Position/Project Specifics:

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist the Nature Conservancy in leading a small crew of technicians conducting summer/fall backpack electrofishing and seining surveys, winter spawning ground surveys for Coho salmon and steelhead, operating spring outmigrant traps, and maintain PIT tag detecting arrays throughout the Ten Mile River watershed.

Primary responsibilities include: Serve as the field/crew lead for the project. Coordinate, schedule and plan backpack electrofishing and seining efforts, bi-weekly spawning ground surveys, outmigrant trapping efforts, and PIT tag detecting array maintenance. Manage, QA/QC, and summarize large datasets.

We need a reliable, motivated, observant, and passionate person with the ability to identify and handle salmonids of all life stages. Candidates must be able to hike or kayak up to 10 miles a day in remote areas, over rough terrain, and in adverse weather. They must be able to lift up to 60 lbs, perform strenuous field work, orient themselves using digital maps, operate 4wd vehicles and ATV's, and follow strict field and safety protocols. Since there are multiple agencies, technicians, and biologists involved with the project, candidates must have very good interpersonal skills and an overall positive attitude. We are looking for team-players.

The position will start in December 2024 and will go through the end of June 2025. In general we work 4 days/week and 10 hours/day, but additional holiday and weekend work will be required.

 

Essential Functions: 

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
• Assist in design, development, and installation of components of naturalistic environments. Assist with analysis of the behavior of different species in simulated environments. Videotape, photograph, and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success, and anti-predator behavior.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL .

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• lift 40-50 lbs.                                     
• valid driver's license              
• hiking                                                 
• operate GPS                           
• fish species ID skills               
• compile and collect neat and accurate data     
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills
• construction, fabrication and installation skills  
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous.  In the latter case, the employee must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.  Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.  Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Employees may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water.  Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks or docks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.

 

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.