Fisheries Technician 1- Stream Mapping

Position/Project Specifics:

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual to assist the U.S. Geological Survey in the collection of stream flow permanence and stream-road crossing assessments. The accurate mapping of streams and stream flow conditions is important to understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes in streams and to manage land, water, and ecological resources. Stream-road crossings are one of the most unseen and prevalent threats to aquatic ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.

The candidate will work in a team of two at various locations in Oregon to collect stream flow and road-stream crossing data. Field stints will require overnight travel between 4 and 8 days. Work will be conducted on public lands throughout the study areas. Employees will be camping with occasional hotel stays while in the field. Ability to conduct field work in streams is required. Primary responsibilities include the following: visit points and/or follow routes to locate stream crossing location survey sites by navigating on rough backcountry roads using GPS and topographic maps to accurately record site attributes by characterizing stream flow (FLOwPER) and road-stream crossings data (ROADStr) on mobile devices, drive 4-wheel drive vehicles on remote, un-improved roads, hike off trail and over rough terrain. This is primarily a field-based position and field sites will be in remote locations. In general, the work will be conducted during a 4-day work week and 10-hour days. Occasionally, weekend/holiday work and 8 day field stints may occur. Minimum HS degree, BS or BA preferred. Environmental biological, or science-based degree preferred. Ideal experience would be at least one year in fisheries, wildlife, or natural resources.

Essential Functions:  

• Participate in survey crews to support watershed and stream assessments by working as part of a field team that performs habitat surveys. Includes road inventories, stream habitat inventories, channel typing, habitat typing, woody debris and riparian inventories.
• 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.
• Research the land ownership of survey sites and assist in processes for gaining access approval, which may include direct landowner contact.

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:  

• lift 40 – 50 lbs.
• valid driver’s license
• hiking
• camping
• CPR/First Aid
• operate GPS
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

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.  Camping out for extended periods is 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. Work at high elevations may be required.