Fisheries Technician 1- Upper Sacramento Video Program Monitoring

Position/Project Specifics:

The Sacramento River Basin Salmonid Monitoring Program is a cooperative agreement between PSMFC and the Department of the Interior as part of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. The program seeks to make all reasonable efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of Salmonid populations in the region. Adult Chinook salmon spawning and escapement surveys have been historically conducted in the Upper Sacramento River basin to produce adult abundance and trend data that is used to evaluate the performance in region-wide recovery efforts. Specifically, these data sets are used for the following management purposes: provide a basis for juvenile Chinook salmon production estimates, monitor performance standards to evaluate the success of enhancement and restoration programs, assess hatchery influence, and contribute to inland and ocean harvest management. The purpose of this agreement is to collect essential baseline data in an effort to enhance the population status of anadromous fish in the region.

The candidate will participate in a field-based survey crew monitoring and maintaining 9 individual video stations located along 8 different tributaries of the upper Sacramento River. Daily activities include; the cleaning and maintaining of fish weirs as well as underwater video cameras and equipment. Trouble shooting electrical issues and problem solving while in the field can be expected. Record/process/QA/QC data, and basic statistical analyses of data is anticipated. Analysis of fish passage video data may also be required. Spending 6-8 hours in the field is normal, hiking and wading in small streams is a daily activity. Snorkeling and wading in swift water during adverse weather conditions is expected. This is primarily a field-based position in Red Bluff CA and the successful candidate may be routinely exposed to adverse weather conditions throughout all months of the year. The schedule will be determined based upon the fish return and sampling regime currently being employed, but is typically a 4-10 shift and candidates will be expected to work weekends and holidays if needed. Driving trucks is a daily task and towing boats may be required. Knowledge of welding and soldering is desired but not mandatory. Minimum HS degree, BS or BA preferred. Environmental, biological, or science-based degree preferred but not mandatory. Ideal experience would be at least 1 year in fisheries, wildlife, or the natural sciences.

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, hiking, 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.
• Safely participate in field surveys while in swift water environments, aboard motorized boats and kayaks, hiking, etc.
• Collect and organize fish passage video data, temperature data, biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with QA/QC process, 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:

• snorkeling
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.
• able to swim
• Comfortable hiking on slippery or uneven terrain
• lift 40 – 50 lbs.
• load boats on trailers
• tow & maneuver trailers
• valid driver’s license
• operate motorized boats and/or kayaks
• operate GPS
• use of basic hand tools
• 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
• construction, fabrication and installation skills
• electrical work
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate –where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping. 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 on a boat or in a creek may be required. Camping out for extended periods may be required but is not anticipated. 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 the field where 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 or aboard boats may be required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provides a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**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