Fisheries Technician 1: Cowlitz River Spawning Ground Surveyor

About the role

The successful candidate will join the Tacoma Power Natural Resources Services and Delivery team, supporting project managers to meet various license requirements. Work primarily involves the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project, with occasional travel to the Cushman Hydroelectric Project and Nisqually River Project Facilities (Adler Dam and LaGrande Dam). The position involves strenuous fieldwork, including hiking in uneven terrain, navigating swift water, and driving to field locations in poor weather conditions. This role offers valuable experience for those pursuing a career in aquatic and fisheries sciences, set in one of Washington State’s most scenic river destinations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in anadromous fish escapement surveys (e.g., red, trap/weir, carcass, snorkel).
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples (e.g., scales, otoliths, other tissues).
• Assist with fish passage operations (e.g., juvenile and adult salmonid passage facilities).
• Collect, enter, document, organize, and perform quality assurance for spawning ground surveys, fish passage, and other monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Collect, enter, document, organize, and perform quality assurance of data sets related to adult and juvenile fish handling, identification, marking, and transport.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience in inclement weather conditions
• Ability to record detailed data