Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) Fisheries Technicians perform duties related to the protection, preservation, propagation, and sampling of fish species and the preservation or enhancement of their habitat.
They use knowledge of procedural requirements and processes to support the technical work of their unit. They provide practical technical support to research, operations, or programs administration efforts.
Position/Project Specifics:
The Ocean Recreational Fishery Survey (ORBS) Project collects marine recreational fisheries data along the Oregon coast to support management, monitoring, and assessment of Oregon's important non-salmonid species targeted by marine recreational anglers. The project consists of three full-time year-round samplers, with one each stationed on the north, central and south coast, working with an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) project coordinator stationed in Newport, Oregon. Day to day activities are directed by ODFW through the project coordinator and an agency liaison.
Specific activities fall into three broad categories of fisheries sampling and monitoring: 1) At-sea observation aboard charter fishing vessels conducting regular fishing trips, to collect location-specific data on catch rates, discard rates, and size of discarded fish; 2) dockside sampling of angler catches for length and age structures such as otoliths (rockfish) and fin rays (lingcod); and 3) winter dockside creel surveys and video review of marine recreational fishing effort and catch in major ports.
This announcement is for the South Coast position, which is stationed at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife office in Brookings, Oregon, and is responsible for sampling the area from Coos Bay to the Oregon/California border, primarily in the ports of Charleston, Bandon, Gold Beach and Brookings. The incumbent is expected to work independently and without close supervision to efficiently achieve sampling goals. Duties include substantial amounts of data collection and entry, video review, processing of biological samples, and use of electronic data collection technology. Interacting with the fishing public, maintaining positive relationships with charter operators and offices, and demonstrated sea worthiness are required. Occasional participation in other projects may be included.
Essential Functions:
(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.)
- Conduct recreational fishery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, reproductive condition, and/or signs of fin clips or tags.
- Collect and organize biological samples and collections (such as otoliths, other ageing structures, other tissues, etc.).
- Summarize and input biological or effort 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.
- Prepare samples for precision ageing of various fish species in a laboratory setting.
- Conduct video review of recreational fishing vessels to generate effort estimates.
- Make multiple single day trips to sea aboard for-hire fishing vessels to record location-specific catch rates, discard rates and size of discarded fish.
- Solicit for-hire vessel operators and offices to obtain permission to conduct at-sea sampling aboard their vessels.
- Make regular overnight visits to sampling locations, utilizing commercial lodging and state-owned vehicles.
- Develop and maintain relationships with for-hire offices and operators, and with the general public.
- Maintain data confidentiality and adhere to information security protocols.
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:
- Perform creel survey
- Lift 40 - 50 lbs.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
- Fish species ID skills
- Fish key skills
- Operate handheld data recorder and GPS receiver
- Compile and collect neat and accurate data
- Basic software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database)
- Oral communication skills
- Written communication skills
- Perform sampling aboard small to medium (20-60 foot) sea going vessels in variable weather and sea conditions
- Build and maintain relationships with recreational fishing industry and the general public
Additional Desirable Skills:
- Able to swim
- CPR/First Aid
- At sea/cold water survival training
- Literature search/review
- Fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)
- Repair & maintain equipment
Physical Demands:
Demands can range from moderate—where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending—to rigorous. In the latter case, the incumbent must be able to handle buckets or totes of fish or gear weighing up to 50 pounds. Long daily periods of carrying equipment, and/or standing may be required. Work requires the ability to maintain footing and balance aboard small to medium sea going vessels. Rigorous and repetitive hand and wrist motion are required to collect and prepare age structures. Driving in a state vehicle requires as many as 1400 miles or more in some months.
Work Environment:
A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. The majority is performed at public fish cleaning stations and boat launches, docks and aboard small to medium size vessels at sea. Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms or floating docks that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery docks or other surfaces, trails, irregular terrain, insects, fish spines, knives, rough or fast-moving water, or cold-water temperatures. Work aboard boats is 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 provided 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.
