This project will conduct 2nd Pass detailed fish passage barrier and habitat assessments on California Department of Transpiration (Caltrans) stream crossing structures throughout northern California.
Efforts will be focused on priority crossing structures identified by Caltrans that are believed to be located within streams that are currently or historically have supported anadramous salmonids.
The individual hired to support these fish passage barrier assessments will be based out of the Caltrans Eureka Office. Periodic overnight travel may be required to access the specified Caltrans crossing structures and support assessment efforts. Ability to conduct field work in streams is required. Work hours may vary based on task needs, but will be between 32-40 hours per week.
We are seeking someone who can learn quickly, has good communication skills, has the initiative to complete tasks without consistent explicit direction, is well-organized, is meticulous, follows direction well, works well with others, and has leadership qualities. The candidate must be comfortable in the field under strenuous conditions (hot weather, small poorly lit spaces, biting insects, presence of poison oak, and hiking in densely vegetated riparian habitats with heavy gear). Experience conducting fishery-related field surveys, familiarity with CDFW stream habitat/barrier assessments is a plus, but not required.
Travel will be conducted with a Caltrans state vehicle. This position will be responsible for data management and writing assessment summaries and reports, therefore strong writing skills (Word) and data management (Excel) are required. Employees will use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, calibrations scientific instruments, etc.
Essential Functions:
- 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, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
- Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
- Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short-term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
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 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 statistics and mathematics.
- Knowledge of database management.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL.
Additional Mandatory Skills:
- snorkeling
- carcass and redd surveys
- elec. detection technology
- lift 40-50 lbs.
- valid driver's license
- hiking
- habitat typing
- habitat monitoring
- restoration proj. monitoring
- research land ownership
- operate GPS
- fish species ID skills
- using fish keys
- compile and collect neat and accurate data
- handheld data recorder
- specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
- oral communication skills
- written communication skills
- repair & maintain equipment
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. 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.
