Fish Technician III

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation • Toppenish, WA

2d • $18 - $21

About The Position

Incumbent will assist in predation projects that protect salmonids from piscivorous fish and avian populations within the lower Yakima River, the Columbia River, and Columbia River tributaries. Work responsibilities includes a variety of semi-technical and semi-skilled tasks relating to fisheries management including: 1) fieldwork in the rivers safely operating rafts, boats, firearms, pyrotechnics, electrofishing equipment and recording data; 2) ability to perform work independently, work well with other employees, and oversee technicians in the field; 3) effectively communicate projects status with supervisor, staff, and the local public. All field work is conducted within the watersheds of Yakama Nation ceded lands and usual and accustomed areas.

Requirements

• Ability to organize and instruct the workflow of technicians in the field.
• Ability to identify salmonids and other native/non-native fish in the Yakima & Columbia Rivers.
• Ability to identify piscivorous bird species residing in the Yakima and Columbia Rivers.
• Must be hard working, self-motivated, and willing to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to understand and communicate project goals and tribal culture and values.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to travel overnight throughout the middle Columbia River Basin if work requires.
• Ability to use standard Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.).
• Knowledge of general fishery field methodologies (i.e., electrofishing, PIT tagging, etc.).
• Pass a firearms safety and proficiency training and the ability to possess and operate a firearm.
• Pass a background check with no recent fish or wildlife convictions.
• Required to pass pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Experience lethally removing piscivorous birds using firearms in the Yakima or Columbia Rivers and/or experience hunting migratory or upland birds.
• Two years of experience as a Fish Technician II or similar professional position.
• Experience using jet boat, raft, and backpack electrofishing equipment for salmonid research.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist and oversee field staff for avian hazing and depredation activities including the use of pyrotechnics, lasers, firearms, and other equipment.
• Assist and oversee field staff for fish assemblage research and removal of non-native piscivorous fish populations which requires a keen awareness and understanding of river safety as well as the safe operation of backpack, raft, or jet boat electrofishing equipment.
• Oversees the safety, accurately and efficiency collect field data.
• Assist with data entry, data entry checks and creating various charts, graphs, or tables if needed.
• Works productively alongside Yakama Nation field and support staff and assist other Yakama Nation projects that support Fisheries Program goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed