Fishery Biologist 1- Upper Sacramento Steelhead Crew Lead

Position/Project Specifics:

This position will serve as the crew lead for the Sacramento River Steelhead Monitoring Program working out of Redding, CA. The candidates will be required to operate and maintain screwtraps on tributaries to the Upper Sacramento River. Additional duties include; PIT tagging juvenile salmonids, constructing PIT tag antennas, arrays and resistance board weirs, and data entry. Duties will also include performing surgeries on juvenile salmonids to implant acoustic tags. On occasion the candidate may also be required to participate in snorkel surveys on tributaries as well as the main stem Upper Sacramento River. Knowledge of salmon and steelhead life histories is highly desirable. Screw trap and PIT tagging experience beneficial as well. Some weekend work may be required.

Essential Functions:

(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.)

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).

• Knowledge of fish husbandry.

• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.

• Knowledge of the scientific method.

• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.

• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.

• Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.

• Knowledge of database management.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• snorkeling
• operate trap/weir
• operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• carcass and redd surveys
• elec. detection technology
• lift 40-50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• tow & maneuver trailers
• load boats on trailers
• operate motorized boats
• operate non-motorized boats
• hiking
• CPR/First Aid
• habitat typing
• habitat monitoring
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills
• 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
• repair & maintain equipment

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.