Fishery Biologist 1 - Marine Bird Diet Project

PACIFIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:   Fishery Biologist 1                 

Group Definition:  Fishery Biologists use professional knowledge and competence in the science of fishery biology to perform work: (a) developing, conserving, propagating, managing, and administering fishery resources; (b) evaluating the impact of construction projects and other socioeconomic activities that present potential or actual adverse effects on fishery resources and their habitats; and (c) producing and managing aquatic resources in their natural habitat and/or within facilities and systems that have been constructed for their benefit and public use.

Position/Project Specifics:

This position is a full-time field biologist position with Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission; the duty station is NOAA Fisheries Point Adams Research Station in Hammond, OR. The research project is led by a NOAA Fisheries scientist, and it will focus on determining when/where/which bird predators are found in coastal habitat occupied by juvenile salmon; and whether or not marine birds are consuming juvenile salmon. The person selected for this position will have the following primary duties & responsibilities: (1) participate on a 3-5 person team working from small boats for the purpose of collecting seabird diet and tissue samples as well as attaching tracking devices to seabirds (2) process bird/fish diet and tissue samples according to laboratory protocols (3) develop/maintain a reference collection of fish specimens (4) participate in land-based or ship-based surveys of marine birds off Oregon/Washington (5) prepare & properly maintain gear/vessels associated with bird capture, diet sampling, ocean sampling, and land-based sampling (6) enter/error-check project data into electronic database(s) in a timely manner (7) summarize/analyze project data for oral and written reports and (8) assist with design/launch/maintenance of two new NOAA-hosted web sites . Demonstrated ability to perform duties aboard small boats is required. Demonstrated ability to perform duties for 1-2 weeks at sea is strongly preferred. A Bachelor's Degree and two subsequent years experience managing data collection and fieldwork with Microsoft Excel and Access software are necessary (e.g. B.A. in biology with two years of post-baccalaureate fieldwork, M.Sc. in marine bird ecology). Expertise in proper handling/sampling of live marine birds, experience with fish collection/identification, and experience analyzing bird or fish stomach contents are strongly preferred. The person selected for this position must be willing to work irregular hours, including night shifts, weekends, & overtime due to sampling requirements. Work-related travel will require occasional time away from home for 1-14 days. While not required, the person filling this position will be strongly encouraged to be actively involved in writing original, peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Essential Functions:  Included in this band are entry-level and advanced entry-level professional positions.  The functions performed by employees can be identical to those performed by Fisheries Technicians.  The distinction in titling is intent.  Positions in this group and pay band are intended to lead to higher level, professional Fishery Biologist work.  If the organization does not intend for the position to lead to Fishery Biologist work in the 9/10/11 band, it should assign the work to the Fisheries Technician group. 

(Note:  "Lead" functions identified below may include staff scheduling, providing input on performance, orientation and training, approving time and travel reimbursement records, and purchasing office and field project supplies.)

(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 under close to general supervision.)

• Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, 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.
• Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
• Lead crew or assist hatchery manager with maintenance of fish including feeding fish, cleaning tanks, establishing feeding schedules, assessing growth, and monitoring fish health. Collect samples of blood and tissues. Monitor and maintain facility systems, equipment, and water quality. Maintain records of data and perform routine analysis.
• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
• Assist in design, development, and installation of components of naturalistic environments. Assist with analysis of the behavior of different species in simulated environments. Videotape, photograph, and record data for characteristics such as growth, health, fitness, social activity, reproductive success, foraging success, and anti-predator behavior.
• Establish and direct sport, commercial, hatchery, and natural spawn sampling and bio-sampling protocols to best meet data requirements.

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.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL .

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Skills: (A pick list.  Supervisor makes selection and indicates whether M or D for candidate to possess at time of hire.)

• snorkeling                                           
• electrofishing-boat                  
• electrofishing-backpack
• scuba diving                                       
• operate trap/weir                    
• operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• carcass and redd surveys                   
• creel census                            
• elec. detection technology
• lift 40-50 lbs.                                     
• valid driver's license              
• tow & maneuver trailers
• load boats on trailers                         
• operate motorized boats         
• operate non-motorized boats  
• hiking                                                 
• camping                                 
• CPR/First Aid
• habitat typing                                     
• habitat monitoring                  
• restoration proj. monitoring
• research land ownership                    
• operate GPS                           
• literature search/review
• fish ageing (scale, otolith, other)        
• fish species ID skills               
• using fish keys
• 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 & maintain equipment
• survival training
• other ________________

Supervisory Controls: 

A supervisor guides the incumbent and assigns work on a regular basis (daily, weekly, or monthly) in terms of project objectives, individual objectives, and priorities. 

At the lower end of the range, the employee uses basic professional knowledge in a variety of recurring, learning assignments.  He/she is able to assess or interpret the significance of work results and relate that to the overall objective of the project.  The supervisor or leader is available for consultation.

At the upper end of the range, the employee outlines, organizes and executes the details of the assignments.  Regular status reports are made to keep the supervisor up to date on progress. A supervisor or leader is available when assignments involve modification of standard procedures or controversial approaches.

In all cases, reviews are utilized to ensure that the employee's work is adequate, technically sound, and accomplishing objectives.  

Guidelines: 

Guides may be regulations; maps and charts; sampling and survey methodologies; standing operating procedures for data entry, management and analysis; purchasing and accounting procedures; health and safety manuals; facility operation and emergency protocols; oral instructions; equipment or instrument manuals; hardware/software manual; and/or fish identification keys. 

The guides often require careful study or cross-referencing to locate the applicable rule or answer and can involve some interpretation or judgment to determine and adapt procedures to carry out work efforts, analyze results, and recommend changes.  If the work is outside the guidelines or is not easily adapted from the existing guidelines, additional assistance is available from a supervisor or leader. 

Complexity: 

The employee is expected to select and execute the proper approach to completing the work.  The assigned duties often have steps or processes which vary, depending on factors such as the reason the work is being performed or the conditions under which it is being performed.  The employee is expected to exercise independence in recognizing such differences, in choosing the right course of action, and in selecting and executing the proper approach to completing the work. 

Scope and Effect:

Work products directly affect the design and execution of experiments, the operation of systems and facilities, or the adequacy of long term investigations, tests, or research conclusions.

Personal Contacts: 

Contacts are with employees of PSMFC; federal, state, or local fishery agencies; visiting scientists; the general public; sport fishery anglers; industry personnel; and contractors.

Purpose of Contacts: 

The purpose of contacts is to exchange information and insure that project goals are being met through coordination and planning.  Communication between contacts affords resolution of problematic issues and serves as an information network.  Sometimes contacts may be skeptical or uncooperative.

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to 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.

PSMFC is an EEO/AAP employer. We maintain a drug free workplace.