Fisheries Technician 2- Juvenile Steelhead Survival

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission • Cook, WA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to assist
the U.S. Geological Survey as a Fisheries Technician 2 at the Western Fisheries
Research Center in Cook, WA.

Position/Project Specifics:

This will involve field work in boats on large rivers and reservoirs around the
region and on foot. This research is related to a growth and survival study of
juvenile steelhead as well as GBT (gas bubble trauma) monitoring.

The incumbent will assist in the daily field work activities which consists of
seining and electrofishing. The incumbent will assist with PIT (passive
integrated transponder) tagging of juvenile steelhead, as well as examining
resident fish under a microscope for signs of GBT.

Additional responsibilities include collecting and recording field data with a
high degree of accuracy, supporting field logistics, and maintaining boats. The
technician will be expected to work safely at all times and contribute to a safe
work environment for themselves and their teammates.

Requirements

• 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 sampling protocols.
• 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 basic math.
• Compile and collect neat and accurate data
• Data synthesis and basic analysis
• Proficient in computer software, such as Excel, Word, P4 or P5
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to swim
• Walking in rough terrain
• Fish Identification skills
• Oral communication skills
• Written communication skills
• CPR/First Aid
• Basic boat and vehicle maintenance skills
• A range of experience and education may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience OR one semester of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. 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. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, fin clips or tags, and/or signs of parasites, diseased or pathogens.
• Lead and participate in crews engages in captive fish rearing activities including sampling, sorting, handling, medicating, anesthetizing and transporting fish. Crew may also monitor the status of facility systems and equipment, fabricate, construct and maintain systems. Gather research data and organize information from fish samples or experimental projects.
• Lead crew in regular facility inspections including, for example, dewatering equipment, pumps, flumes, gates, tanks, screens, filters, gatewells, and/or tag interrogation equipment. Monitor and maintain water quality levels. Record findings and adjustments made. Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies.
• Develop and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success and anti-predator behavior.
• Update database by entering, checking and/or editing biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.
• Assist pathologists with routine diagnoses of fish mortalities including necropsy and sampling for pathogens.
• Perform precision ageing of two to four different species of fish in a laboratory setting. Record age and growth data in the appropriate format; summarize and input date. Collect and organize biological samples and collections. Document ageing problems, techniques and results in annual production ageing reports. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, or technical report writing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed