Spawning Survey Technician I

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 I 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 I will support field-based fisheries monitoring 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. Technicians will conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and on foot, collect biological samples, document spawning activity, and support fisheries data collection efforts in accordance with established survey methodologies utilized by previous contractors and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This position is highly field-oriented and requires work in remote outdoor environments under variable weather and river conditions. Surveys are typically conducted weekly during peak spawning periods from July through October, with project support activities extending throughout the year.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Conduct spawning ground surveys by boat and foot in river systems and tributaries above Cougar Dam, Detroit Dam, and Green Peter Dam

Enumerate adult Spring Chinook salmon and identify active redds throughout assigned survey reaches

Recover and process salmon carcasses following established biological sampling protocols

Examine carcasses for adipose fin clips and other identifying marks

Collect biological measurements including Fork Length (FL) and Mid-Eye to Posterior Scale (MEPS)

Determine fish sex and estimate egg retention in female carcasses

Collect scales, fin clips, otoliths, and other biological samples in accordance with established protocols

Properly preserve and label biological samples for laboratory analysis and agency submission

Scan fish for passive tags and document active tag information, including t-bar (Floy) tags and evidence of lost tags

Record field observations and biological data accurately using field forms, datasheets, and electronic systems

Support data quality assurance and maintain organized field records

Operate safely in remote field environments, including hiking in uneven terrain and working near rivers and reservoirs

Maintain field gear, sampling equipment, and survey vessels in operational condition

Adhere to all AIS, USACE, and project-specific safety requirements and standard operating procedures

Compensation:

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 experience

0–1 year of professional experience supporting fisheries, biological, ecological, or environmental field surveys

Ability to work in remote outdoor environments under physically demanding conditions

Ability to hike long distances over uneven terrain while carrying field equipment

Comfortable working on and around water, including small boats and river systems

Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and record scientific data

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a field team

Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Ability to work extended field schedules, including early mornings and overnight camping assignments

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience conducting fisheries or aquatic biological fieldwork

Familiarity with salmonid identification and spawning survey techniques

Experience handling biological samples and maintaining chain-of-custody documentation

Experience operating GPS equipment, tablets, or electronic field data collection systems

CPR/First Aid certification

Experience working in remote field environments or backcountry settings

Experience operating small watercraft or working around swift water environments

Travel:

90% travel required for field data collection, collaboration meetings, and project support activities

Overnight camping required

Frequent travel to remote river and tributary locations throughout the survey area

Location:

Willamette Valley Basin above Cougar Dam in the McKenzie River

North Santiam River and Breitenbush River above Detroit Dam

Quartzville Creek and Middle Santiam River above Green Peter Dam

Contact:

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:

Resume

Cover 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 Employer

It 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