Fisheries Technician 1- CWT Recovery Surveys

Position/Project Specifics:

PSMFC is looking for two seasonal fisheries technician to support the work of the East Bay Municipal Utility District in the Lodi Fisheries and Wildlife Office. Position start date is September 15, 2025. Primary responsibilities include participation in the coded wire tag recovery effort on the Mokelumne River. Work includes traveling by boat on the Mokelumne River to retrieve adult salmon carcasses in order to inspect carcasses for an adipose fin clip and collect the head and other biological samples as needed. The seasonal fisheries technician will also collect physical and biological data during carcass surveys. In addition, the seasonal fisheries technicians will assist with redd count surveys, video monitoring, rotary screw trap operations, hatchery studies, data entry, and maintenance of field equipment. The position requires long field days in inclement weather on the Mokelumne River below Camanche Dam. The fisheries technician ensure that survey equipment and vehicles are maintained in good operating condition. Duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, hiking, or kayaking for extended periods of time and moderate to heavy lifting. Must possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including sufficient strength to lift 40 lbs of equipment in the field and sufficient swimming skill for self-preservation. Must be willing to work out of doors in a variety of weather conditions. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.

 

Essential Functions: 

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional 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.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat 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.

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: 

• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.               
• able to swim                           
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• load boats on trailers                         
• tow & maneuver trailers        
• valid driver's license
• operate motorized boats                     
• operate non-motorized boats  
• hiking                                                 
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills               
• operate handheld data recorder         
• compile and collect neat and accurate data   
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent 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 re