Fish Technician III

Overview

Announcement #

Issue Date: 01-20-26

Closing Date: 02-02-26

Position: Fish Technician III (4) Four Positions

Department: Fisheries Resources Management (FRM), Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $18.23-$20.52;

Employment type:

Temporary/Full-Time

Location: Twisp, WA

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 brood stock 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 input and analyze data related to Coho operations.

Participate in monitoring and evaluation duties, including spawning ground surveys, snorkel surveys and various stock assessments. Duties include, but are not limited to, 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 brood stock; assisting with Coho egg incubation;

cleaning and maintaining fish traps; operating and maintaining field equipment; spawning ground surveys; PIT tag and fly tagging of juvenile/adult salmonids; and data recording and entry to various databases. Must be willing and able to work independently as well as nights, weekends and holidays.

• Functions as a Lead Technician on Fisheries projects. In the absence of the Project Biologist, will oversee field operations and fisheries technicians.
• Ensures that applicable procedures are followed and standards adhered to in all field activities, including juvenile acclimation, brood stock collection, and egg incubation, spawning ground surveys, snorkel surveys and other assorted biological sampling.
• Conducts sampling of juvenile and adult salmonids (length, weight, scale sample, genetic sample, and stage of smoltification).
• Works productively alongside Yakama Nation and other agency employees on cooperative research and field studies.
• Using Microsoft Excel, enters data, checks for errors, creates various charts, tables and graphs.
• Using Microsoft Access, imports spreadsheets, creates forms, tables and analyzes data by conducting queries.
• Operates and maintains field equipment, including waders, dry suits, rafts, GPS unit, coded wire tag detectors, and PIT tag detectors.
• Records field data legibly on data sheet and/or a daily log book, such as fish length, weight, and sex.
• Operates assigned vehicle in a safe manner and maintains it in good condition.
• May be assigned new projects and tasks not included in the description, or to assist other Fisheries staff as requested by supervisor, ensuring efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel to input and analyze collected field data.
• 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 a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of standard Fisheries principles and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to organize and oversee work assignments of other technicians.
• Able to keep accurate data and produce summary reports.
• Ability to work tactfully with the public.
• Ability to perform duties without direct supervision.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. on a daily basis.
• Ability to adhere to an assigned work schedule, which may include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to report to work on a moment's notice if and when need arises.

• Two years prior work experience at a Fish Technician II level.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the 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.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

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