PWA is seeking Fisheries Biological Field Scientists to serve as seasonal members of our multi-disciplinary team. These positions are specific to collecting baseline data over multiple projects for use in limiting factor analyses to inform in-stream salmonid restoration designs. Our project areas are on privately owned properties under various management objectives, and we partner with local non-profit restoration organizations, private landowners, and tribal members. Work will be directed by the Fisheries Biologist and Biological Scientist. The Fisheries Biological Field Scientist will assist with aquatic surveys, conducting salmonid juvenile utilization spatial sampling surveys using direct observation snorkeling methods.
PWA is a full-service geologic and engineering consulting firm with offices in Humboldt and Sonoma Counties of northern California. PWA specializes in science-based management solutions for watershed, forest, riverine, and coastal habitats; and rural development projects. PWA includes a staff of 21 full-time geologists, engineers, geomorphologists, hydrologists, stormwater specialists, watershed scientists, biologists, technicians, and associated support personnel. PWA is committed to providing and maintaining a professional organization and working environment for all our employees, as well as supporting individual professional development and work-life balance. We aim to continue to grow our established organization and further develop our fisheries’ biological capacity. We are committed to working collaboratively with a common purpose and vision to provide the very best services to our clients and our community and to conduct data-driven, environmentally beneficial projects.
These positions are primarily field-based, and data collection includes terrestrial wildlife and aquatic organism observations and identification. A firm and absolute “No Dog” policy exists for all fisheries and stream surveys.
Typical Projects Include:
In-stream and off-channel fish habitat restoration and enhancement projects
Large wood structures, roughened channels, and other fish habitat designs
Bridge, culvert, and other fish passage designs
Limiting factor determination for salmonid species at age to inform project design development for salmonids and their habitats
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct field-based surveys that require salmonid habitat identification and quantifying specific salmonid habitat elements
Conduct snorkel surveys using a specific spatial sampling methodology
Identify and enumerate native and non-native freshwater fish species at age
Identify and enumerate other aquatic species, amphibian, reptilian, and mollusk
Identify semi-aquatic species and predatory species, including tracks and scat
Data accuracy and record keeping on data sheets and tablet
Photographic documentation
Data quality control/daily review for completeness
Perform other surveys or data collection on aquatic ecosystems as needed
Assist with secure data storage for sensitive species, data entry, and potentially assist with other data or reporting needs
Required Qualifications
Valid driver’s license
A passion for the aquatic environment and ecology of lotic ecosystems
A bachelor’s degree or higher in fisheries biology, or other closely related field, with fisheries experience, or in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in fisheries biology with at least three seasons conducting fisheries surveys and/or assisting fisheries graduate students in thesis data collection
Proficient in ocular fish identification at age through snorkeling, primarily salmonids but also other freshwater species, both native and non-native
Proficient ecological understanding of salmonid life cycle habitat needs by species at age and applicability to lotic systems
The successful candidate will be good-natured and capable of working with others, a good communicator, and willing to follow directions from supervisorial fisheries biologists
Ability to conduct project-specific surveys as per methods and training independently and without direct supervision
Ability to take reliable, scientific notes with a high degree of accuracy
Physically fit and able to hike and “swim” in streams and access streams in areas with steep terrain
Ability to work and use good judgment in adverse outdoor conditions, including heat, rain, cold, poison oak, mosquitoes, gnats, etc.
Be a strong swimmer
Be able to navigate in forested settings using topographic maps
Demonstrated passion for watershed sciences, fisheries, and ecological restoration via education, job experience, project work, or recreational interests
Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience:
Anadromous fish freshwater life cycles and their habitat requirements
Ability to identify anadromous fish to species (primarily juveniles) underwater and from above
Ability to identify resident fish, native and non-native by common name underwater and from above, and to confirm to genus from their morphological characteristics
Knowledge of fish passage requirements
Knowledge of the local rivers and streams
High level of critical thinking and organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
Ability to identify aquatic insects to order and/or functional group as larvae and adults
Lamprey redd identification
Species identification for other riparian-dependent organisms (e.g., dippers, kingfishers, otters)
An understanding of process-based river and stream channel evolution
Experienced in instream habitat suitability and limiting factor identification for improving salmonid habitats
Knowledge of salmonid population dynamics, criteria curves, and/or weighted usable area, in relation to declining stocks or stocks at risk, and independent of survey methodologies the experience to quantify the existing conditions quality within the habitats salmonids are reliant on
Position Details:
Seasonal position from June 1 through October 30 (August 15th for college students)
Full-time hourly position for multiple salmonid habitat design projects
Position available at the McKinleyville, CA office
Car camping on-site will be required for some projects
Out-of-town work required (northern California)
Wage range: $22.00/hr - $28.00/hr
Final wage rate is commensurate with qualifications and experience
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, and three references
Write “Fisheries Biological Field Scientist” in the subject line
Resumes without a cover letter or references will not be considered
Position will remain open until filled
PWA is an equal-opportunity employer. See our website for more information about the organization: www.pacificwatershed.com.
