Fish Culturist III-YKFP

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; Cle Elum (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation is seeking a Fish Culturist III to support the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) Hatcheries in Cle Elum/Toppenish. You will supervise staff, monitor hatchery operations, and help achieve management goals.

The role involves scheduling, water quality control, disease surveillance, and coordination with the Hatchery Manager to ensure timely releases. Familiarity with salmonid life history and broodstock practices is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of salmonids, diseases and hatchery propagation.
• Ability to operate and maintain hatchery machinery.
• Effective written and oral communication.
• Ability to develop and maintain hatchery records.

Responsibilities

• Schedule subordinates, assist in trapping and artificial spawning.
• Monitor water flow, feeding schedules and water quality.
• Dissect dead salmon to check egg retention and collect samples.
• Coordinate liberation schedules and may drive a hatchery truck.
• Maintain activity logs and prepare periodic reports.
• Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Machinery operation

Record keeping

Education

Two-year Fishery Technology degree

Job description

Announcement #

2026-153

Issue Date:

10-06-26

Closing Date:

10-20-26

Fish Culturist III

Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP)

Department of Natural Resources

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

Location: Cle Elum/Toppenish

Provides 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.

Examples of Work Performed:

Provide support to management by scheduling the work of subordinates and assisting in trapping and selecting adult salmon for artificial spawning, egg collection, traying, shocking, counting, setting proper water flow, monitoring eggs development and fish to proper sites. Monitor water levels, determine 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 or Hatchery Manager to determine liberation schedules and may drive liberation tack truck to scheduled site.

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

Assist management in planning for production schedule.

Collect, record and report observation data; maintain activity logs, prepared 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.

Coordinate with and assist management in project planning, setting goals and adjusting priorities as conditions require. May be in charge of facility in absence of Hatchery Manager or Assistant Manager.

Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of various types of salmonids and life history; common fish disease and usual treatments; habits of fish; care and propagation of fish eggs; equipment and supplies needed in maintenance of buildings and ground.

Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in hatchery operation; direct and work with other employees.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to develop and maintain hatchery records.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of a two year Fishery Technology degree and two years of Hatchery Experience. A minimum of one year of supervisory experience.

Required to pass 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.