Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fish Counter / Fisheries Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fish Counter, you are the front line of fisheries science and conservation. Your primary responsibility is to accurately enumerate and identify fish species migrating through specific checkpoints, such as fish ladders at dams, weirs, or natural river passages. This role is more than just counting; you will be a key data collector, responsible for gathering biological information that directly informs critical decisions about water management, habitat restoration, and species protection. You will operate and maintain sophisticated monitoring equipment, including video systems and fish traps, and meticulously record your observations. This position requires a high degree of independence, physical resilience, and an unwavering commitment to data integrity, as your work provides the foundational data for regional fish population models and long-term environmental strategies.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Biology or Environmental Science Student/Graduate
Field Research Intern or Volunteer
Park Ranger or Outdoor Educator

Advancement To:

Lead Fisheries Technician or Field Crew Leader
Fisheries Biologist or Research Associate
Environmental Data Manager or Analyst

Lateral Moves:

Wildlife Technician
Water Quality Specialist
Habitat Restoration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately count and document all fish passing through a designated counting station or window, differentiating between species, age classes (adults vs. jacks), and origin (hatchery vs. wild).
Conduct detailed visual identification of various fish species, particularly Pacific salmonids (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Steelhead), and other resident species, noting any marks, tags, or injuries.
Operate and maintain complex video monitoring and recording equipment, ensuring continuous and high-quality footage for later review and verification.
Collect critical biological data from sampled fish, including length, weight, sex, and the presence of any diseases, parasites, or physical abnormalities.
Carefully obtain biological samples such as scales for age analysis, fin clips or operculum punches for DNA analysis, and tissue samples for isotopic studies, following strict scientific protocols.
Perform data entry with a high degree of accuracy into digital databases or standardized datasheets, ensuring data integrity for all collected metrics.
Assist senior biologists with the implantation of tags, such as Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT tags), radio transmitters, or acoustic tags, to track fish movement and survival.
Conduct regular maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs of fish passage facilities, including fish traps, counting stations, and associated equipment to ensure operational readiness.
Monitor environmental and hydrological conditions, including water temperature, flow rates, and turbidity, using calibrated sensors and logging the data at regular intervals.
Operate fish trapping systems safely and efficiently to capture fish for biological sampling, ensuring minimal stress and injury to the animals before their release.
Participate in mobile field surveys, including snorkel surveys, spawning ground (redd) counts, or electrofishing surveys to assess fish distribution and abundance in broader river systems.

Secondary Functions

Prepare and compile daily, weekly, and seasonal summary reports of fish passage numbers, biological data, and operational activities for review by project managers and biologists.
Adhere to and enforce stringent safety protocols for working in and around water, remote locations, and with specialized field equipment.
Engage with and educate the public about the purpose of the fish counting program and the importance of salmon conservation, acting as an ambassador for the project.
Assist in the calibration and troubleshooting of electronic monitoring and sensing equipment to ensure the collection of precise and reliable data.
Support logistical planning for field operations, including organizing equipment, scheduling, and ensuring supplies are readily available for daily tasks.
Review and analyze video footage to verify counts, identify species that were missed in real-time, and perform quality control checks on collected data.
Maintain a detailed field notebook, documenting daily activities, unusual observations, environmental conditions, and any deviations from standard protocols.
Collaborate effectively with a diverse team of technicians, biologists, and facility operators to coordinate activities and ensure smooth project execution.
Assist with data proofing and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures to identify and correct errors in large datasets before final analysis.
Participate in training sessions for new techniques, species identification, and safety procedures to continuously improve skills and knowledge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Fish Species Identification: Strong ability to visually identify Pacific Northwest salmonids and other freshwater fish species, including distinguishing between hatchery and wild individuals.
Data Collection & Entry: Meticulous and accurate data recording skills using both physical datasheets and digital platforms like Microsoft Excel or custom databases.
Field Equipment Operation: Experience operating and maintaining field equipment such as fish traps, nets, PIT tag detectors, and environmental sensors.
Biological Sampling: Proficiency in collecting biological samples (scales, tissues) and recording morphometric measurements according to established scientific protocols.
Video Review Software: Familiarity with video review and analysis software for counting and identifying subjects in recorded footage.
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment, pumps, and facility hardware.
Watercraft/Vehicle Operation: Competency in safely operating 4x4 trucks on unpaved roads and potentially small watercraft (e.g., rafts, small boats) as required.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A critical ability to make precise observations and maintain high standards of accuracy, often in monotonous or repetitive tasks.
Independence & Self-Motivation: The capacity to work effectively for long hours alone with minimal supervision while staying focused and productive.
Resilience & Physical Fitness: Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in adverse weather conditions (rain, heat, cold) and perform physically demanding tasks.
Patience & Observation: The ability to sit or stand for long durations while remaining alert and focused on observing fish passage.
Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness to troubleshoot unexpected equipment failures or adapt to changing field conditions on the fly.
Clear Communication: Ability to clearly communicate observations, equipment status, and data summaries to supervisors and team members.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A high school diploma or GED, supplemented by at least one season of relevant field experience or college-level coursework in a biological science.

Preferred Education:

An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fisheries Biology or Management
Marine Biology
Environmental Science or Studies
Wildlife Biology
Ecology and Conservation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a related field.

Preferred:

One or more seasons of experience performing fisheries-related fieldwork, such as creel surveys, snorkel surveys, fish trapping, or previous counting work.
Demonstrated experience identifying fish to the species level, particularly anadromous salmonids.
Experience working in remote or isolated settings and a proven commitment to safety protocols.