About this role
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The SCA member will conduct raft electrofishing activities, netting fish, and processing biological samples. They will also organize field gear and collect data on fish populations.
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