Fisheries Technician 1- Klamath River Telemetry

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to the fill the role of Fisheries Technician 1 at Columbia River Research Laboratory in Cook, Washington. 

Position/Project Specifics:

The Fisheries Technician will assist fisheries biologists with a fish telemetry study focused on understanding fish migration throughout the Klamath River. Primary duties include assisting with the surgical implantation of telemetry tags in fish while ensuring fish care and handling are conducted in accordance with institutional animal care and use protocols. Additional responsibilities include collecting and recording field data, supporting field logistics, and maintaining telemetry receivers used to track fish. Training on all aspects of the job including animal care and receiver maintenance will be provided upon hire.

The technician will be expected to work safely at all times and contribute to a safe work environment for themselves and their teammates. This position requires extended travel, often for multiple consecutive weeks, and fieldwork conducted from both boats and shore-based locations. Work will be conducted outside in unpredictable environments that may include hot dry or cool and wet weather. Travel expenses including lodging in hotels will be paid for by the employer.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working along rivers, value careful and ethical science, and want to gain hands-on experience contributing to impactful fisheries research.

Essential Functions:  (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band.  They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Make regular facility inspections including, for example, dewatering equipment, pumps, flumes, gates, tanks, screens, filters, gatewells, and/or tag interrogation equipment. Monitor and maintain water quality levels. Record findings and adjustments made. Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies.
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.
• Research the land ownership of survey sites and assist in processes for gaining access approval, which may include direct landowner contact.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks. 

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc.   If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results. 

Additional Mandatory Skills:  

• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim                           
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• load boats on trailers                         
• tow & maneuver trailers        
• valid driver's license
• operate motorized boats                     
• operate non-motorized boats  
• hiking                                                 
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills               
• operate handheld data recorder         
• compile and collect neat and accurate data   
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.  Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.  Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. 

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water.  Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provides a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled

Location

Columbia River Research Laboratory

Project Length

4 months or less

Position Type

Temporary

Travel Requirements

75% - 100%

Benefits

Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, paid time for jury duty and bereavement leave.

Driving

State Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.

Salary Target

$16.64- $27.16/ hour

Closing Date

Jan 21, 2026