Bull Trout Technician

Job Announcement – Seasonal Bull Trout Task Force Crew

Job Description: Mid-Columbia Fisheries (MCF) is looking to fill two seasonal Bull Trout Task Force Crew positions in Yakima, WA or Ellensburg, WA. We are seeking a hard-working, flexible, enthusiastic, and outgoing individual interested in native fish conservation. Applicants must be willing to work in and around flowing water, hike long distances, and perform manual labor in variable weather conditions and occasionally at night. The crew lead will often work with interns, work independently, with MCF staff, agency partners, and volunteers. The position will generally work 40 hours each week. Work includes frequent night time shifts, and multiple overnight backpacking trips during the season. Additional information about the Bull Trout Task Force can be found on our website: https://midcolumbiafisheries.org/bull-trout-recovery-2/.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct informal outreach to anglers, campers, and other recreationists;
• Lead presentations at campgrounds;
• Remove recreational rock dams that block fish migration;
• Work with state, federal, and tribal entities on various bull trout related research projects;
• Conduct bull trout redd and snorkel surveys;
• Salvage stranded bull trout and relocate them upstream;
• Collect data and enter it into database;
• Work independently, with interns and volunteers;
• Attend meetings and conferences when needed;
• Be willing to assist the MCF Habitat Restoration Crew; and

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be dependable, self-motivated, and demonstrate an unwaveringly positive attitude;
• Must have a passion for the outdoors and conservation;
• Must communicate respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, interns, volunteers, recreationists, and others;
• Must be flexible to changes in work schedule and assigned duties;
• Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to perform all aspects of the work, including:
  • Being comfortable working in remote wilderness settings (without cell phone coverage);
  • Able to perform physically demanding manual labor outdoors on difficult and hazardous terrain in all types of weather and occasionally at night;
  • Capable of repetitively lifting 40 lbs into and out of trucks, walking 5 miles daily over steep or uneven terrain;
  • Able to safely wade and swim in cold flowing water;
  • Willing to occasionally work more than 10 hours in a single day;
• Must comply with MCF policies and safety procedures; and
• Must provide your own hiking boots, backpack, and rain gear. Waders and a dry suit, when necessary, will be provided.
• The amount of nighttime work and split shifts vary, however snorkel surveys and rescues are nighttime work activities. There are 28 nighttime shifts in the field season, where camping is required.
• The 2024 field season requires 12 nights of remote backpacking of which can be up to 11 miles hike one way; applicants should be comfortable in the backcountry setting.
• The 2024 crew requires a few shifts assisting our Habitat Restoration Crew in weed management, planting, mulching and other restoration implementation activities: please follow up in the interview process or inquire about this detail.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, natural resources or a related field;
• Experience collecting and handling juvenile salmonids;
• Knowledge of salmonid biology and life histories;
• Knowledge and skills related to the identification of fish of the Yakima River Basin;
• Experience navigating using a handheld GPS and maps;
• Experience supervising others;
• Experience using computers and Microsoft Office software;
• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and the ability to safely operate vehicles;
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Pay: $18.96-20.23/hour depending on experience (tiered to GS-5 step 1 through 3)

Position Duration, Schedule, & Benefits:  Positions are expected to begin around June 10, 2024 (depending on weather conditions and employee availability) and end in October, 2024. Employees will typically work Tuesday through  Friday, 10 hours a day, but the schedule is subject to occasional changes or modifications. There is also a chance that position could switch to Wednesday through Saturday work to align with our outreach team. This position has a 60-day probationary period. All employees are provided with benefits prescribed by law, including sick leave, Social Security, workers’ compensation, and labor and industry insurance. Seasonal employees are eligible to accrue and use vacation and holidays. Unpaid leave may be granted at the discretion of their supervisor and must be requested in advance.