Job Description – Biological Technician

FOCUS:  Forest and Fish Ecology

LOCATION:  Fish Ecology Lab, Portland, OR

Apply Here: https://cramer-fish-sciences.hiringthing.com/job/233615/biological-technician?s=cw

Overview:  Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS) is a fisheries consulting firm that conducts research and monitoring throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. Our mission is to rigorously apply the scientific method to afford our clients innovative, scientifically robust solutions to address a variety of natural resource challenges. The CFS team achieves this through rigorous and unbiased data collection, thorough analysis, and clear communication of results, often in scientific journals. The Biological Technician provides support for the organization by conducting fieldwork and data collections, plus assisting with office based efforts including literature reviews, data analysis, and general problem solving for our clients. The Lead Technician reports directly to the Senior Scientist/Lab Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collect fisheries and forestry data to support projects across the Pacific Northwest.
  • Manage project logistics, including scheduling field efforts ensuring equipment is in safe working order.
  • Oversee the operation of rotary screw traps in the Willamette Valley, including fish handling and marking.
  • Follow protocols to inventory and measure upland and riparian forest stands across the Pacific Northwest.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of sampling protocols for projects.
  • Perform hands-on work which may include water sample collection, fish trapping and tagging, visual estimation techniques (e.g., snorkeling, redd surveys), collecting data on the physical environment (e.g., water quality, channel bathymetry), and taking measurements of individual specimens.
  • Coordinate acquisition, maintenance, repairs, replacement, and organization of all equipment and supplies needed for field work.
  • Enter, compile, and organize data collected in the field.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (required):

  • Capacity to think creatively and work effectively, both independently and with a team, to solve complex biological problems.
  • Operate independently when necessary showing the ability to follow safety and sampling protocols.
  • Knowledge and experience with the scientific method, specifically as it relates to fisheries science.
  • Demonstrated ability to work alone or as part of a team collecting, recording and analyzing data.
  • Knowledge and experience in the identification salmon and other stream fishes and conducting stream habitat surveys in Pacific Northwest streams.
  • Treat all members of the team as critical and important and with respect and professionalism.

Personal Attributes

  • Safety conscious in all aspects of field and office work
  • Ability to complete work independently and recognize when you need help.
  • Strong organization and logistical coordination skills
  • Approaches work from a high-energy, efficient standpoint
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines
  • Ability to accurately interpret and follow established guidelines and procedures
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others to resolve problems
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to express and exchange ideas
  • Strong customer service ethic in delivery of services
  • Positive energy as evidenced in an optimistic outlook, a sense of humor and a disposition to encourage

Desired Experience

  • Experience operating boats, outboard motors, 4-wheel drive vehicles, trailers and other equipment utilized in field surveys and studies
  • Demonstrated skills operating hand tools, including saws, drills, jacks, etc. and perform maintenance on various equipment
  • Environmental science experience including, forestry, stream ecology, fisheries, limnology
  • Demonstrated experience working as a forester

Education/Minimum Qualifications:   

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Biology or an equivalent field; or combination of four years of experience as a fisheries or forestry technician.
  • Basic level proficiency with MS Office Suite
  • Entry-level skills in data entry into databases, developing graphs and mild data analysis

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Must be comfortable working in the aquatic environment including working from a boat platform, swimming and wading in rivers and streams
  • Must be able to work effectively in inclement weather in remote locations
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and carry cross-country, down steep slopes and over rough terrain
  • Possible long periods of computerized data analysis in an office environment
  • Working irregular hours in various kinds of weather and potentially rugged terrain on occasion in order to meet project deadlines
  • Travel field work may require extended travel to remote areas for 2-5 days at a time, over long distances and in potentially inclement weather.

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive base salary based on qualifications

Health and retirement benefits

CFS is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company