Fish Culturist IV

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2025-309

Issue Date : 10-27-25

Closing Date : 10-31-25

Fish Culturist IV

Yakima, Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage : $21.11-$23.75 / Regular / Full-Time

Location : Ellensburg

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.

Examples of work Performed :

Provide support to the management by scheduling the work of subordinates and assisting in trapping an 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 for hatchery manager to determine liberation schedules and may drive liberation tank truck to scheduled site.

Establish proper feeding schedule to coordinate fish growth with and 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 dissolved solids, temperature, and ph. Levels, Treat hatchery water as needed.

Maintain genetic diversity through proper broodstock selection of the wild stock population.

Assumes responsibility for all hatchery operations in the absence of the Hatchery Manager, Assistant Manager, or Complex Foreman (FC V).

Coordinates work with contractors on major equipment issues on pumps, chillers, etc. Works with contractor on site with repairs and upgrades.

Serves as a hatchery ship foreman. Performs a wide variety of facilities maintenance duties that require welding, grinding, fabrication and carpentry work.

Performs 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, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge of various types of salmonids and life history common fish dieses 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 or monthly progress reports.

Minimum Requirements :

Minimum of 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.