Job Description

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2026-164

Issue Date:

08-17-26

Closing Date:

09-04-26

Fish Culturist III (2) Two Positions

Fisheries Resource Management (FRM)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $18.23-$20.52/Regular/Full-Time

Location: Peshastin

Provide support to the Hatchery Manager and/or Hatchery Foreman 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.

Examples of Work Performed:

Provide support to the management by assisting with scheduling (at the supervisor's discretion) of subordinates and assisting in trapping and selecting adult salmon for spawning, egg collection, trying, shocking, counting, setting proper water flows, monitoring egg development and fish growth, and preparing tanks and ponds for receipt of fry or fingerling. Assist with monitoring water levels, determine feeding schedules, and observe fish for presence of disease or parasites. Assist with delivering treatments 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 or Hatchery Manager to determine liberation schedules and may drive liberation tank truck to scheduled site.

Assist with establish proper feeding schedule to coordinate fish growth with pond availability and release dates.

Collect, record, and report observation date; maintain activity logs; prepare periodic reports of activities and accomplishments.

Determine proper levels of water quality such as dissolved gasses, suspended dissolved solids, temperature, and P.H. levels. Treat hatchery water as needed.

Assist with maintaining genetic diversity through proper broodstock selection of the wild stock population.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Various types of salmonids and life history.

Common fish disease and usual treatments.

Habits of fish.

Care and propagation of fish and fish eggs.

Equipment and supplies needed in maintenance of buildings and ground.

To operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operation.

Direct and work with other employees.

Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Develop and maintain hatchery records.

Minimum Requirements:

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year experience at a Fish Culturist II or equivalent level. Work experience at a Fish Culturist III level will substitute for experience.

Have the ability to acquire a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a tank endorsement.

Must relocate; preferably within ½-hour driving distance of the assigned field station as part of the Upper Columbia Production Projects.

Individual must be able to adhere to an assigned work schedule, which may include nights, weekends and holidays.

Work may sometimes require the employee to report to work on a moment's notice if and when need arises.

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.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.