Fisheries Technician 1- Southern California Steelhead DIDSON (20-1146)

Location: Santa Barbara, CA (93109)

Anticipated Start Date: December 7, 2020

Position Type: Temporary (6 months or less), Hourly/Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: No | www.psmfc.org/benefits

Salary Target: $15.50-$16.50/hour, DOE

Job Number: 20-1146

How to Apply: Online at www.psmfc.org/careers

Closing Date: October 25, 2020 at Midnight PST

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor endangered Oncorhynchus mykiss in southern California coastal watersheds. We are hiring three Fisheries Technicians to assist with field data collection and data entry. This position will include conducting redd/spawning surveys and help with the deployment of underwater sonar cameras. Work hours may vary based on task needs, but will be 32-40 hours per week. This position will start approximately December 7, 2020 and end approximately June 3, 2021.

We are seeking someone who has the initiative to complete tasks without explicit direction, is well-organized, meticulous, follows direction fully, and works well with others. Candidates must be comfortable in the field under strenuous conditions (hot, wet, biting insects, hiking with heavy loads). This includes having the ability to hike long distances across uneven, slippery surfaces, maintaining and operating field equipment in a safe and responsible manner, and being resourceful and adaptable to changing situations. Previous experience working in streams is preferred but not required. Our staff work out of an office located in Santa Barbara, CA and commute to field sites.

Essential Functions: 

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: 

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. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. 

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Incumbents 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, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures.

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.