills and the ability to interact with the general public.

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 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 #2026-05137.

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