Spawning Survey Technician I

AIS•Willamette Valley Basin, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AIS is seeking a Spawning Survey Technician I to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Spring Chinook salmon spawning surveys throughout the Willamette Valley Basin in Oregon. This position is 100% field based. The Spawning Survey Technician I will support field-based fisheries monitoring efforts focused on assessing the abundance and distribution of Spring Chinook salmon populations above Cougar Dam, Detroit Dam, and Green Peter Dam, including associated tributaries. Technicians will conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and on foot, collect biological samples, document spawning activity, and support fisheries data collection efforts in accordance with established survey methodologies utilized by previous contractors and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This position is highly field-oriented and requires work in remote outdoor environments under variable weather and river conditions. Surveys are typically conducted weekly during peak spawning periods from July through October, with project support activities extending throughout the year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related scientific discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience
0–1 year of professional experience supporting fisheries, biological, ecological, or environmental field surveys
Ability to work in remote outdoor environments under physically demanding conditions
Ability to hike long distances over uneven terrain while carrying field equipment
Comfortable working on and around water, including small boats and river systems
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and record scientific data
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a field team
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Ability to work extended field schedules, including early mornings and overnight camping assignments

Nice To Haves

Previous experience conducting fisheries or aquatic biological fieldwork
Familiarity with salmonid identification and spawning survey techniques
Experience handling biological samples and maintaining chain-of-custody documentation
Experience operating GPS equipment, tablets, or electronic field data collection systems
CPR/First Aid certification
Experience working in remote field environments or backcountry settings
Experience operating small watercraft or working around swift water environments

Responsibilities

Conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and foot in river systems and tributaries above Cougar Dam, Detroit Dam, and Green Peter Dam
Enumerate adult Spring Chinook salmon and identify active redds throughout assigned survey reaches
Recover and process salmon carcasses following established biological sampling protocols
Examine carcasses for adipose fin clips and other identifying marks
Collect biological measurements including Fork Length (FL) and Mid-Eye to Posterior Scale (MEPS)
Determine fish sex and estimate egg retention in female carcasses
Collect scales, fin clips, otoliths, and other biological samples in accordance with established protocols
Properly preserve and label biological samples for laboratory analysis and agency submission
Scan fish for passive tags and document active tag information, including t-bar (Floy) tags and evidence of lost tags
Record field observations and biological data accurately using field forms, datasheets, and electronic systems
Support data quality assurance and maintain organized field records
Operate safely in remote field environments, including hiking in uneven terrain and working near rivers and reservoirs
Maintain field gear, sampling equipment, and survey vessels in operational condition
Adhere to all AIS, USACE, and project-specific safety requirements and standard operating procedures