Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Fisheries Technician 1- Mendocino Monitoring Programs
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Fort Bragg, California, United States, 95437
Job Opportunity With Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is seeking highly motivated individuals to support a long-term regional monitoring program assessing coastal salmonid abundance trends in Mendocino County, California. Positions will be based in Fort Bragg, CA. We are looking for reliable and observant candidates who can identify and handle salmonids at all life stages. Responsibilities include performing spawning ground surveys, operating adult migrant weirs, traps, and counting structures, maintaining rotary screw traps and fyke net traps, tagging and collecting biological samples from live and deceased salmonids, PIT tagging juvenile salmonids, and ensuring clean, accurate data collection while following strict protocols. Successful applicants must be capable of hiking or kayaking up to 10 miles daily in remote, rugged terrain and adverse weather. The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing strenuous fieldwork. Candidates should be comfortable navigating with topographic maps and GPS units, operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs, and following all safety guidelines. Since this project involves collaboration among multiple agencies, technicians, and biologists, excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude are essential. Positions will start between mid-November and mid-December, depending on project needs and candidate availability, and will last approximately six months. The typical work schedule often includes weekends and occasional holidays. 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 Mandatory Skills
trap/weir carcass and redd surveys electronic detection technology able to swim operate non-motorized boat (kayak) 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. Target Salary: $15.44-$25.20/hr
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is seeking highly motivated individuals to support a long-term regional monitoring program assessing coastal salmonid abundance trends in Mendocino County, California. Positions will be based in Fort Bragg, CA. We are looking for reliable and observant candidates who can identify and handle salmonids at all life stages. Responsibilities include performing spawning ground surveys, operating adult migrant weirs, traps, and counting structures, maintaining rotary screw traps and fyke net traps, tagging and collecting biological samples from live and deceased salmonids, PIT tagging juvenile salmonids, and ensuring clean, accurate data collection while following strict protocols. Successful applicants must be capable of hiking or kayaking up to 10 miles daily in remote, rugged terrain and adverse weather. The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing strenuous fieldwork. Candidates should be comfortable navigating with topographic maps and GPS units, operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs, and following all safety guidelines. Since this project involves collaboration among multiple agencies, technicians, and biologists, excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude are essential. Positions will start between mid-November and mid-December, depending on project needs and candidate availability, and will last approximately six months. The typical work schedule often includes weekends and occasional holidays. 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 Mandatory Skills
trap/weir carcass and redd surveys electronic detection technology able to swim operate non-motorized boat (kayak) 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. Target Salary: $15.44-$25.20/hr