Spawning Survey Technician II

AIS•Willamette Valley Basin, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AIS is seeking a Spawning Survey Technician II 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 II will conduct advanced field-based fisheries monitoring and biological sampling 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. This role requires independent execution of spawning surveys, biological sampling, field coordination, and data collection activities consistent with established methodologies utilized by previous contractors and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Technicians will operate in remote field environments and will be expected to independently navigate survey reaches, troubleshoot field challenges, maintain high-quality scientific data standards, and support overall project execution during peak spawning periods from July through October and associated year-round project activities.

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
2–3 years of professional experience conducting fisheries, biological, ecological, or environmental field surveys
Experience conducting fisheries biological sampling and handling biological specimens
Experience collecting, recording, and managing scientific field data with a high degree of accuracy
Ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments under physically demanding conditions
Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and work in and around river systems and reservoirs
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary field teams
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

Prior experience conducting salmon spawning surveys or salmonid monitoring programs
Familiarity with ODFW fisheries survey methodologies and biological sampling procedures
Experience with PIT tag scanners, Floy tags, GPS systems, and electronic field data collection platforms
Experience operating small boats or working in swift water environments
Previous experience leading small field teams or mentoring junior technicians
CPR/First Aid certification
Experience working on federally funded fisheries or natural resource monitoring projects

Responsibilities

Independently conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and foot throughout assigned river systems and tributaries
Enumerate adult Spring Chinook salmon and identify, document, and monitor active redds
Perform advanced carcass recovery and biological sampling activities in accordance with established protocols
Examine carcasses for adipose fin clips, tags, and identifying biological characteristics
Collect and document biological measurements including Fork Length (FL) and Mid-Eye to Posterior Scale (MEPS)
Determine fish sex, estimate egg retention in females, and assess spawning condition
Collect, preserve, organize, and document otoliths, scales, fin clips, and associated biological samples
Cross-reference tag data and biological observations to support accurate fisheries monitoring datasets
Scan fish for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and recover active tag information
Perform field data QA/QC and ensure accurate completion of field logs, datasheets, and electronic records
Assist with coordination of weekly survey schedules and field logistics
Mentor and support less experienced field staff on survey methods, safety procedures, and biological sampling techniques
Troubleshoot field equipment, vessels, sampling gear, and data collection issues
Maintain compliance with AIS, USACE, and project-specific safety and operational requirements
Support communication and coordination with project leadership and agency representatives as needed