Fisheries Research Technicians

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Position Title:
Fisheries Research Technicians


Job Category:
University Staff


Employment Type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)


Job Profile:
Research Technician


Job Duties:

The Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (WICFRU) is seeking fisheries research technicians who will assist WICFRU research scientists and graduate students on projects evaluating:

1) effects of front-facing sonar on angler catch rates of walleye;

2) behavior blue suckers, shovelnose sturgeon, and lake sturgeon after trap-and-transfer above Prairie du Sac Dam (lowermost dam on Wisconsin River);

3) movements of walleye, lake whitefish, muskellunge, and small mouth bass in Green Bay; and,

4) latent mortality of walleye and lake whitefish discarded from commercial and recreational fisheries in Green Bay.

Technicians may also have the opportunity to work on an independent research project and contribute to additional research projects focused on panfish, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, small mouth bass, and lake whitefish. The scope of these positions includes hook-and-line angling, assistance with surgical implantation of electronic transmitters, construction and maintenance of telemetry equipment, operation of standard fish sampling gears including fyke nets, boat electrofishing units, and seines, and maintenance of boats, motors, and other field equipment.

Duties will require extensive field work that may include working in poor weather conditions (cold and wet). Duties may require extended travel and overnight stays in field stations and/or hotels. Housing may be provided depending on project and field station availability.

This is a temporary full-time appointment, beginning around April 1, 2026, and lasting for about six (6) months.


Key

Job Responsibilities:

• May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing

• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications

• Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces

• Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting

• Performs lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests

Department:

The Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit has been an integral part of fisheries and aquatic science research and education since its inception in 1971. The unit is a cooperation between the U.S. Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources.

Our objectives are to:

• conduct world-class fisheries and aquatic science research of interest to cooperators;
• educate and train students at the Master's degree level in fisheries and aquatic sciences;
• and provide extension services in fisheries and aquatic resource management.

Our Unit has a special interest in understanding how ecosystem processes are altered by anthropogenic activities having conducted several multidisciplinary projects assessing linkages between aquatic and terrestrial environments, and how to conserve genetic resources across landscapes.

Visit our Federal Webpage for more information.


Compensation:

$18.00/hour; duration not to exceed 1039 hours (approximately 6 months at 40 hours per week)


Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Fisheries or closely related field
• Experience with standard fisheries field gears and lab techniques
• Experience operating and maintaining boats, motors, and field equipment
• For the front-facing sonar project, preference will be given to avid anglers
• Positive attitude with strong work ethic and desire for advancement in the fisheries field
• A satisfactory driving record as defined by UW-Stevens Point Transportation Services policy 6.1-6.3 (an unsatisfactory record includes, but is not limited to three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years, an Operation While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation within the last 12 months, or suspension or revocation of driver's license)

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