Job Description

Position/Project Specifics:

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to assist with the monitoring of lower Yuba River fish communities. The Fishery Biologist 2 will work under the direction of the Project Manager to implement monitoring and evaluation studies, and will be primarily responsible for analyzing biotic and abiotic data associated with the monitoring efforts.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, leading biologists and technicians in conducting adult salmonid spawning and redd monitoring surveys, escapement carcass surveys that include otolith extraction and other genetic sampling, juvenile salmonid survivorship studies (predation and acoustic telemetry tracking through JSATS), temperature monitoring, modeling and maintenance of in-stream equipment, salmonid spawning gravel supplementation and digital elevation modeling, and supervising VAKI Riverwatcher maintenance.

Eligible candidates will have a working knowledge of analytical techniques as they apply to ecological systems and will possess strong technical writing skills necessary for drafting technical reports and study design plans when required. Field work is required and will encompass a combination of hiking, kayaking, hook and line angling, underwater camera deployment, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and motorized vessel travel to collect field data. 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 50 lbs, perform strenuous field work, orient themselves using digital maps, operate 4wd vehicles, and follow strict field and safety protocols. Since there are multiple agencies, technicians, biologists and hydrologists involved with the project and office space, candidates must have very good interpersonal skills and an overall positive attitude. We are looking for team-players.

Strong experience with R, ArcMap, and Microsoft Office Suite are required to fulfill job duties. Experience conducting salmonid abundance surveys, redd surveys, and knowledge of RTK surveying is desirable. Experience using Lightworks, Trimble and Uinta software, HOBOware software, database management, data QA/QC and curation is highly desired.

The position will start September 3, 2024 and will be a full-year, full-time position with benefits. The Fishery Biologist 2 will be expected to work 4 days/week at 10 hours/day, additional holiday and weekend work could be required but is rare.

Essential Functions:

• Following existing protocols for fish health screenings; conduct tissue sample collection, bacterial testing and analyses, blood collection and analyses, parasite identification, and necropsies on experimental fish populations. Recommend modifications of existing research protocols. Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data. Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.
• Develop age composition structures, stock assessments, escapement totals, harvest levels, run reconstruction frameworks, and/or run forecasts for designated fish species and stock. Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to best meet data requirements. Write memoranda and reports necessary for transfer of information to the appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.
• Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis. Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.
• Conduct limited physical and biological watershed, stream, and fish habitat assessments. Responsible for conducting data investigation and research, drafting technical report, database management, GIS for all physical and biological data, and survey and inventory results. Prepare, present, implement and update watershed assessment plans.
• Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports. Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.
• Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.

At the upper end of the range, the Fishery Biologist has specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques of a complex area of fish biology sufficient to serve as a troubleshooter or specialist.  The employee is competent to modify or adapt standard techniques, processes and procedures, and to assess, select, apply precedents and devise strategies and plans to overcome significant problems related to species production, protection, habitat restoration, or program management and evaluation. Planning reports generated by employees at this level assess the impact of various multi-faceted management or public practices on a resource. Upper range work examples include:

• Use biological information to evaluate run profiles and habitat suitability in stocked streams within a major geographical area. Develop comprehensive management plans to insure preservation, protection, and enhancement of habitats.
• Plan, design and implement research studies on fish health and/or nutrition. Analyze and report biological and/or genetic information affecting future selection, rearing, and spawning activities.
• Prepare both quarterly progress and annual reports on run status and hatchery or fish facility operations.
• Monitor and evaluate hatching, rearing and planting of fish. Evaluate and monitor adult return rates. Develop new rearing strategies.
• Prepare fish habitat measurement plans or management plans for a watershed or large geographic area.
• Diagnose various fish diseases or nutritional disorders in experimental populations or brood stock. Develop modifications to existing health protocols as well as experimental protocols.
• Write publishable reports of research and project findings.

Knowledge Required by the Position: 

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish) .
• Knowledge of microbiology.
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of sampling protocols.
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications such as:
  • word processing
  • spreadsheets
  • e-mail
  • publishing software
  • presentation software
  • database software
  • topographic software
  • bibliographic software
  • statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.

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. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment:
Some work will be in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation. Some work will be on a motorized boat in fast moving water or from the banks of a large river. Field work involves working in inclement weather, exposure to cold, rain, heat, sun, wind, walking on wet / slippery rocks, docks, and boat decks, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, fast moving water, and cold water temperatures. Field work will involve long days working and standing on boats in a wet environment handling adult steelhead trout.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.  In addition to the undergraduate degree requirement, candidates for positions at the lower end of the range must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience** OR 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master’s degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, in addition to the undergraduate course of study described above, candidates must also must present one year of Specialized Experience**  OR  3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph. D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in fields directly related to the position being filled.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**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.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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