Fisheries Technician II

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the SA Manager and reporting to senior Fisheries Biologist(s), this position primarily will assist with juvenile salmonid sampling (with rotary smolt traps and beach seines) and adult salmon spawning ground surveys. This position is primarily field-based and will include regular day and night/overnight shifts sometimes including weekends. Work sometimes includes inclement weather conditions and applicant must be able to walk long distances (up to 3-5 miles) across rough terrains and rivers/streams and be able to carry gear (up to 50 lbs.). Juvenile monitoring field work includes deploying net gear and operating rotary smolt traps, in addition to employing fishery sampling techniques such as recording biological data of catch, sampling for otoliths, fin clips, scales and/or CWT’s, and implanting PIT-tags or other tagging methods. Applicant must be able to write and record data clearly and legibly and prioritize creating and maintaining a safe work environment. These positions have funding available through 12/31/2025, with additional funding possible but not guaranteed. These positions include health coverage benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

include the following, and other related duties as assigned.

Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring

1. Operate rotary smolts traps to primarily monitor juvenile salmonid outmigrants (and other species). Our team operates two smolt traps; one located at Hovander Park in the lower Nooksack River and one upstream of the Acme Bridge on SR-9 in the South Fork Nooksack River
2. Follow sampling and operational protocols for monitoring including data recording, biological sampling, species identification.
3. Practice safety as a priority at all times when working on hazardous equipment
4. Securely store and maintain gear and equipment as necessary
5. Stay in regular communication with supervisor and co-workers and update supply/equipment needs each day
6. Operation of small outboard boat motors is routinely necessary

Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys

1. Carefully follows sampling protocols to provide accurate and complete counts of live and dead salmon and their redds.
2. Prepares and collects all needed forms and sampling gear prior to departing for the field.
3. Accurately and completely fills out all survey data forms. Reviews data forms for errors and completeness.
4. Keen at locating and sampling carcasses.
5. Correctly collects, labels, and records scale, otolith, and DNA tissue sample data as described in the sampling protocols.
6. Personal gear, such as waders and raingear, are maintained in good condition an available for use when needed.
7. Sampling gear such as GPS units and CWT wands are carefully maintained and secured after each use.
8. Capable of accurately entering field data into computer databases as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Fisheries Science, Native Environmental Science, or related field. This requirement can be substituted for high school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of relevant work experience as a Fisheries Technician I
• Physically ability to walk 3-5 miles per day over rough terrain, cross swift rivers, and carry equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet eligibility requirements for tribal insurance.
• Lummi/Native American/Veteran preference policy applies.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Experience with salmon spawning ground surveys preferred
• Juvenile sampling experience on rotary smolt traps and/or beach seining preferred
• Familiarity with the Nooksack River basin preferred
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance of boats, outboard motors, and fishing gear preferred
• Work experience in the collection of fisheries field data preferred
• Ability to accurately identify juvenile and adult salmon preferred
• Leadership and supervisory experience
• Keen awareness and concern for employee safety
• Ability to record field data accurately and legibly
• Ability to precisely follow oral and written directions and protocols.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol test to be eligible for and maintain employment, as required by the LIBC Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.
• Position requires Criminal Background Check.