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Fisheries Technician 1- Columbia River Sampling
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Operations
Ridgefield, WA, USA
Posted on Feb 20, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking candidates to fill the role of Fisheries Technician 1 - Columbia River Sampling located in Ridgefield, Washington. This is a temporary position with a duration projected to last 3 months or less.
Position/Project Specifics:
Interview anglers recording catch, species, effort and biological data. Travels to canneries, fish buying locations and tribal in-lieu sites collecting biological data and samples. Collections include length, gender, scale samples, DNA/GSI samples, CWT's, PIT's and VSI using established protocols. Uses CWT and PIT devices, iPad and Tough pads.
Essential Functions:
- Participate in survey crews that conduct recreational/commercial fishing surveys and 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.).
- Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers.
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:
- perform creel census
- electronic detection technol.
- able to swim
- valid driver's license
- fish species ID skills
- operate handheld data recorder
- compile and collect neat and accurate data
- oral communication skills
- written communication skills
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. 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.