Fish Technician IV-YKFP Toppenish

About the role

Fish Technician IV oversees data collection operations within a specific area of fisheries and conducts field activities for the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP). This role involves supervisory responsibilities and participation in various fisheries field research projects, monitoring of tribal fisheries, and Columbia River predation control.

Responsibilities

• Chandler Juvenile Facility Supervisory Technician:
  • Oversee the facility in the Biologist’s absence.
  • Assist Biologist in fish sampling activities, including species and fish mark identification, data recording quality control, and fish handling.
  • Perform corrections and repairs to the facility.
  • Supervise separator and data technicians in daily tasks.
• Stream Sampler Supervisory Technician:
  • Oversee all field-related research activities.
  • Conduct fish population estimates using backpack and boat electroshocking and snorkeling.
  • Perform gravel sampling, placement and maintenance of thermographs, red capping, stream flow measurement, beach seining, and installation/monitoring of fish traps.
• Harvest Monitor Supervisory Technician:
  • Oversee tribal harvest and catch monitoring activities in the Columbia River and its tributaries.
  • Supervise Fish Technician I-IIIs in harvest monitoring activities.
  • Understand tribal fishing seasons, regulations, and fishing locations.
  • Build trust and rapport with tribal fishermen.
• Fish Collection and Distribution Technician:
  • Assist in the collection of lampreys and smelt.
  • Transport and distribute salmon carcasses from state and federal hatcheries.
  • Coordinate with hatchery managers for salmon carcass collection.
• Fish Planting Technician:
  • Plant salmon and resident trout in streams, drains, ponds, and lakes on and off the reservation.
  • Transport adult salmon to hatchery facilities for broodstock purposes.
  • Operate hatchery transport trucks and ensure fish health during transportation and release.
• Spawner Survey Field Technician:
  • Conduct spawner surveys, identify and flag redds, record field notes, and collect biological data from fish carcasses.
  • Row survey boats as needed.
• Stream Sampler Field Technician:
  • Conduct field research using various sampling methodologies, including fish population estimates, gravel sampling, thermograph placement/maintenance, red capping, stream flow measurement, beach seining, and fish trap installation/monitoring.
• Harvest Monitor Field Technician:
  • Collect catch and harvest monitoring data and biological samples.
  • Record various types of monitoring data.
• Predation Control Field Technician:
  • Remove northern squawfish from the Columbia River and its tributaries using angling, traps, and nets.
  • Collect biological data associated with predation control fieldwork.
• Video Monitoring Technician:
  • Accurately record adult fish passage data from video tapes captured by remote systems at four Yakima River fish ladders.
  • Enumerate daily salmonid passage by species, record individual fish lengths, and document facility and video hardware conditions.
  • Adhere to precise protocols for tape reading and data entry.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of experience as a Fish Technician III or equivalent.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Fisheries or a related field.

Skills

• Technical fisheries skills and people management abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of facility operations and field activities conducted by the fisheries program.
• Basic biological understanding of field activities and ability to conduct biological analysis (e.g., fish population estimates, length frequency histograms).
• Ability to make independent decisions, problem-solve, and work with minimal supervision.
• Supervisory experience with Fish Technician I, II, and III.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with employees and the public.
• Genuine interest in fisheries programs and proactive communication of concerns and solutions.

Pay

Hourly wage: $21.11 (full-time, regular position).