CASY-MSCCN Jobs

Position/Project Specifics:

This position is a full time/year-round Fisheries Technician 2 for the Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Program (CVSMP) based in West Sacramento, CA. Under the direction of the Lead Biologist, the Fisheries Technician 2 will assist with daily field data collection, office/lab activities, and act as a field lead as needed. This position will obtain scientific information to examine the distribution, abundance, and population trends of Central Valley (CV) Steelhead in the Sacramento River watershed by using mark-recapture methods with large wire fyke traps on the mainstem Sacramento River. The position requires working on 25ft long motorized watercraft. Motorboat operator and safety training will be provided. Anticipated start date is late April or early May 2024.

Duties and responsibilities include: Operate and maintain large wire fyke traps Assist with PIT tagging, acoustic tagging, and collection of biological samples from adult steelhead trout Assist the Lead Biologist with training of staff in field and boat operations Act as a field lead when needed Assist with QA/QC of all data, database management, and data analysis Maintain project equipment such as fyke traps, winches, and tools Assist with installation, operation, and maintenance of PIT tag arrays, acoustic receivers, and temperature loggers Maintain vehicles and vessels Mount and digitize O. mykiss scale samples Candidate must be willing and able to work long hours sitting at a desk and/or field setting (working on motorized watercraft, on rough/uneven terrain, and in adverse weather conditions). A flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends is mandatory

Essential Functions: Included in this band are skilled technician positions. Some functions performed by employees can be identical to those performed by fishery biologists at the entry-level or advanced entry-level. The distinction in titling is intent. Positions in this group and pay band are not intended to lead to higher level, professional Fishery Biologist 2 positions.

(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.)

• 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, fin clips or tags, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens.
• Gather research data and organize information from fish samples or experimental projects.
• Lead crew in watershed and stream assessments and habitat surveys. May include stream habitat inventories (channel typing, habitat typing, woody debris, etc.), road inventories, and riparian inventories.
• Develop and install 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.
• Update the database by entering, checking, and/or editing biological or habitat data that has been inputted on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. Maintain, organize, and provide access to databases. Write memoranda and short reports for transfer of data. Produce summaries including corrections. Produce presentation-quality tables and graphs of data.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR one semester of gra uate education that is directly related to the work of the position. 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 year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**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. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

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 sampling protocols.
• 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 basic math.

Employees have the knowledge to resolve common technical or procedural problems for themselves or their work crew. They are able to assess or interpret the significance of their results and relate that to the overall objective of the project. They have the knowledge to outline, organize and execute the details of projects where unusual or irregular procedural or technical problems arise.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

Knowledge of scientific methodology Knowledge of salmonid biology and life history Experience working with salmonids Good oral and written communication skills Analytical and data analysis skills Knowledge of computer applications and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access Experience with scientific writing Must be comfortable working from and operating motorized watercraft Must be able to swim 50 yards and tread water for 10 minutes CPR/First Aid certified (provided) Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must have a valid driver's license

Additional Desired Qualifications: Motorboat operation and trailering experience Adult salmonid trapping and handling experience Experience leading large field-based fish monitoring efforts Technical skills such as equipment repair and electrical work PIT, Floy, and acoustic tagging experience Ability to identify native and non-native fish species in the Sacramento watershed Database management skills Experience mounting, digitizing, and aging scale samples

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. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment: Some work will be in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation. Some work will be on a motorized boat in fast moving water or from the banks of a large river. Field work involves w