Group Definition: Fisheries Technicians perform duties related to the protection, preservation, propagation, and sampling of fish species and the preservation or enhancement of their habitat. They use knowledge of procedural requirements and processes to support the technical work of their unit. They provide practical technical support to research, operations, or program administration efforts.

Position/Project Specifics:

This is a seasonal position located at the McNary Dam in Umatilla, Oregon with an average of four (4) hours per day.  However, two (2) days a week this position will be doing Gas bubble Trauma Examinations for which the technician will work up to eight (8) hours per day.

The fisheries technician is responsible for preparing for sampling activities and must be on site at the specified time to setup the sampling/recirculating system; fill with water and anesthetic, clean recirculation filters and/or tall screens, and any other preparations as needed before crowding and sampling fish is scheduled to begin.

As fish enter the wet lab sorting area, the fisheries technician enumerates the fish, identifying species, fin clips, elastomer tags, descaling, symptoms of columnaris, scans the unclipped Chinook, Coho and Sockeye for Coded Wire Tags and records this information on tally boards and hand logs while ensuring the sampling site and equipment are clean after each sample. Upon completion of sampling, the fisheries technician is expected to dewater the system and clean the lab.

Gas Bubble Trauma exams are conducted twice a week. Training will be provided.

The work is physically demanding and requires standing for long periods of time at the wet separator, collecting fish, anesthetizing the fish collected and examining fish under a dissecting microscope for sign of gas bubble trauma. This position also requires use of proper lifting methods to lift and carry buckets of fish down ramps or stairs, remove netting and move heavy crowder screens through large holding tanks of water to facilitate sampling of fish.

The above is intended to give a general description of the day-to-day work entailed. There may be additional duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

• Participate in surveying anadromous fish surveys; fish collection, holding and release activities including sampling, sorting, handling and anesthetizing fish. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseased or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize data such as air pressure, water quality, debris levels, etc.
• Monitor the status of facility systems and equipment.  Assist in development, fabrication, construction and maintenance of systems.
• Make 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.
• Perform precision aging of various fish species in a laboratory setting. Record age and growth data in the appropriate format.
• 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:

• Fish Species ID Skills
• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Oral communication skills
• Written communication skills
• Lift 40-50 lbs.

Additional Desirable Skills:

• CPR/First Aid
• Able to swim
• Operate handheld data recorder
• Specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)

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 standing may be required.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provides a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled

PSMFC is an EEO/AAP employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace.