RF Fisheries Technicians

SUNY Oswego•Oswego, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Foundation (RF) at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for full-time RF Fisheries Technicians (n = 2) to join our collaborative research team. Technicians will serve critical roles within a multi-partner research team studying how to remediate spawning habitats to improve reproductive success of native fishes (e.g. Cisco, Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout, Walleye). These full-time Field Technician Research Foundation positions are to be based at the USGS Lake Ontario Biological Station, located in the Port of Oswego a few miles from the SUNY Oswego Campus. This USGS station operates in close partnership with the SUNY Oswego faculty and aquatic conservation labs as well as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy. This collaborative environment provides unique opportunities for impactful research and professional growth. The roles will primarily involve supporting aquatic biologists in field operations across diverse and critical ecosystems, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and tributaries to the St. Lawrence River.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in aquatic field research.
Demonstrated experience with common aquatic sampling techniques, such as electrofishing, netting (gill nets, trap nets, seines), or deployment of specialized gear.
Experience with boat operation (up to 26 ft) and trailering.
Understanding and practical experience with field safety protocols.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow instructions.
Strong attention to detail in data collection and sample handling.
Ability to perform physically demanding work in challenging outdoor conditions (e.g., lifting equipment, working in adverse weather).

Nice To Haves

Experience working on Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems.
Basic proficiency in data entry and organization (e.g. databases, R).
Relevant certifications (e.g., first aid, boat safety).
Familiarity with fish identification, particularly native species.

Responsibilities

Performing and assisting with a wide range of tasks to ensure the successful execution of time-sensitive field research.
Field sampling on Lake Ontario involves quantifying native fish embryo deposition in November through December, trapping larval emergence in March through-May and assessing the physical conditions of spawning and incubation habitats throughout the winter.
Supporting laboratory experiments.
Maintaining field equipment.
Managing data.
Processing field sample work collaboratively with SUNY Oswego faculty, staff, and aquatic biologists from state and federal agencies.
Adhering strictly to all field and lab safety protocols.
Contributing to efforts to create an inclusive environment that respects, embraces, and promotes cultural safety, belonging, civil discourse, cultural humility, and other values and goals outlined in SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan.