Local recruitment: Fisheries-Water Quality Specialist

Job Description

Posted Friday, November 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Expires Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

Open:                  November 7, 2025                      Close:                November 25, 2025

Job Title:          Water Quality Specialist     Department:    Fisheries

Reports To:      Director                                    Hours:                40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary:               Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits                    Requisition: 807                  

*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. 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 leave.

Position 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 Responsibilities

• Assists 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 fisheries.
• Monthly 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 methods. Assure 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 maintained.
• On 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 locations. In 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 assessments.
• Oversees 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 laws. 
• When 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 Tribe’s fisheries areas.
• Coordinates 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 issues.
• Collects Global Positioning System (GPS) locational data for sampling sites, hydrography, point sources of air and water pollution and other related fisheries habitat data.
• Responsible 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 meetings.
• Assist with the composition of annual tribal fisheries and water quality reports. Analyze data obtained from ArcGIS Online, (Survey123, Field Maps) HOBOware, etc.
• Monitor 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, coded‑wire 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 River.
• Sort and identify adult salmon by species and determine sex using visual indicators. Scan each fish for coded‑wire tags using electronic wand detectors; record tag presence/absence and stock information. Measure fork length and collect biological samples (scales, fin clips, adipose‐fin 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 20–30 lb, sometimes heavier) onto weighing tables or processing stations, following ergonomic protocols. Assist with moving heavy gear and catch containers.
• Has primary departmental responsibilities for the program vehicle.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

To 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 functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s 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 experience.

Language Skills

Ability 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 public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability 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 situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability 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 Certificates

Valid Washington State Driver’s License and proof of insurance required.

Must pass a criminal background check.

Other Skills and Abilities

Comfortable working around swift deep bodies of water and walking on slippery surfaces and rough terrain.  Ability to swim.

Physical Demands

The 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 functions.

• Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• The 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 focus.

Work Environment

The 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 functions.

• Work is partially performed in an office setting.
• The employee is frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

Online 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 jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov 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 jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.

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 jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov

5.         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 allergic.

If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863

or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.

3001 Puyalupabsh, Tacoma, WA 98404

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.  Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.

Job Details

Pay TypeHourly