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Fisheries Technician 2- Juvenile Steelhead Survival
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Feb 23, 2026
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to assist the U.S. Geological Survey as a Fisheries Technician 2 at the Western Fisheries Research Center in Cook, WA.
Position/Project Specifics:
This will involve field work in boats on large rivers and reservoirs around the region and on foot. This research is related to a growth and survival study of juvenile steelhead as well as GBT (gas bubble trauma) monitoring.
The incumbent will assist in the daily field work activities which consists of seining and electrofishing. The incumbent will assist with PIT (passive integrated transponder) tagging of juvenile steelhead, as well as examining resident fish under a microscope for signs of GBT.
Additional responsibilities include collecting and recording field data with a high degree of accuracy, supporting field logistics, and maintaining boats. The technician will be expected to work safely at all times and contribute to a safe work environment for themselves and their teammates.
Essential Functions:
- Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, fin clips or tags, and/or signs of parasites, diseased or pathogens.
- Lead and participate in crews engages in captive fish rearing activities including sampling, sorting, handling, medicating, anesthetizing and transporting fish. Crew may also monitor the status of facility systems and equipment, fabricate, construct and maintain systems. Gather research data and organize information from fish samples or experimental projects.
- Lead crew in 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.
- Develop and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success and anti-predator behavior.
- Update database by entering, checking and/or editing 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.
- Assist pathologists with routine diagnoses of fish mortalities including necropsy and sampling for pathogens.
- Perform precision ageing of two to four different species of fish in a laboratory setting. Record age and growth data in the appropriate format; summarize and input date. Collect and organize biological samples and collections. Document ageing problems, techniques and results in annual production ageing reports. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, or technical report writing.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
- Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
- Knowledge of fish husbandry.
- Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
- Knowledge of the scientific method.
- Knowledge of sampling protocols.
- Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
- Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
- Knowledge of basic math.
Employees have the knowledge to resolve common technical or procedural problems for themselves or their work crew. They are able to assess or interpret the significance of their results and relate that to the overall objective of the project. They have the knowledge to outline, organize and execute the details of projects where unusual or irregular procedural or technical problems arise.
Additional Mandatory Skills:
- Compile and collect neat and accurate data
- Data synthesis and basic analysis
- Proficient in computer software, such as Excel, Word, P4 or P5
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to swim
- Walking in rough terrain
- Fish Identification skills
- Oral communication skills
- Written communication skills
- CPR/First Aid
- Basic boat and vehicle maintenance skills
Physical Demands:
The work requires physical exertion such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, or similar activities. The incumbent should be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Additionally, the work requires above average manual dexterity and coordination, necessary to perform common laboratory techniques and safely negotiate wet river banks and slippery rocks.
Work Environment:
Work is based at the Western Fisheries Research Center located in Cook, WA. The incumbent conducts a combination of office and field work. The office and laboratory are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, and cold water temperatures. Field and laboratory duties may require the use of special protective gear. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow coworkers, or property with which entrusted.