What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement - Fisheries Technician position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is recruiting for two fisheries technician internships at the Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office located in Yakima, Washington. The Yakima sub-office is part of the larger Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office headquartered in Leavenworth, Washington. The fisheries technicians will work as a part of a team to support research and monitoring efforts for a variety of fishery related projects conducted at rivers and dams in the Yakima Basin. They will provide support to projects conducted by the Yakima program.
Location
Yakima, WA
Schedule
June 15, 2026 - October 30, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- This is a field intensive position that may involve working long hours in inclement weather while walking on uneven, slippery terrain in an and around cold swift flowing water where an ability to swim and a comfort in (wading) and around water is mandatory
- Some work will have the intern as a passenger in motorboats and operating inflatable kayaks where life jacket use is required
- Night work and backpacking may also be necessary for studies conducted far from the nearest road
- The intern should have the ability to lift and carry heavy items up to 50 pounds for extended periods of time
Marginal Duties
- Hook and line fishing
- Snorkeling
- Netting
Required Qualifications
- Some course work, experience, and strong interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences
- Strong swimming ability and comfort being in and around the water
- Ability to work long days in swift moving water and slippery terrain
- Ability to work as a team and independently
- Ability to record accurate field data and follow set protocols
- A valid driver's license
- Transportation is required to get to and from the duty station in Yakima
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in conducting biological surveys
- Experience in fisheries monitoring
- Basic knowledge of computers and data entry methods and programs (e.g. Microsoft Access, Excel)
- Experience being in motorized and non motorized boats
- CPR and safety training
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
On Site Housing Provided
Compensation
- $1,100 - one time RT travel allowance
- $600 - weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
- Housing Provided by Partner
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: NOT Eligible
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.