Fishery Biologist 1 - Klamath Basin Fish Monitoring

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking a self-motivated and high performing Fishery Biologist 1. The employment start date is contingent upon receipt of funding. The selected candidate will be working as part of a USGS field crew from the Klamath Falls Field Station. The selected candidate will be working primarily on Upper Klamath Lake with Catostomidae populations as part of a long term monitoring program looking at survival and recruitment of adult and juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers.

Essential Functions:

• Recognize and identify unusual and diverse entities, occurrences, or investigative outcomes relevant to the program area.
• Modify or adapt established protocols and procedures in response to test or study findings.
• Plan studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches.
• Revise standard methods to improve or extend test and study systems.
• Review, evaluate, prepare comments, provide formal and informal consultations, and approve mitigation conditions during license  implementations.
• Recommend and approve studies to evaluate potential impacts of proposed development
• Contribute to rehearings and appeals of agencies' decisions under Endangered Species Act, Federal Power Act, etc.
• Participate in rulemaking, preparing briefing documents and communicating and coordinating policy changes to other staff.
• Prepare and present technical studies and reports.

The main duties of this position include:

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery monitoring of adult and juvenile catostomid.
• Assist with planning, developing and executing field research projects.
• Sample fish population using different sampling methodologies, including fish nets, fish traps, fish weirs, and snorkeling surveys.
• Collect fisheries data and/or specimens to support scientific studies.
• Record, summarize and/or file data.
• Lead and perform data entry, including verifying, managing and manipulating data and data files in automated database and/or geographic information systems.
• Repair and maintain research and support equipment such as sampling and photographic equipment, electronic devices, boat motors, and vehicles.
• Drive a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods of Fishery Biology
• Ability to define problems, perform background research, develop and execute a project plan, organize and evaluate results, and prepare reports of findings.

Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of catostomid).

• 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.

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Skills:

Mandatory:

• Operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• Lift 40-50 lbs.                                     
• Valid driver's license              
• Tow & maneuver trailers
• Load boats on trailers                         
• CPR/First Aid

Desirable:

• Snorkeling
• Operate trap/weir                    
• Operate motorized boats
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC)
• Operate GPS                           
• Fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)        
• Fish species ID skills               
• Using fish keys
• Compile and collect neat and accurate data     
• Construction, fabrication and installation skills  
• Repair & maintain equipment
• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or similar boating certification

Physical Demands:

Some of the work is sedentary with 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 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. The work involves moderate risks and discomforts such as high noise levels and exposure to chemicals, adverse weather conditions, and extreme temperatures that may require following special safety procedures.

Qualifications

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, or Bachelor in Environmental Sciences with course work related to biology, natural resources management, and data analysis. 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.

**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.  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Location

USGS Klamath Falls

Project Length

12 months or more

Position Type

Full-Year

Travel Requirements

Up to 10%

Benefits

Full-Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are covered by the Company's Life, LTD and AD&D plan. They are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and AD&D insurance, flexible spending and deferred compensation. An employee receives up to 120 hours of vacation during their first three years of service. After that, the amount of vacation increases every three years of service up to a maximum of 192 hours per year.

Driving

Federal Vehicle - Valid driver's license required. Offers of employment contingent upon passing driving records check.

Salary Target

$19.39 to $31.23

Closing Date

Jan 25, 2026