Fish Technician III (4) Positions FRM

Hourly Wage: $18.23-$20.52 / Temporary / Full-Time
Location: Twisp, WA

About the role

Responsible for a variety of technical and skilled tasks associated with the Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration project in the Methow Basin. Participate in Coho production and research activities, including broodstock collection, transport, spawning, egg incubation, and juvenile rearing at both a hatchery and natural pond environment. Operate and maintain field equipment, collect and record legible field data, and perform data input and analysis related to Coho operations.

Responsibilities

• Field identification of juvenile and adult salmonids
• Acclimation of juvenile Coho and Chinook
• Cleaning and maintaining fish raceways
• Stream snorkel surveys
• Adult trapping, collection, and transport of adult Coho and sockeye
• Spawning broodstock
• Assisting with Coho egg incubation
• Cleaning and maintaining fish traps
• Operating and maintaining field equipment (waders, dry suits, rafts, GPS units, coded wire tag detectors, PIT tag detectors)
• Spawning ground surveys
• Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag and floy tagging of juvenile/adult salmonids
• Data recording and entry to various databases
• Function as a lead technician on Fisheries projects; oversee field operations and fisheries technicians in the absence of the Project Biologist
• Ensure adherence to procedures and standards in field activities (juvenile acclimation, broodstock collection, egg incubation, spawning ground surveys, snorkel surveys, and biological sampling)
• Conduct sampling of juvenile and adult salmonids (length, weight, scale sample, genetic sample, stage of smoltification)
• Collaborate with Yakama Nation and other agency employees on cooperative research and field studies
• Enter, check, and analyze data using Microsoft Excel and Access; create charts, tables, graphs, forms, and queries
• Record field data legibly on data sheets or in a daily log book (e.g., fish length, weight, sex)
• Operate and maintain assigned vehicles safely
• Perform additional projects or assist other Fisheries staff as requested

Requirements

• Two years of prior work experience at a Fish Technician II level
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit
• Must live in or relocate within proximity, preferably within ½-hour driving distance of the Mid-Columbia Field Station in Twisp, WA
• Willing and able to work independently, as well as nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. on a daily basis
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions
• Ability to report to work on short notice when needed

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel for data input and analysis
• Knowledge of fish species identification and sexual characteristics
• Skill in white water rafting and water safety procedures
• Ability to use standard Fisheries equipment (PIT tag readers, coded wire tag detectors, GPS units)
• Knowledge of standard Fisheries principles and procedures
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to organize and oversee work assignments of other technicians
• Ability to keep accurate data and produce summary reports
• Ability to work tactfully with the public
• Ability to perform duties without direct supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License with a tank endorsement

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