Fish Biologist – Temporary Position

This position is no longer accepting applications. See a listing of our current openings here.

Stillwater Sciences is seeking a Fish Biologist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC).

This position is considered an onsite contractor/embedded employee of Stillwater Sciences and will report to our on-site subcontractor/project manager.

Qualified applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in the fisheries sciences as related to the requirements of the position.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the field applicable to this position.

The Fish Biologist will be responsible for:

• Assisting NMFS research biologists as they tag and sample adult Spring/Summer Chinook salmon within the lower Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. Sampling should be completed in no more than forty days total. Fish will be captured in the lower Columbia River by commercial fishermen contracted to complete this work. Fish selected for the study will be transferred to a NOAA Fisheries research vessel for tagging and release. Tagging duties may include the following:
  • Facilitate transfer of up to 600 adult Chinook salmon and 200 white sturgeon from a commercial fishing vessel to NOAA Fisheries Research Vessel.
  • Facilitate handling, tagging, and release of up to 600 adult Chinook salmon and 200 white sturgeon aboard a NOAA Fisheries Research Vessel.
  • Prepare data station (including P3 tagging files and PIT tag reader) for transport to the field. Set up and tear down data station on sampling/tagging dates.
  • Collect sampling and marking information using PTAGIS P3 software on adult salmon in the lower Columbia River as they are being processed and tagged, and assist with sampling and tagging as needed.
  • Reconcile and export P3 tagging files. Upload P3 tagging files to PSMFC PTAGIS database. Create data summaries, and graphical displays using Excel as requested by NOAA Fisheries research biologists.
  • Validate P3 files produced during catch monitoring and submit to the PTAGIS database. Import P3 files into Excel spreadsheets and an Access database.
  • Summarize tagging statistics, including but not limited to species, condition, fork length, tag type, sample identifications, and handling time.
• Collecting data and maintain detailed records using protocols developed by the NMFS Project Leaders.
• Data related activities that may be required can include recording data onto forms or in field notebooks, providing QA/QC, and helping to enter this information into computer databases.
• Ensuring data are properly stored according to the directions of NOAA personnel.
• Completing all training required by NOAA fisheries.
• Helping to maintain sample gear.
• Providing the NMFS Project Leaders with weekly reports and data generated from projects.