Seasonal Biological Technician

Great opportunity for SEASONAL BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIANS to support juvenile Chinook assessments across the Willamette Valley. The location can be in Sweet Home, Lebanon, or Eugene, Oregon. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries research and contribute to meaningful conservation projects. If you have a background in biology/ecology/natural resources and a passion for fish conservation, we encourage you to apply!

HOW TO APPLY:

DETAILS:

• Focus & Location: Support juvenile Chinook assessments across the Willamette Valley
• Field Work: This position provides entry-level field support by assisting Biologists in juvenile Chinook assessments across the Willamette Valley. Fieldwork will be conducted in three-person teams lead by a Senior Biological Technician, typically 5 days per week, for 8 hours per day. Occasional camping may be required. Field technicians will be supervised by the Fish Ecology Lab in Portland, OR.
• Project Details:
  • Quartzville Juvenile Chinook Surveys: Conduct surveys from anticipated duration of late January to November 2025 at Quartzville Creek
  • Green Peter and Lookout Point Reservoir Distribution Surveys: Alternate weekly between Green Peter Reservoir and Lookout Point Reservoir from anticipated duration of February to November 2025.
  • Bulk PIT Tagging and Fish Releases: Support tagging and releases from anticipated duration of February to June 2025 (with a strong possibility of extension). Alternate between Marion Forks Hatchery, Minto Fish Hatchery near Detroit, OR, and the Willamette River Hatchery near Oakridge, OR.
  • Candidates will be assigned to specific projects upon hire, with potential opportunities to contribute to other Willamette Valley projects throughout the season as needs and priorities evolve.
• Approximate Employment Dates: Mid-January to November 2025.
• Pay Rate: $20-$22/hour depending on experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work daily with a crew of 3 individuals to conduct juvenile Chinook salmon population assessments or bulk tagging operations. Maintain effective communication and a strong team-player mindset to support project goals throughout the field season.
• Engage in routine communication with supervisors and team members to ensure project requirements are met and operational needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Utilize safe handling techniques to ensure fish health during marking, tagging, or release activities.
• Conduct PIT-tagging and elastomer (VIE) tagging, including measuring, weighing, and recording biological data for large numbers of juvenile Chinook salmon.
• Use gillnets and Oneida traps to assess fish distribution in Green Peter and Lookout Point Reservoirs.
• Participate in snorkel surveys to identify and differentiate salmonid species, including Chinook salmon and O. mykiss.
• Learn to use and carry a Smith-Root LR-24 backpack electrofisher. You will handle fish safely, identify species, and ensure fish health during electrofishing activities.
• Pull heavy nets through uneven, slippery terrain and handle fish safely, with attention to fish health and proper identification.
• Collect field data with precision, ensure proper offloads, and perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of collected data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in fish identification, handling, and biological data collection, with demonstrated experience in fieldwork
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information effectively to both team members and external stakeholders
• Positive, proactive approach to challenges, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to changing conditions, priorities, and unexpected obstacles in the field
• Commitment to safety and compliance with fieldwork standards and organizational policies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• A valid driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with QA/QC processes
• Certification in Swift Water Rescue and/or Wilderness First Aid/CPR
• Experience in snorkel surveys, beach seining, and electrofishing techniques
• Boat operation and trailering skills
• PIT and elastomer tagging experience
• Certification in First Aid/CPR

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work 8+ hour days in diverse outdoor conditions, such as forests, rivers, streams, and lakes, often in remote locations. This includes working in inclement weather conditions at times.
• Ability to effectively and safely drive in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rainy, foggy, or smoky conditions.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. and performing fieldwork in uneven terrain or cold water, including ability to swim upstream or crawl for 50 meters multiple times a day.
• Ability to participate in various projects across the Willamette Valley watershed with the ability to adjust work locations and sampling methods as conditions or project priorities shift.
• Ability to be flexible with work hours, including weekends and evenings, and travel to remote areas for 4-5 days at a time.

ABOUT CRAMER FISH SCIENCES: We are a fisheries research consulting firm serving throughout the Pacific States and Idaho. We are a growing, employee-owned company whose mission is to rigorously apply scientific methods to afford our clients innovative, scientifically robust solutions to address a variety of fisheries and environmental challenges. Our team achieves this through effective and unbiased data collection, insightful analysis and interpretation, and clear communications and publication of results in scientific journals.

DEI: Diversifying our profession is a vital and on-going journey and we are committed to fostering a culture that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: Cramer Fish Sciences is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.