Fish Technician III -FRM Twisp

Announcement # 2026‑166 | Issue Date 09‑23‑26 | Closing Date 10‑06‑26

Location: Twisp, WA (Mid‑Columbia Field Station). Hourly wage: $18.23 – $20.52 (regular, full‑time).

About the role

The Fish Technician III provides technical and skilled support for the Mid‑Columbia Coho Restoration project in the Methow Basin. The position involves coho production and research activities—including broodstock collection, transport, spawning, egg incubation, and juvenile rearing—both at a hatchery and in natural pond environments. The technician operates and maintains field equipment, records and analyzes data, and participates in monitoring and evaluation duties such as spawning‑ground surveys, snorkel surveys, and various stock assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead technician on fisheries projects; oversee field operations and other technicians in the absence of the Project Biologist.
• Collect, transport, and spawn broodstock; acclimate juvenile coho and chinook.
• Clean and maintain fish raceways, traps, and other field equipment.
• Conduct stream snorkel surveys, adult trapping, and transport of adult coho and sockeye.
• Assist with coho egg incubation and juvenile rearing in hatchery and natural ponds.
• Perform passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag and floy tagging of juvenile and adult salmonids.
• Record field data legibly on data sheets or daily log books (e.g., fish length, weight, sex) and enter data into various databases.
• Operate and maintain field gear including waders, dry suits, rafts, GPS units, coded‑wire‑tag detectors, and PIT tag detectors.
• Use Microsoft Excel to enter data, check for errors, and create charts, tables, and graphs.
• Use Microsoft Access to import spreadsheets, create forms and tables, and conduct queries for data analysis.
• Operate assigned vehicle safely and maintain it in good condition.
• Work productively with Yakama Nation and other agency personnel on cooperative research and field studies.
• Perform additional projects or tasks as assigned and assist other fisheries staff as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Access and Excel for data entry 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 such as PIT tag readers, coded‑wire‑tag detectors, and GPS units.
• Understanding of standard fisheries principles and procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Capability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to organize and oversee work assignments of other technicians.
• Accuracy in data recording and ability to produce summary reports.
• Professional interaction with the public.
• Capacity to work independently without direct supervision.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lb daily.
• Flexibility to adhere to a schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Readiness to report to work on short notice when needed.

Minimum Requirements

• At least two years of prior work experience at a Fish Technician II level.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to obtain a Yakama Nation driving permit.
• Residence within approximately a ½‑hour drive of the Mid‑Columbia Field Station in Twisp, WA (or willingness to relocate).
• Enrolled Yakama Preference is given, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Pay

Hourly wage ranges from $18.23 to $20.52 for regular full‑time work.

Schedule

The position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to respond to work assignments on short notice.