| Job Description: |
PACIFIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Fisheries Technician 1
Group Definition: Fisheries Technicians perform duties related to the protection, preservation, propagation, and sampling of fish species and the preservation or enhancement of their habitat. They use knowledge of procedural requirements and processes to support the technical work of their unit. They provide practical technical support to research, operations, or program administration efforts.
Position/Project Specifics:
Assist with research on physiological effects of hydropower development or operations on juvenile salmon. Specific projects include study of the effect of route specific dam passage on juvenile salmon physiology, growth, and survival. Responsibilities include fieldwork, handling of fish, maintaining fish holding facilities, contributing to a team effort to conduct very large fish passage and survival studies at Columbia River dams. These studies involve deploying, retrieving, and testing acoustic telemetry equipment, assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish, and post-surgery holding, transport, and release of live and dead tagged fish according to a detailed time schedule. Team members also will help collect, process, and analyze acoustic tag detection data and help write reports.
Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band. They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)
- 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.
- Support captive fish holding activities including, sampling, sorting, handling, anesthetizing, and transporting fish. Monitor the status of facility systems and equipment. Assist in development, fabrication, construction, and maintenance of systems.
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/Desirable Skills: (A pick list. Supervisor makes selection and indicates whether M or D for candidate to possess at time of hire.)
- lift 40 - 50 lbs.
- load boats on trailers
- tow & maneuver trailers
- valid driver's license
- CPR/First Aid
- survival training
- operate GPS
- fish species ID skills
- using fish keys
- 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
- construction, fabrication and installation skills
- repair & maintain equipment
- other ________________
Supervisory Controls:
At the lower end of the range, the supervisor or higher graded employee assigns specific tasks and provides clear, detailed, and specific instructions on the methods to be used in completing those tasks. An experienced employee is available to solve problems that might arise.
At the upper end of the range, the employee receives daily, weekly, or even monthly directions and is expected to independently perform the recurring work. Within established procedures, the employee independently performs tasks sequences. Direction is available when technical or procedural problems are encountered.
In all cases, supervisors review overall project progress to insure that the employee works effectively and produces a high quality end product.
Guidelines:
Guides may be regulations, maps and charts, sampling and survey methodologies, standing operating procedures, emergency response protocols, oral instructions, equipment or instrument manuals, hardware/software manuals, and/or fish identification keys.
At the lower end of the range, the guides are directly applicable, specific, and used repetitively. At the upper end of the range, the guides often require careful study or cross-referencing to locate the applicable rule or answer and can involve some interpretation or judgment to resolve the issue.
Complexity:
At the lower end of the range, tasks are clear-cut and directly related. There is little or no choice in deciding what needs to be done. Actions to be taken or responses to be made are readily discernible.
At the upper end of the range, duties often have steps or processes that vary depending upon factors such as the reason the work is being performed or the conditions under which it is being performed. The employee has to be independent in recognizing such differences, choosing the right course of action, and then executing the proper sequences to complete the work.
Scope and Effect:
The employee's work affects the quality of day-to-day operations of a significant, ongoing program. Operation of equipment outside of prescribed ranges can cause serious injury or death to employee(s) and/or thousands of fish. Incorrectly collected or processed biological samples or statistical data can result in faulty assessments and unsound management decisions.
Personal Contacts:
Contacts are with project/program co-workers, project supervisor, program manager, PSMFC HR staff, landowners, and the general public.
Purpose of Contacts
Contacts are established to exchange information, request repairs or supplies, update and inform others of changes or problems encountered, and assure that scientifically correct methods and procedures are being followed.
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 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. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.
PSMFC is an EEO/AAP employer. We maintain a drug free workplace.
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