Biological Science Technician II

Description 

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Fisheries Department is seeking two (2) technicians to assist project biologists and staff with nonnative species removal efforts, nighttime snorkel surveys, multi-species spawning ground surveys, and other work as assigned. This will be a temporary, full-time position lasting six months, between mid-May and mid-October. This position is intended for recent college graduates who are seeking to gain fisheries experience, though everyone is encouraged to apply. Tribal preference enforced.

This is a primarily field-based position, where technicians will be working toward the conservation of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) on the Warm Springs Reservation. During June – August, technicians can expect to camp 2-3 nights per week at the brook trout removal project site, ~45 minutes from the town of Warm Springs. In mid-July, nighttime snorkel surveys will be conducted. From September to mid-October, technicians will assist project biologists with spawning ground surveys.

***Must possess a valid Driver’s License and pass a pre-employment drug test***

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with brook trout removal in alpine streams, utilizing mechanical and passive removal techniques, including but not limited to electrofishing, fyke nets, minnow traps, and picket weirs
• Identify closely related PNW fish species, with a focus on char and trout species
• Capture and handle ESA listed species
• Operate and maintain fisheries equipment
• Deploy and check traps daily
• Navigate alpine streams and rugged habitat with >50lbs of gear
• Collect biological data such as fin clips and fork length measurements
• PIT tag salmonids
• Input data onto iPads such as geospatial points and fish ID information
• Participate in habitat and nighttime snorkeling surveys
• Conduct spawning ground surveys for PNW salmonids
• Other duties as assigned

Schedule

Technicians are full-time with a combination of five 8-hour work days and four 10-hour work days. Depending on the time of year and assigned duties, technicians may work nights, holidays, or camp for multiple nights in remote areas. Schedules are subject to change on short notice. 

Location

Work will take place within the boundaries of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Technicians will be based out of Warm Springs, OR. Located in central Oregon, the Warm Springs Reservation is 20 minutes north of Madras, OR, 1 hour north of Bend, OR and 1.5 hours SE of Portland, OR. 

Compensation

The wage for this position is $23/hr.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of at least 2 years of college level coursework in natural resources, biology, environmental science, or a related field;
• At least six months experience in natural resource projects such as wildlife research and monitoring;
• Ability to identify PNW salmonid species;
• Able to maintain a flexible work schedule –i.e. Multi-day work trips in remote areas, working nights, holidays, and the possibility of schedule changes a week or two in advance;
• Must be able to hike several miles per day in rivers wearing waders and boots;
• Ability to navigate in remote areas (no cell service) using compass, GPS, natural features, and maps;
• Possession of a clean and valid driving license (a driving record will be requested during the onboarding process);
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and hike for extended periods of time over uneven terrain in inclement weather;
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
• Comfortable working in both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures;
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude;
• Ability to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills; effectively interact with Tribal members, less experienced technicians, staff and agency personnel; work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a cross-cultural environment with people of various skills
• Working knowledge of proper fish handling, tagging, and tracking techniques, proper data collection and record keeping
• Willingness to learn new skills and fisheries techniques