Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS) is seeking a Seasonal Senior Biological Technician - Crew Leader to lead a small team responsible for PIT tagging and releasing juvenile Chinook salmon throughout the Upper Willamette River Basin. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, coordinating tagging and release operations at three state-operated hatcheries (Willamette Hatchery, Leaburg Hatchery, and Marion Forks Hatchery) and various release locations. The successful candidate will lead a crew of 3-4 individuals, oversee daily operations, and ensure efficient, high-quality work in a demanding and fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a crew of 3-4 individuals to conduct PIT tagging and release juvenile Chinook salmon. Maintain team morale and ensure effective communication throughout tagging and release events.
Communication: Routine communication with supervisor and staff to ensure all requirements of the project are met and that project and personnel needs are addressed effectively and efficiently.
PIT Tagging Operations: Oversee the tagging of juvenile Chinook salmon, ensuring accurate collection of tagging data and biological measurements (fork length, weight) at hatchery locations. Conduct quality assurance for tagging mortality and tag shed rates.
Release Operations: Coordinate the transport and release of tagged fish across various sites in the Upper Willamette River Basin. Manage logistics and ensure timely execution of release events.
Trailer and Equipment Management: Operate and maintain tagging trailers, transport tanks, and fleet vehicles. Ensure all equipment is in working order and properly maintained.
Planning & Coordination: Work closely with the Cramer team to plan and execute tagging and release schedules. Maintain consistent communication and adapt to schedule changes as needed.
Field Work: This role requires long hours and work in inclement weather. The tagging and release schedule is demanding, requiring resilience, attention to detail, and adaptability.

Field Work Details

Tagging operations will take place from spring to fall, starting as soon as fish are large enough to tag (typically March).
Releases occur in spring and again in late summer through fall.
Operations take place at multiple sites, including hatcheries and various release locations across the basin.

Education/Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
Experience with PIT tagging, fish handling, and biological data collection is essential.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team under challenging conditions.
Excellent communication skills, both with the team and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Valid class C driver's license and ability to tow trailers.
Ability to work long hours in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.
A positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using P4 for collecting data during PIT tagging events.
Experience with QA/QC of PIT tagging events.
Experience uploading PIT tag data to PTAGIS.
Experience summarizing PIT tag data.
Experience operating a vehicle with a trailer.
First Aid certification.

Working Conditions And Physical Demands

Must be able to fulfill the essential duties and responsibilities of this position
Must be comfortable working in the field. Including forests, rivers, streams, and lakes
Must be able to work effectively and drive safely in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rain, fog, and smoky conditions
Must be able to lift 30 pounds
Long periods of computerized data analysis in an office environment
Flexible hours (including weekends and evenings) and travel to remote areas for 4-5 days at a time

About Cramer Fish Sciences: We are a fisheries research consulting firm serving throughout the Pacific States and Idaho. We are a growing, employee-owned company whose mission is to rigorously apply scientific methods to afford our clients innovative, robust solutions to address a variety of fisheries and environmental challenges. Our team achieves this through effective and unbiased data collection, insightful analysis and interpretation, and clear communications and publication of results in scientific journals.

Compensation: $24 - $25 per hour, depending upon experience. 401 (k) has a 3% match and full vesting after one year. The annual cash bonus has a 3% target. The benefit package includes: medical, dental, vision, basic life, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, PTO, paid company holidays, and other various voluntary benefits.

ESOP: CFS is a 100% employee-owned company. Our employee stock option plan (ESOP) is a qualified defined contribution plan. Our target ESOP contribution is 5%. Eligibility is after one year of service with an entry date of Jan 1 or July 1.

DEI: Diversifying our profession is a vital and ongoing journey and we are committed to fostering a culture that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Affirmative Action: Cramer Fish Sciences is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Cramer Fish Sciences jobs

Seasonal Senior Biological Technician