Demo

Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-05405

State of Washington
Auburn, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/30/2026
Description

Working Title- Creel Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 5.5 Months – August 13, 2026 – January 29, 2027

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management Division

Duty Station- *Auburn, Washington – King County

  • While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County. Additionally, 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 – Creel sampling – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about ensuring sustainable recreational and commercial fish populations for the future?

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will record, review, and tabulate recreational fisheries data impacts on salmon.

We are seeking a candidate to conduct creel surveys of recreational anglers fishing for salmon in the Duwamish/Green River.

What To Expect -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Conducts angler creel surveys for Chinook, pink, and coho salmon in the Green River Basin.

  • Conducts visual examinations of fish to identify them to species and obtain information from anglers fishing for Chinook, pink, and coho salmon including angling duration, and species targeted, caught, and released.
  • Explains survey project, procedures, and objectives to sport fishermen to enlist their cooperation in providing quality data for the study.
  • Daily walks, bikes, and drives long distances along the river often climbing down difficult slopes to reach the riverbank where anglers are fishing.

Keeps accurate records of survey data and summarizes results in both a PowerPoint and report.

  • Accurately records and compiles creel survey data.
  • Enters data into Excel on a daily basis and compiles charts, draws graphs, and prepares illustrations to convey the data.
  • Creates a PowerPoint presentation of results and provides a summary report for the creels.

Working Conditions

Work setting: Working alone for long hours in physically demanding conditions, climbing down steep banks to reach anglers, and walking, biking, and driving long distances, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. It may also include rowing a pontoon boat in the river. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Wednesday - Saturday. Surveys will be conducted both in the morning (e.g., 6am start) and evening (e.g., 4pm start).

Travel requirements: Local travel to field sites is required daily. An agency vehicle will be provided for surveys.

Customer Interactions: Extensive contact with recreational anglers on the river and boaters at boat ramps.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Option 1

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two (2) years of experience (professional or volunteer) as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2

Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science, and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience (professional or volunteer) 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 semester or nine 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:

  • Working knowledge of salmon life history and previous experience identifying Pacific salmon.
  • Experience interviewing members of the public.
  • Experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers.
  • Experience collecting data in the field and recording data accurately.
  • Experience with rafting, kayaking, or similar activity on the water.
  • Research and Gathering Information: Effectively and correctly identifies, collects, organizes and documents survey field data.
  • Recordkeeping: Consistently and accurately documents information and updates records/databases.
  • Using Personal Computers: Understands basic computer operation with experience in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to work independently with very little oversight.

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 #2026-05405.

Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!

Follow Us On Social Media

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

cp

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 exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

  • Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
  • No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Some College.
  • Vocational Degree or Certificate.
  • Associate's Degree.
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Master's Degree.
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.

05

Which option best describes your experience as a Scientific Technician, or your laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist?

  • I do not have this experience.
  • I have less than 2 years of this experience.
  • I have 2 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained your experience as a Scientific Technician, or your laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, ST2, 2020 – present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.

07

Briefly describe your experience interviewing members of the public. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.

08

Do you have experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers?

  • Yes, I have experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers.
  • No, I do not have experience angling for trout or salmon and interacting with other anglers.

09

Do you have experience collecting data in the field?

  • Yes, I have experience collecting data in the field.
  • No, I do not have experience collecting data in the field.

10

Do you have working knowledge of salmon life history and previous experience identifying Pacific salmon?

  • Yes, I have this knowledge and experience.
  • No, I do not have this knowledge and experience.

11

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

  • American Fisheries Society (AFS)
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Conservation Job Board
  • El Informador
  • Facebook
  • Four W's Fishing Team, LLC – Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Hydraulic Institute (HI)
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
  • Newspaper
  • Other
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Society of American Foresters (SAF)
  • Texas A&M
  • University Job Board
  • UW College of the Environment
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
  • X (formerly Twitter)

12

Tell us more – kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.

  • Required Question

Salary.com Estimation for Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-05405 in Auburn, WA
$78,109 to $108,012
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-05405?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-05405 career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$67,065 - $95,497
Income Estimation: 
$69,915 - $83,461
Income Estimation: 
$80,927 - $120,007
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at State of Washington

  • State of Washington Grand Mound, IA
  • Join our team as a Psychologist 4 at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center at the Maple Lane Campus. Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane off... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • State of Washington Thurston, WA
  • This recruitment will remain open until August 7, 2026 . The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening da... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • State of Washington Lakewood, WA
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 (Initial Target Salary: $5,011 monthly) We are hiring Occupational Therapy Assistants to join our dedicated team at Wester... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • State of Washington Seattle, WA
  • Community Corrections Officer 2 (or CCO1 In-training) Community Corrections Division West Seattle, WA [DOC WFSE CCO1* Monthly Salary Range 49: $4,880.00 to... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Creel Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - 2026-05405 jobs in the Auburn, WA area that may be a better fit.

  • State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Auburn, WA
  • Description Working Title- Creel Surveyor Classification- Scientific Technician 2 Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent Appointment Length- 5.5 Months – Augu... more
  • 20 Days Ago

  • Costco Wholesale Corporation PUYALLUP, WA
  • Job Description California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds o... more
  • 4 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!