Individual Placement - Fisheries Field Technician at ...

Position Summary The U.S. Geological Survey's Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) is working on a collaborative project with the Yakama Indian Nation that seeks to control the effects of non-native fish species (especially small mouth bass) on juvenile salmon, while collecting information about how predation might impact outmigration success. As part of a small mouth bass removal program, the SCA member will work on the Yakima River near Prosser, Washington as part of a team operating electrofishing gear for the capture and removal of non-native fish species. Field work will be conducted weekly from roughly the start of April through June, depending on flow and temperature conditions. Training will be provided at the Seattle Headquarters of WFRC, focused on boating safety, electrofishing fundamentals, and field methods for fish data collection. This work will contribute greatly toward the management of salmon, an important recreational and subsistence use species. Location Seattle & Prosser, WA Schedule March 23, 2026 - July 24, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities The SCA member will be working in the field on the Yakima River near Prosser, Washington, conducting raft electrofishing activities that includes netting fish and processing biological samples from captured fish. This will involve organizing field gear, launching and retrieving rafts from boat launches, netting fish, and collecting data. Marginal Duties The field team will focus upon safely conducting field enterprises; focus will be on the safety of the field crew. Marginal duties may include setting up camps, coordinating field camp logistics, repairing and caring field gear, and inventorying equipment. Required Qualifications Successful applicants will be those who enjoy working in the outdoors in all weather conditions and have good attention to detail in data collection. Duties will be focused on fieldwork that will require strenuous physical exertion to haul nets, carry equipment (up to 50 pounds), bending, lifting, and walking over rough, uneven terrain. Exposure to extreme environmental conditions likely. Preferred Qualifications Prior biological fieldwork experience, especially any related to fish or fisheries, preferred but not required. 4-year college degree in biological sciences preferred. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations House rental for field crew will be provided by SCA Compensation $1,100 RT Travel Allowance (Paid once) $500 Weekly Living Allowance (Paid bi-weekly) SCA Leased Housing Provided near Prosser, WA $1650 in Duty Related Travel Reimbursement (Pay out of pocket initially/Receipts required) AmeriCorps Eligible (Value of award ~$1,956) to be used toward student loans at fulfillment of 450 service hours All Weather Uniform Package All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Personal Vehicle Information Required Additional Benefits Defensive Driving Training Interpretive Skills AmeriCorps: REQUIRED Equal Opportunity Statement The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Created: 2026-03-04