Fishery Biologist 2- Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Program

Job Description

Position/Project Specifics:

This position is a Lead Biologist position for the Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Program (CVSMP) based in West Sacramento, CA. Under the direction of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Liaison, the Lead Biologist will oversee all daily operations of the CVSMP. 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. Incumbent will supervise, oversee, schedule, and manage daily activities of a field crew operating seven days per week. Assist with hiring and training full time and seasonal staff. The position requires working on 25ft long motorized watercraft. Motorboat operator and safety training will be provided. Anticipated start date is mid to late December 2023. Pay rate $2804.43, semi-monthly

 

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervise up to eight field crew staff
• Provide technical support to CDFW program staff implementing the CVSMP
• Manage and schedule daily field data collection activities, including training of field crew
• Oversee PIT tagging, acoustic tagging, and collection of biological samples from adult steelhead trout
• Oversee safe boating operations and training of all field staff
• Assist with QA/QC of all data, database management, and data analysis
• Coordinate installation, operation, and maintenance of PIT tag arrays and acoustic receivers
• Coordinate O. mykiss scale mounting, imaging, and aging
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, and procurement tracking
• Maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and program equipment
• Produce deliverables such as monthly, annual, and section 10 reports
• Collaborate with the Red Bluff CVSMP project, Reclamation Districts, and various agencies to complete project goals
• 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

Position Requirements:
· Analytical and data analysis skills
· Knowledge of scientific methodology
· Knowledge of scientific technical writing
· Knowledge of salmonid biology and life history
· Experience working with salmonids
· Knowledge of computer applications and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
· Good oral and written communication skills
· Must be comfortable working from and operating motorized watercraft
· Experience with scientific writing and data analysis
· 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

 

Desirable Skills:
· Adult salmonid trapping and handling experience
· Experience leading large field-based fish monitoring efforts
· PIT, Floy, acoustic tagging experience
· Ability to identify native and non-native fish species in the Sacramento watershed
· Advanced database management skillsets
· Motorboat operation and trailering experience

 

Essential Functions:  

• Following existing protocols for fish health screenings; conduct tissue sample collection, bacterial testing and analyses, blood collection and analyses, parasite identification, and necropsies on experimental fish populations. Recommend modifications of existing research protocols. Design data collection forms and set up research databases for integration of data. Compile and analyze data for reports, prepare graphics, contribute to or write papers for peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at professional meetings.
• Develop age composition structures, stock assessments, escapement totals, harvest levels, run reconstruction frameworks, and/or run forecasts for designated fish species and stock. Evaluate and direct sampling efforts or reporting practices to best meet data requirements. Write memoranda and reports necessary for transfer of information to the appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations.
• Write or contribute to papers and reports for publication, and compile reports on results of data collection and analysis. Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations at seminars, meetings, etc.
• Conduct limited physical and biological watershed, stream, and fish habitat assessments. Responsible for conducting data investigation and research, drafting technical report, database management, GIS for all physical and biological data, and survey and inventory results. Prepare, present, implement and update watershed assessment plans.
• Assist in writing contract proposals and progress reports. Assist in developing detailed contract specifications, task statements, quality of work criteria, and other specifications.
• Monitor budget expenses for projects, control purchasing, and manage equipment inventories.

At the upper end of the range, the Fishery Biologist has specialized knowledge and demonstrated competence in advanced techniques of a complex area of fish biology sufficient to serve as a troubleshooter or specialist.  The employee is competent to modify or adapt standard techniques, processes and procedures, and to assess, select, apply precedents and devise strategies and plans to overcome significant problems related to species production, protection, habitat restoration, or program management and evaluation. Planning reports generated by employees at this level assess the impact of various multi-faceted management or public practices on a resource. Upper range work examples include:

• Use biological information to evaluate run profiles and habitat suitability in stocked streams within a major geographical area. Develop comprehensive management plans to insure preservation, protection, and enhancement of habitats.
• Plan, design and implement research studies on fish health and/or nutrition. Analyze and report biological and/or genetic information affecting future selection, rearing, and spawning activities.
• Prepare both quarterly progress and annual reports on run status and hatchery or fish facility operations.
• Monitor and evaluate hatching, rearing and planting of fish. Evaluate and monitor adult return rates. Develop new rearing strategies.
• Prepare fish habitat measurement plans or management plans for a watershed or large geographic area.
• Diagnose various fish diseases or nutritional disorders in experimental populations or brood stock. Develop modifications to existing health protocols as well as experimental protocols.
• Write publishable reports of research and project findings. 

Knowledge Required by the Position: 

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish) .
• Knowledge of microbiology.
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of sampling protocols.
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications such as:
• word processing
• spreadsheets
• e-mail
• publishing software
• presentation software
• database software
• topographic software
• bibliographic software
• statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis and mathematics.

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 working in inclement weather, exposure to cold, rain, heat, sun, wind, walking on wet / slippery rocks, docks, and boat decks, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, fast moving water, and cold water temperatures. Field work will involve long days working and standing on boats in a wet environment handling adult steelhead trout.

 

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of education and experience may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.  In addition to the undergraduate degree requirement, candidates for positions at the lower end of the range must also present 1 year of Specialized Experience** OR 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master's degree in fields directly related to the position being filled. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, in addition to the undergraduate course of study described above, candidates must also must present one year of Specialized Experience**  OR  3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph. D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in fields directly related to the position being filled.  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. 

LocationCDFW Sacramento {Riverside Pkwy}
Project Length12 months or more
Position TypeFull-Year
Travel RequirementsUp to 10%
BenefitsFull-Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are covered by the Company's Life, LTD and AD&D plan. They are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and AD&D insurance, flexible spending and deferred compensation. An employee receives up to 120 hours of vacation during their first three years of service. After that, the amount of vacation increases every three years of service up to a maximum of 192 hours per year.
DrivingState Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.
Salary Target$62,903-$94,296 annually
Closing DateDec 8, 2023