Fish Culturist III (RFT) 2-Positions Peshastin

Hourly Wage: $18.23-$20.52 / Regular / Full-Time
Location: Peshastin

About the Role

Provide support to the Hatchery Manager and/or Hatchery Foreman in the operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries; direct and monitor the work of subordinates and staff involved in all phases of the hatchery operation to achieve management goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling subordinates and support trapping and selecting adult salmon for spawning, egg collection, trying, shocking, counting, setting proper water flows, monitoring egg development and fish growth, and preparing tanks and ponds for receipt of fry or fingerling.
• Monitor water levels, determine feeding schedules, and observe fish for presence of disease or parasites.
• Deliver treatments to alleviate disease or parasites.
• Dissect dead or spawned-out salmon to check for egg retention and take viral samples for disease analysis.
• Consult with immediate supervisor or Hatchery Manager to determine liberation schedules and may drive liberation tank truck to scheduled site.
• Establish proper feeding schedules to coordinate fish growth with pond availability and release dates.
• Collect, record, and report observation data; maintain activity logs; prepare periodic reports of activities and accomplishments.
• Determine proper levels of water quality such as dissolved gasses, suspended dissolved solids, temperature, and pH levels; treat hatchery water as needed.
• Assist with maintaining genetic diversity through proper broodstock selection of the wild stock population.
• Operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operations.
• Direct and work with other employees.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience at a Fish Culturist II or equivalent level (experience at a Fish Culturist III level may substitute).
• Ability to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a tank endorsement.
• Must relocate, preferably within a ½-hour driving distance of the assigned field station as part of the Upper Columbia Production Projects.
• Ability to adhere to an assigned work schedule, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to report to work on short notice when needed.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of various types of salmonids and their life history.
• Understanding of common fish diseases and usual treatments.
• Knowledge of fish habits, care, and propagation of fish and fish eggs.
• Familiarity with equipment and supplies needed for maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operations.
• Ability to direct and work with other employees.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to develop and maintain hatchery records.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.