Job Description
Position/Project Specifics:
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist in summer/fall backpack electrofishing and seining surveys, conducting winter spawning ground surveys for Coho salmon and steelhead, operating spring outmigrant traps, and maintain PIT tag detecting arrays throughout the Ten Mile River watershed.
Primary responsibilities include: Participating in backpack electrofishing and seining surveys, PIT tagging juvenile salmonids, collecting biological samples from live and dead salmonids, conducting spawning ground surveys, operating rotary screw traps, maintaining several PIT tag detecting arrays, and collecting clean and accurate data following strict protocols.
We need a reliable, motivated, observant, and passionate person with the ability to identify and handle salmonids of all life stages. Candidates must be able to hike or kayak up to 10 miles a day in remote areas, over rough terrain, and in adverse weather. They must be able to lift up to 60 lbs, perform strenuous field work, orient themselves using digital maps, operate 4wd vehicles and ATV's, and follow strict field and safety protocols. Since there are multiple agencies, technicians, and biologists involved with the project, candidates must have very good interpersonal skills and an overall positive attitude. We are looking for team-players.
The position will start in August 2024 and will go through the end of June 2025. In general we work 4 days/week and 10 hours/day, but additional holiday and weekend work will be required.
Essential Functions :

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Make regular facility inspections, including tag interrogation equipment. Record findings and adjustments made. Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies.
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position :
At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks.
At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc. If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results.
Additional MandatorySkills:

• trap/ weir
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.
• able to swim
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• hiking
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills
• operate handheld data recorder
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills

Physical Demands :
Demands can range from moderate where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping to rigorous. In the latter case, the incumbent must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds. Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.
Work Environment :
A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification Requirements :
A range of experience and education may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.
**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.
Benefits
Seasonal Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and AD&D insurance, flexible spending and deferred compensation.
Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, paid time for jury duty, bereavement leave and 8 hours of Personal Leave.