Kate Konoski

Fisheries Technician

360.547.2691

Kate was born and raised in Michigan, and grew up enjoying the great lakes and all the nature that the state had to offer. She attended Michigan Technological University, nestled in the stunning Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula, where she obtained a Bachelors in Biological Sciences. Two days after graduation, she was on a plane headed towards a new home and life in the state of Washington.

Before coming to the tribe in July 2008, Kate worked with the WA Dept of Transportation as an intern in Wetlands Management. Upon completion of her internship, she stumbled upon a fisheries job with the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, located in Arlington, WA. She absolutely fell in love with fisheries and enjoyed the atmosphere and knowledge associated. After almost a year with the WDFW, she was offered this job with the Tribe, and has been so grateful to have a job that keeps her outdoors enjoying the fresh air and all the wonderful people she works with. Her job tasks involve many projects, including snorkeling, broodstocking, surveying, working on the smolt trap, or simply building much needed structures, equipment, and supplies. Overall, she has a varying schedule and loves the variety that comes with it.

When not at work, Kate is enjoying the outdoors whether through swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing (her husband is a devout fisherman), gardening, or just standing in the warm sun. While indoors, she practices the fine art of roller derby. She skates on Team F.L.A.S.H. from the Bellingham Roller Betties league and enjoys the mental and physical challenge the sport has to offer. Being fairly new to the state, she is trying to travel and explore as much as she can, but will never quit being surprised by all the State of Washington has to offer. Kate lives in Mt. Vernon with her husband - Matt, her three dogs - Zé, Malaki, and Ava; her three ferrets - Moose, Bear, and Harvey; and a group of chickens that supplies her and her co-workers with fresh eggs.