Description

Title- Boat Operator
Classification- Scientific Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Nine (9)
Anticipated Appointment Length- 4.5 months – May 26, 2026 – October 7, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program  

Multiple locations in Western Washington – apply for one (1) or all the positions listed below by submitting one (1) application!

Anacortes, Washington – Skagit County – Three (3) positions
Edmonds, Washington – Snohomish County – Three (3) positions
Port Angeles, Washington – Clallam County – Two (2) positions
Sekiu, Washington – Clallam County – One (1) position

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until May 3, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on April 17, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Envision yourself piloting a research vessel through the waters of Puget Sound, conducting recreational test fishing and on-the-water surveys that directly support salmon fisheries management. 

In these hands-on roles, you’ll independently carry out established and emerging sampling protocols across Marine Areas 5–13, collecting critical data used to estimate catch and effort, inform stock assessments, and support sustainable fisheries. You’ll also occasionally conduct sampling at boat ramps and docks, connecting with the public while gathering valuable field data.

Your work plays a key role in ensuring accurate data collection that supports conservation goals, spawning targets, and mandated harvest allocations.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Boat Operators will,

Conduct test fishing and on-the-water boat surveys in the Marine Areas of Puget Sound (Areas 5 -13) for salmon fisheries: 

• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct recreational test fishing.
  • Use a variety of fishing methods (e.g., weight and bait, downrigger, jigging, diver) to emulate the recreational salmon fishing fleet.  
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard motorboats, including trailering, coming along side other boats in motion, launching and docking, in all types of weather conditions.  
  • Train and direct staff in the techniques used while test fishing.  
• Perform minor routine maintenance on the boat, motor, trailer, and test fishing equipment.
• Ensure safety of self and other staff while at sea.
• Collect biological data on salmon catch.
• Ensure data is accurately recorded, summarized, and uploaded to Puget Sound Sampling Unit’s database.
• Pilot WDFW research vessels to conduct on-the-water boat surveys.
  • Intercept recreational and charter fishing vessels at sea (stationery and while trolling) to conduct angler interviews.  
  • Operate outboard and inboard/outboard boats, including trailering, coming alongside other boats in motion, launching and docking, safely in all types of weather conditions, with little supervision.
  • Train and direct new staff in launching, retrieving and operating the vessel safely.

Sample recreational and/or commercial fisheries for salmon, marine fish and shellfish catch to determine the catch per unit of effort and species composition to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and other marine fish:

• Interview as many recreational fishery anglers as possible at assigned boat launch facilities. 
• Observe, count, and accurately identify all salmon and marine fish species.
• Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic coded-wire tag (CWT) detection devices (wand detectors).
   

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, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews, climbing in and out of boats, sampling salmon in a boat, carrying, kneeling, occasionally heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) of containers of fish.
• Work and stand in confined space, encounter fish blood and slime, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, the use of knives, and may transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.
• Ability to fully and effectively complete assigned duties and tasks while at sea, especially during rough seas and inclement weather.
• 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. The standard work schedule requires flexibility and 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: This position may travel throughout Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal. Overnight travel may be infrequent, and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

Tools and Equipment:

• Operate Outboard motorboat safely, including fueling and boat trailering. Use GPS, compass, data logger, fishing tackle and gear including downriggers.
• Handle sampling equipment, including iPads, iPhones, electronic accessories, electronic sampling devices (e.g., CWT detector), weighing scales, knives, forceps, head lamps, measuring boards, tally counters, tide books, totes/bins, paper forms, labels, scale cards, pencils, pens, clipboard, scissors, and personal flotation devices (PFD).
• Wear WDFW-provided apparel, gloves, and rain gear. Copies of current sampling and administrative manuals.

Customer Interactions:

• Engage with co-workers from WDFW and Tribes, commercial harvester or fishers, salmon buyers, fish processors, recreational anglers, and shellfishers.
• Interact with the public daily to collect fisheries data and provide information on fisheries resources, agency programs, and activities. Share sport fishing regulations and guidance, including with individuals who may be frustrated or upset.
• Provide a high level of customer service while serving as a liaison with regional supervisors and enforcement personnel regarding fishery violations observed in the field.

Requirements

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) 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 (1) year of high school science AND four (4) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a health or safety professional, 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.  

In addition to the options above, the following experience is required:

• At least six (6) months of experience operating 18’-28’ length motorized vessels in marine waters such as the Puget Sound or equivalent area.
• Experience recreationally fishing for salmon from a vessel.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

One (1) year or more of experience: 

• Operating 18’-28’ length motorized vessels in marine waters, including adverse conditions (e.g., Puget Sound or similar environments).
   

Six (6) months or more of experience: 

• Conducting test fishing for salmon in Puget Sound or equivalent areas.
• Sampling recreational and/or commercial salmon fisheries.
• Identifying all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.
• Understanding salmon life histories and sport fishing regulations.
• Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
• Using marine electronics (e.g., GPS, depth finder, radar, radio).
• Working with the public.
• Using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
   

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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.