Fishery Biologist 2- Juvenile Sucker Research and Monitoring

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Klamath Falls, OR

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is hiring a Fishery Biologist 2 to work closely with U.S. Geological Survey researchers at the Klamath Falls Field Station (KFFS) on juvenile sucker research and monitoring. The position contributes to long-term research supporting recovery of endangered Lost River and Shortnose suckers in the Klamath Basin. Research informs understanding of sucker survival, movement, and habitat use and supports species recovery and water-management decisions. The station tracks individual fish using Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and is expanding acoustic telemetry efforts. The incumbent’s primary responsibility is coordinating a research project centered on juvenile sucker monitoring as part of an established, collaborative research team. The project involves standardized field sampling, aging, and genetic species identification of juvenile suckers across Upper Klamath Lake and/or Clear Lake Reservoir, primarily during summer. Field leads perform most hands-on sampling; this role coordinates the broader research effort, including data-management support, analysis, and post-season reporting. Outside the juvenile sampling season, the position supports other station needs according to current priorities. This may include acoustic telemetry work, writing and analysis on other projects, PIT-tag scanning at piscivorous bird colonies, and adult sucker sampling in spring. The position is full-time and benefits eligible, with an anticipated start date of January 4, 2027. Work is performed in an office setting, with field research and monitoring duties described in the posting. Applicants must submit a resume of no more than six pages, a cover letter addressing their interest and alignment with the role and research program, and two examples of completed products with a brief summary of their contribution and each product’s management relevance. Federal system access requirements include U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency maintained for at least three consecutive years and successful completion of a federal background investigation. Oregon-based offers are contingent on providing and clearing a three-year Oregon motor vehicle record check; the selected candidate is responsible for DMV fees.

Requirements

A qualifying education and experience combination: a full four-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree, with a biological science major including at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours in animal sciences, plus qualifying specialized experience or graduate education.
For the lower end of the range, at least 1 year of specialized experience or 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master’s degree in fisheries biology, ecology, or a closely related field, in addition to the undergraduate education requirement.
For the upper end of the range, at least 1 year of specialized experience or 3 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a directly related field, in addition to the undergraduate education requirement.
An equivalent combination of experience and education may qualify; specialized experience must equip the applicant to perform the duties and be equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression.
Knowledge of fishery biology, including catostomids, aquatic habitats, the scientific method, sampling protocols, technical writing protocols, and advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.
Knowledge of Windows-based applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, publishing and presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
Ability to lift 40–50 pounds, load boats on trailers, tow and maneuver trailers, use electronic detection technology, age fish using scales, otoliths, or other methods, and identify fish species.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to use spreadsheet, word processing, database management, GIS, statistical analysis, and bibliographic software.
Ability to code in R or Python for data management and analysis.
Oral and written communication skills.
Must meet federal eligibility requirements for access to and use of federal data systems.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least three consecutive years.
Successful completion of a comprehensive federal agency background investigation is required.
For positions located in Oregon, provide a three-year Oregon Motor Vehicle Record and clear the MVR check; the selected candidate is responsible for associated DMV fees.
Submit a resume of no more than six pages, a cover letter explaining interest and alignment with the position, and two examples of completed products with summaries describing the applicant’s role and each product’s relevance to management or decision-making.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or doctorate in fisheries biology, ecology, or a closely related field, supplemented by relevant professional, research, or postdoctoral experience.
Experience performing independent field research and monitoring.
Snorkeling.
Boat or backpack electrofishing.
Using fish identification keys.
Operating traps or weirs and fishing nets, including seines and gill nets.
Ability to swim.
Operating motorized and non-motorized boats.
Hiking and operating GPS equipment.
CPR and First Aid.
Literature searching and review.

Responsibilities

Coordinate a research project focused on juvenile sucker monitoring as part of the KFFS research team.
Coordinate standardized juvenile sucker field sampling, aging, and genetic species identification across Upper Klamath Lake and/or Clear Lake Reservoir.
Support data management, analyze data, and report results after the field season.
Support acoustic telemetry efforts as needed, including maintaining receiver arrays, assisting with tagging operations, and analyzing detection data.
Contribute writing and analysis to other station projects as needed.
Scan for PIT tags at piscivorous bird colonies as needed.
Support adult sucker sampling in spring as needed.
Follow existing protocols for fish health screenings and conduct fish tissue collection, bacterial testing and analyses, blood collection and analyses, parasite identification, and necropsies on experimental fish populations, as applicable to assigned duties.
Recommend modifications to existing research protocols and design data collection forms and databases for data integration.
Compile and analyze data; prepare graphics, reports, and publications; and present research results at professional meetings.
Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to meet data requirements.
Conduct fish catch and effort surveys and contribute to sampling-method improvements, as applicable to assigned duties.
Conduct data investigation and research; draft technical reports; manage databases and GIS data; and prepare and implement watershed assessment plans, as applicable to assigned duties.
Assist with contract proposals, progress reports, contract specifications, task statements, and quality-of-work criteria.
Monitor project budget expenses, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories, as applicable to assigned duties.
At the upper end of the position range, evaluate run profiles and habitat suitability, develop management plans, plan and implement fish-health or nutrition studies, analyze biological or genetic information, and diagnose fish diseases or nutritional disorders, as applicable to assigned duties.