Fishery Biologist 2 - Field Logistics Sucker Fish Monitoring Project

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission•Klamath Falls, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is hiring a full-time, benefits-eligible Fishery Biologist 2 to work closely with U.S. Geological Survey researchers at the Klamath Falls Field Station on adult Lost River and Shortnose sucker monitoring. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2026. The position contributes to long-term research on endangered suckers in the Klamath Basin, supporting research and management decisions about resource use in a sensitive arid ecosystem. The incumbent coordinates a research project focused on adult sucker monitoring as part of an established research team. Work includes standardized field sampling, aging, and genetic species identification of adult and juvenile suckers in Upper Klamath Lake and/or Clear Lake Reservoir, primarily during spring and late-fall field seasons. The position coordinates crew schedules and seasonal sampling, installs and maintains remote PIT-tag detection equipment, and handles day-to-day maintenance of boats and vehicles to support field operations. Outside the adult sampling season, the position may support other station priorities, including acoustic telemetry receiver arrays, tagging operations and detection-data analysis; writing and analysis for other projects; PIT-tag scanning at piscivorous bird colonies; and summer juvenile sucker sampling. The role offers exposure to juvenile sucker work, fin-ray aging, and genetic sampling across life stages. The mix of additional work varies according to season and station needs. The Fishery Biologist 2 classification encompasses fisheries research and management work, including data collection and analysis, sampling and survey planning, technical reporting, project and equipment management, and contributions to research publications and presentations. Duties may vary by the level and scope of assignment. The position may involve office, laboratory, and field work in varied and sometimes physically demanding conditions. Employment is contingent on meeting federal data-system access requirements and successfully completing a federal background investigation; Oregon-based employment also requires providing and clearing a three-year Oregon motor vehicle record check.

Requirements

Successful completion of a full four-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree, with a major in biological science, including at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences.
At the lower end of the range, in addition to the undergraduate degree, either 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.
At the upper end of the range, in addition to the specified undergraduate coursework, either 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. An equivalent combination of experience and education may qualify.
Specialized experience must provide relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities and be equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression.
Meet federal eligibility requirements for access to and use of federal data systems.
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has maintained permanent residency for at least three consecutive years.
Successfully complete a comprehensive federal agency background investigation.
For positions located in Oregon, provide a copy of a three-year Oregon motor vehicle record and clear the MVR check; the selected candidate is responsible for associated DMV fees.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of fishery biology, including catostomids; aquatic habitats; the scientific method; and sampling protocols.
Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, publishing and presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
Knowledge of technical writing protocols, advanced statistical analysis, and mathematics.
Ability to load boats onto trailers and tow and maneuver trailers.
Fish species identification, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Submit a resume of no more than six pages clearly demonstrating relevant education and experience, and a cover letter explaining interest in the position and alignment with the role, long-term sucker dataset, KFFS research program, endangered species recovery, and management decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading or co-leading field crews.
Experience with acoustic telemetry.
Experience with acoustic telemetry and/or PIT-tag technologies, including equipment maintenance.
Ability to swim and snorkeling experience.
Ability to lift 40–50 pounds.
Experience with electronic detection technology, hiking, CPR/First Aid, and using a fish identification key.
Fish aging experience, including scale, otolith, or other methods.
Experience with boat electrofishing, operating traps or weirs, and operating nets such as seines or gill nets.
Experience with backpack electrofishing, motorized boats, and GPS.
Experience conducting literature searches and reviews.

Responsibilities

Coordinate a research project focused on adult sucker monitoring as part of a collaborative research team.
Conduct standardized field sampling, aging, and genetic species identification of adult and juvenile suckers across Upper Klamath Lake and/or Clear Lake Reservoir.
Schedule and coordinate field crews for seasonal sampling events and installation and maintenance of remote PIT-tag detection equipment.
Maintain boats and vehicles to ensure they are operational and available for the field schedule.
As station needs require, support acoustic telemetry work, including maintaining receiver arrays, assisting with tagging, and analyzing detection data.
As station needs require, contribute to writing and analysis on other station projects, scan for PIT tags at piscivorous bird colonies, and support summer juvenile sucker sampling.
Depending on assignment, follow fish-health protocols; collect and analyze samples; compile and analyze data; prepare reports, graphics, papers, and presentations; and recommend research-protocol modifications.
Depending on assignment, plan and conduct fish surveys and evaluations, assess habitat and watershed conditions, manage databases and equipment inventories, and monitor project expenses and purchasing.
Depending on assignment, assist with contract proposals, progress reports, specifications, and task statements.