Fish Culturist IV-YKFP

Fish Culturist IV Yakima, Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) Department of Natural Resources Hourly Wage: $21.11-$23.75/Regular/Full-Time

Location:

Prosser

Provide support to the hatchery manager in the operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries; direct and monitor the work of subordinates and staff involved in all phases of the hatchery operation in order to achieve management goals. The Fish Culturist IV performs a variety of technical, team lead tasks associated with managing valuable fish stocks at the Upper Yakama Supplementation Complex a spawning, incubation, and rearing and research complex located near Cle Elum, Washington.

The incumbent supports the Hatchery Manager in producing over 810,000 Spring Chinook Annually. Team lead responsibilities include assigning and monitoring the work of subordinate staff involved in all phases of the hatchery operation in order to achieve management goals. Duties include the collection and spawning of brood stock, incubation and egg handling, administering treatments, biological sampling, feeding, fish transport and release.

This position also plays a major role in operating and maintaining all hatchery waters systems and associated equipment. The incumbent provides support for research activities and ensures data collection activities are completed according to plan. The Fish Culturist incumbent is required to live on site, work variable shifts and respond to alarms to ensure 24-hour coverage.

• Provide support to the management by scheduling the work of subordinates and assisting in trapping and selecting adult salmon for artificial spawning, egg collection, traying, shocking, counting, setting proper water flows, monitoring egg development and fish growth, and preparing tanks and ponds for receipt of fry or fingerling. Schedule transfers of fish to proper sites. Monitor water levels, date feeding schedules, and observe fish for presence of disease or parasites.
  
  Determine treatment to alleviate disease or parasite.
• Dissect dead or spawned out salmon to check for egg retention and take viral samples for disease analysis.
• Consult with immediate supervisor and hatchery manager to determine liberation schedules and may drive liberation tank truck to scheduled site.
• Establish proper feeding schedule to coordinate fish growth with pond availability and release dates.
• Assist management in planning for production schedule.
• Collect, record, and report observation data; maintain activity logs; prepare periodic reports of activities and accomplishments.
• Determine proper levels of water quality such as dissolved gases, suspended solids, temperature, and pH. Treat hatchery water as needed.
• Maintain genetic diversity through proper brood stock selection of the wild stock population.
• Assume responsibility for all hatchery operations in the absence of the Hatchery Manager, Assistant Manager, or Complex Foreman (FC V).
• Coordinate work with contractors on major equipment issues on pumps, chillers, etc. Work with contractor on site for repairs and upgrades.
• Serve as a hatchery ship foreman. Perform a wide variety of facilities maintenance duties that require welding, grinding, fabrication, and carpentry work.
• Perform Safety Officer duties on a routine basis.
• Coordinate with and assist management in project planning, setting goals and adjusting priorities as conditions require. Person in charge of facility in absence of hatchery manager, assistant manager, or Complex Foreman.

• Knowledge of various types of salmonids and life history of common fish diseases and usual treatments.
• Knowledge of habits of fish care and propagation of fish and fish eggs, equipment and supplies needed in maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operation.
• Ability to assist in hatchery reports such as water permits and monthly progress reports.

• Minimum of a two‑year fish technology degree and three years hatchery experience.
• One year of experience as a Fish Culturist III or Fish Technician III.
• Required to pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
• Required to live on‑site, perform standby duties and respond to alarms.
• May be required to work variable hours, long days, early mornings, holidays, and weekends.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.