| Job Description: |
PACIFIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Fishery Biologist 1
Group Definition: Fishery Biologists use professional knowledge and competence in the science of fishery biology to perform work: (a) developing, conserving, propagating, managing, and administering fishery resources; (b) evaluating the impact of construction projects and other socioeconomic activities that present potential or actual adverse effects on fishery resources and their habitats; and (c) producing and managing aquatic resources in their natural habitat and/or within facilities and systems that have been constructed for their benefit and public use.
Position/Project Specifics:
The employee will participate in all sampling and handling of juvenile fish that may affect the welfare of the fish. This sampling will include species composition, weight and length measurements, descaling and injury rate determination, recovery of marked fish, PIT tag database work and Gas Bubble Trauma monitoring.
The employee will participate in computer data entry and analysis. This work will include daily entry of sampling and collection data for the Fish Passage Center (FPC), US Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), as well as computation and analysis of juvenile salmonid run timing, passage success at mainstem hydroelectric projects and specific stock assessment through the use of spreadsheet and graphic programs.
The employee will participate in the development, implementation, supervision, data analysis, and reporting of thermal data collected on the project for the COE.
The employee will be responsible for preparing a brief weekly summary report of the juvenile fish collection and transportation activities for distribution to other state, federal and tribal fishery agencies. The employee will also prepare annual and interim reports and research proposals.
This anticipated start date for this position is March 26, 2012.
Essential Functions: Included in this band are entry-level and adva
nced entry-level professional positions. The functions performed by employees can be identical to those performed by Fisheries Technicians. The distinction in titling is intent. Positions in this group and pay band are intended to lead to higher level, professional Fishery Biologist work. If the organization does not intend for the position to lead to Fishery Biologist work in the 9/10/11 band, it should assign the work to the Fisheries Technician group.
(Note: "Lead" functions identified below may include staff scheduling, providing input on performance, orientation and training, approving time and travel reimbursement records, and purchasing office and field project supplies.)
(The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work under close to general supervision.)
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Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, 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.
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Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
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Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.
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Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
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Assist in design, development, and installation of components of naturalistic environments. Assist with analysis of the behavior of different species in simulated environments. Videotape, photograph, and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success, and anti-predator behavior.
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Establish and direct sport, commercial, hatchery, and natural spawn sampling and bio-sampling protocols to best meet data requirements.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
Additional Mandatory/Desirable Skills: (A pick list. Supervisor makes selection and indicates whether M or D for candidate to possess at time of hire.)
- lift 40-50 lbs.
- valid driver's license
- CPR/First Aid
- habitat typing
- habitat monitoring
- literature search/review
- fish species ID skills
- using fish keys
- compile and collect neat and accurate data
- handheld data recorder
- specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
- oral communication skills
- written communication skills
- construction, fabrication and installation skills
- repair & maintain equipment
Supervisory Controls:
A supervisor guides the incumbent and assigns work on a regular basis (daily, weekly, or monthly) in terms of project objectives, individual objectives, and priorities.
At the lower end of the range, the employee uses basic professional knowledge in a variety of recurring, learning assignments. He/she is able to assess or interpret the significance of work results and relate that to the overall objective of the project. The supervisor or leader is available for consultation.
At the upper end of the range, the employee outlines, organizes and executes the details of the assignments. Regular status reports are made to keep the supervisor up to date on progress. A supervisor or leader is available when assignments involve modification of standard procedures or controversial approaches.
In all cases, reviews are utilized to ensure that the employee's work is adequate, technically sound, and accomplishing objectives.
Guidelines:
Guides may be regulations; maps and charts; sampling and survey methodologies; standing operating procedures for data entry, management and analysis; purchasing and accounting procedures; health and safety manuals; facility operation and emergency protocols; oral instructions; equipment or instrument manuals; hardware/software manual; and/or fish identification keys.
The guides often require careful study or cross-referencing to locate the applicable rule or answer and can involve some interpretation or judgment to determine and adapt procedures to carry out work efforts, analyze results, and recommend changes. If the work is outside the guidelines or is not easily adapted from the existing guidelines, additional assistance is available from a supervisor or leader.
Complexity:
The employee is expected to select and execute the proper approach to completing the work. The assigned duties often have steps or processes which vary, depending on factors such as the reason the work is being performed or the conditions under which it is being performed. The employee is expected to exercise independence in recognizing such differences, in choosing the right course of action, and in selecting and executing the proper approach to completing the work.
Scope and Effect:
Work products directly affect the design and execution of experiments, the operation of systems and facilities, or the adequacy of long term investigations, tests, or research conclusions.
Personal Contacts:
Contacts are with employees of PSMFC; federal, state, or local fishery agencies; visiting scientists; the general public; sport fishery anglers; industry personnel; and contractors.
Purpose of Contacts:
The purpose of contacts is to exchange information and insure that project goals are being met through coordination and planning. Communication between contacts affords resolution of problematic issues and serves as an information network. Sometimes contacts may be skeptical or uncooperative.
Physical Demands:
Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous. In the latter case, the employee 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. Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.
Work Environment:
Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Employees 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 or docks, 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.
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