Spawning Survey Technician II
A.I.S., Inc. (AIS)is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Spawning Survey Technician II to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Spring Chinook salmon spawning surveys throughout the Willamette Valley Basin in Oregon.This position is 100% field based.Primary Function:The Spawning Survey Technician II will conduct advanced field-based fisheries monitoring and biological sampling efforts focused on assessing the abundance and distribution of Spring Chinook salmon populations above Cougar Dam, Detroit Dam, and Green Peter Dam, including associated tributaries. This role requires independent execution of spawning surveys, biological sampling, field coordination, and data collection activities consistent with established methodologies utilized by previous contractors and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.Technicians will operate in remote field environments and will be expected to independently navigate survey reaches, troubleshoot field challenges, maintain high-quality scientific data standards, and support overall project execution during peak spawning periods from July through October and associated year-round project activities.Duties/Responsibilities:Independently conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and foot throughout assigned river systems and tributariesEnumerate adult Spring Chinook salmon and identify, document, and monitor active reddsPerform advanced carcass recovery and biological sampling activities in accordance with established protocolsExamine carcasses for adipose fin clips, tags, and identifying biological characteristicsCollect and document biological measurements including Fork Length (FL) and Mid-Eye to Posterior Scale (MEPS)Determine fish sex, estimate egg retention in females, and assess spawning conditionCollect, preserve, organize, and document otoliths, scales, fin clips, and associated biological samplesCross-reference tag data and biological observations to support accurate fisheries monitoring datasetsScan fish for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and recover active tag informationPerform field data QA/QC and ensure accurate completion of field logs, datasheets, and electronic recordsAssist with coordination of weekly survey schedules and field logisticsMentor and support less experienced field staff on survey methods, safety procedures, and biological sampling techniquesTroubleshoot field equipment, vessels, sampling gear, and data collection issuesMaintain compliance with AIS, USACE, and project-specific safety and operational requirementsSupport communication and coordination with project leadership and agency representatives as neededCompensation:Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated, and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time temporary position.AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday benefits.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related scientific discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience2-3 years of professional experience conducting fisheries, biological, ecological, or environmental field surveysExperience conducting fisheries biological sampling and handling biological specimensExperience collecting, recording, and managing scientific field data with a high degree of accuracyAbility to work independently in remote outdoor environments under physically demanding conditionsAbility to safely navigate uneven terrain and work in and around river systems and reservoirsStrong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skillsExperience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary field teamsValid driver's license with a clean driving recordAbility to work extended field schedules, including early mornings and overnight camping assignmentsPreferred Qualifications:Prior experience conducting salmon spawning surveys or salmonid monitoring programsFamiliarity with ODFW fisheries survey methodologies and biological sampling proceduresExperience with PIT tag scanners, Floy tags, GPS systems, and electronic field data collection platformsExperience operating small boats or working in swift water environmentsPrevious experience leading small field teams or mentoring junior techniciansCPR/First Aid certificationExperience working on federally funded fisheries or natural resource monitoring projectsTravel:90% travel required for field data collection, collaboration meetings, and project support activitiesOvernight camping requiredFrequent travel to remote river and tributary locations throughout the survey areaLocation:Willamette Valley Basin above Cougar Dam in the McKenzie RiverNorth Santiam River and Breitenbush River above Detroit DamQuartzville Creek and Middle Santiam River above Green Peter DamContact:If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:ResumeCover letter detailing relevant experience.3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.An Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.Must be able to work in the U.S. * VEVRAA Federal Contractor * Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals * Equal Opportunity Employer