Fisheries Technician 1- Humboldt Bay Sampling

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Title: Fisheries Technician 1- Humboldt Bay Sampling

Anticipated Start Date: January 2, 2014 

Position & Project Specifics:

Under the supervision of the PSMFC Project Manager and the lead of a CDFW Environmental Scientist the employee will sample juvenile salmonids in Humboldt Bay tributaries such as Freshwater Creek slough, Ryan Creek slough, and Salmon Creek estuary to determine emigration patterns of juvenile salmonids and their length of residence in the tidal portion of Humboldt Bay tributaries. Employee will also be sampling State and Federally protected fish species.

Job Duties:

• Capturing fish with seine nets and minnow traps, fish I.D., length and weight measurements, tagging fish, and scale collection.
• Operating water quality meters and tag detection equipment.
• Recording data and data quality control.
• Operate and maintain project vehicles and boats (kayaks)
• Maintain, repair, or construct project equipment such as water quality meters, fish marking devices, nets and fish traps.
• Conduct office work such as computer data entry, data editing, and producing summary information including graphs and tables.
• Assist in technical report preparation and poster presentations at scientific meetings.
• Conduct scientific literature research at libraries and on internet.

Employee must have scientific training to competently I.D. and handle fish and be able to work independently and as part of a crew. Employee must be proficient in computer use preferably with Microsoft Office and possess some technical writing skills.

***This position requires a valid driver's license and all offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a driving record check.

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 Mandatory Skills:  

• snorkeling                                           
• repair nets (seine, gill, etc.)    
• trap/weir
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim                           
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• operate non-motorized boats     
• operate GPS
• habitat typing                                     
• habitat monitoring                  
• restoration proj. monitoring
• research land ownership                   
• literature search/review
• fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)        
• fish species ID skills               
• using fish keys
• 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
• construction, fabrication and installation skills                                  
• repair & maintain equipment

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. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

PSMFC is an EEO/AAP employer. We maintain a drug free workplace.