Fisheries Water Quality Technician

Open: January 6 2026Close: January 20 2026Job Title: water quality technicianDepartment: fisheriesReports To: water quality managerHours: 40 Hrs/Wk Full TimeSalary: Based on Salary MatrixBenefits Requisition: 834 *Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information call or email The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical dental vision life insurance a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing paid holidays and paid time off including birthday Summary:This is a journey-level position has the primary responsibility for collecting managing and analyzing data collected within the Puyallup Carbon and White River watersheds in order to protect and recover treaty fish runs and habitat. Duties include on-site collection of water samples for outside laboratory analysis data entry management and analysis preparation and implementation of quality assurance project plans and work plans as well as scientific report writing. Acts as a departmental contact with other tribal local state and federal government agencies on watershed matters. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssists supervisor in the design and implementation of the Tribal Fisheries Water Quality Management Program a comprehensive program applicable to all lands and activities which may affect surface or groundwater quality on the Reservation affecting treaty sampling at designated sites on the Puyallup Carbon and White River watersheds. Collects water quality measurements in accordance with departmental procedures using both manual and computer-based data collected is in compliance with the EPA and State of Washington mandated sampling programs required for protection of treaty fish habitat and accurate records of the work done is compiled entered and a quarterly basis schedules and participates in the collection of research regarding bacteriological pollutants and nutrients affecting fish habitat and fish consumption rate applicable to human health criteria. Assures that samples are transported to an accredited laboratory for testing. Is responsible for reviewing technical test results to identify concerns trends sampling errors etc. Enters data and maintains records. May be asked to discuss test results with complainant and provide recommendations for corrective measures. Schedules seasonal fish habitat monitoring studies such as continuous temperature monitoring macroinvertebrates study fish habitat assessment semi-annually at multiple each situation writes quality assurance work plans collects samples calibrates equipment used downloads and stores collected data types files and prepares reports and purchase equipment to provide the maintenance and calibrating of continuous monitoring stations on the Puyallup and White Rivers to include pH dissolved oxygen specific conductance temperature salinity and turbidity factors affecting fish habitat and fish consumption rate issues concerning the human health criteria under water pollution control available participates in presentations at school seminars and educational tabling events on treaty fisheries and water quality issues. Participates in inter-agency cooperative fish habitat assessment and pollutant source identification study on various water sources within the Puyallup Tribes fisheries and corresponds with other tribal departments and entities the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife the National Marine Fisheries Service EPA Washington State Department of Ecology Pierce County Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and concerned property owners on water quality and related Global Positioning System (GPS) locational data for sampling sites hydrography point sources of air and water pollution and other related fisheries habitat for representing the Puyallup Tribe at regularly scheduled meetings with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Coordinated Tribal Water Quality Program and Puyallup River Watershed Council with the composition of annual tribal fisheries and water quality reports. Analyze data obtained from ArcGIS Online (Survey123 Field Maps) HOBOware and sample adult and juvenile salmonids in the field; including identification of Pacific salmon and other local freshwater species taking/recording length collecting scales and DNA tissue retrieving CWT snouts and PIT tagging. Assist test fisheries program collecting biological data on captured fish: species identification (Chinook coho steelhead etc.) length codedwire tags scanning scale samples for age and origin/hatchery marks. Deploy a range of sampling gear including weighted bait rigs downriggers jigging rods and divers to mimic recreational and tribal fishing effort for salmonids in the Puget Sound or Puyallup and identify adult salmon by species and determine sex using visual indicators. Scan each fish for codedwire tags using electronic wand detectors; record tag presence/absence and stock information. Measure fork length and collect biological samples (scales fin clips adiposefin checks DNA swabs. Strips eggs and milt from fish to fertilize eggs; transfers fry to rearing ponds; feeds fry; stocks streams and ponds. Lift carry and position adult salmon (commonly 2030 lb sometimes heavier) onto weighing tables or processing stations following ergonomic protocols. Assist with moving heavy gear and catch primary departmental responsibilities for the program other duties as ResponsibilitiesThis position has no supervisory and RequirementsTo perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential and/or ExperienceBachelors degree (B.S.) in Fisheries and/or Environmental Science from four-year college or university; and two years of experience and/or training related to salmonid identification and/or habitat assessments; and water quality monitoring or equivalent combination of education and SkillsAbility to read and interpret documents such as safety rules operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to read analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers clients customers and the general SkillsAbility to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions percentages ratios and proportions to practical AbilityAbility to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Licenses or CertificatesValid Washington State Drivers License and proof of insurance pass a criminal background Skills and AbilitiesComfortable working around swift deep bodies of water and walking on slippery surfaces and rough terrain. Ability to DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential the ability to operate a typewriter personal computer multi-line telephone calculator facsimile and the ability to read write communicate and interpret information accurately in the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Sufficient physical stamina to carry lift and/or move up to 15-20 pounds over long distances. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential is partially performed in an office employee is frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually occasional travel using employees own Preference Employer as Required by LawOnline Application Tips:1. If you are using a PC use Chrome. If you are using a MAC use Safari.2. Upload additional documents (resume cover letter letters of recommendation proof of Indian blood etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.3. Indian Hiring Preference send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in email us at or call .4. Provide 3 references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members mother father grandparents sisters brothers or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers subordinates or other supervisors but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic habits and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to To add more employment education references etc. click on the small sign at the top right corner of the page.6. When entering salaries only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as . or $)7. After you submit your application you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email please call the office to confirm submission.*Please do not wear perfumes colognes or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are you have any questions about the positions or the online application please call or email E. Portland Ave. Tacoma WA 98404