Position/Project Specifics:

The Battle Creek Restoration Project to increase the amount of habitat for salmon and steelhead in Battle Creek includes 2 new fish ladders. These have been constructed (at the Eagle Canyon Diversion Dam and North Battle Creek Feeder Diversion Dam) and are scheduled to begin operation when the facilities are accepted by PGandE this year. This employee will coordinate carefully with PGandE and CDFW staff to enable the successful collection of video data on at least a weekly basis and to ensure that this data is promptly downloaded to the computers at the PSMFC office to allow viewing and fish counting activities. She/he may also have responsibility presenting results and discussing the projects at meetings and other forums.

The candidate will be the lead biologist in a field-based survey crew monitoring and maintaining 2 individual video stations located at Eagle Canyon Diversion Dam and North Battle Creek Feeder Diversion Dam. Daily activities include; maintaining of fish weirs as well as underwater video cameras and equipment. Troubleshooting electrical issues and problem-solving while in the field can be expected. Record/process/QA/QC data, and basic statistical analysis of data is anticipated. Analysis of fish passage video data may also be required. Spending 6-8 hours in the field is normal, hiking and wading in small streams is a daily activity. Snorkeling and wading in swift water during adverse weather conditions is expected. This is primarily a field-based position in Red Bluff CA and the successful candidate may be routinely exposed to adverse weather conditions throughout all months of the year. The schedule will be determined based upon the fish return and sampling regime currently being employed, but is typically a 4-10 shift and candidates will be expected to work weekends and holidays if needed. Driving trucks is a daily task and towing boats may be required. Knowledge of welding and soldering is desired but not mandatory. Minimum HS degree, BS or BA preferred. Environmental, biological, or science-based degree preferred but not mandatory. Ideal experience would be at least 1 year in fisheries, wildlife, or the natural sciences.

Essential Functions:

• Lead survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, hiking, 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.
• Safely participate in field surveys while in swift water environments, aboard motorized boats and kayaks, hiking, etc.
• Collect and organize fish passage video data, temperature data, 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 QA/QC process, preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
• 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, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• snorkeling
• carcass and redd surveys
• elec. detection technology
• lift 40-50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• tow and maneuver trailers
• load boats on trailers
• oper te motorized boats
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• handheld data recorder
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills
• construction, fabrication and installation skills
• repair and maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping. 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 on a boat or in a creek may be required. Camping out for extended periods may be required but is not anticipated. 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 the field where 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. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

Benefits

Full-Year Employees working at least 30 hours a week are covered by the Company's Life, LTD and ADandD plan. They are eligible to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short term disability, voluntary Life, LTD and ADandD 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.

Employees accrue sick time at a rate of 0.047/hour with a maximum of 96 hours per year. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, paid time for jury duty, bereavement leave and 8 hours of Personal Leave.

Employees become eligible for the Commission's pension and post-employment health plans after working 2000 hours within a plan year.