Position/Project Specifics:   This is a full-time, temporary position, Monday-Friday, but daily hours will vary.  

Under the supervision of the on-site project supervisor, acts as the lead person for field survey crews that conduct anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcasses) on the lower American River in Sacramento, California. Duties include:

• Operate and trailer motor boats and kayaks.
• Collect fish carcasses with a gaff and chop in half with a machete. Must be willing to handle rotten fish carcasses all day.
• Make standardized observations including, but not limited to, species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition.
• Collect fish scales and remove fish heads with a machete.
• Maintain and clean field equipment and boats.
• Prepare purchase requests.
• Accurately input biological and environmental data on field forms, and/or desktop computers.
• Assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, and database management.
• Adhere to and enforce all safety and data collection protocols, including CDC guidelines for COVID-19
• Perform QA/QC of data. 

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.
• 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.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, and telemetry devices. Error check the data and update database.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including ability to identify adult steelhead trout and Chinook salmon).
• 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, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of database management. 

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• Previous field work experience
• Experience leading or supervising work groups
• carcass and redd surveys                   
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly throughout the day, every work day   
• Ability to walk 3-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven, slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble        
• ability to swim                          
• valid driver's license              
• tow & maneuver trailers
• Ability to operate and trailer a motor boat and kayak
• Ability to identify adult steelhead trout and Chinook salmon
• Must be willing to handle rotten fish carcasses all day        
• compile and collect neat and accurate field data     
• Ability to operate a computer and various PC-based software programs
• oral & written communication skills (Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level required for successful job performance)                 
• ability to work as part of a team, especially under stressful conditions
• follow oral and written directions
• repair & maintain equipment

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.  Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. Work requires ability to walk 3-5 miles per day in inclement weather on uneven, slippery surfaces and in-river over large cobble.

Work Environment:

Some work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  Some work may be performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Employees 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 or docks, 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.