Fisheries Research Technicians

Fisheries Research Technicians

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

• effects of front-facing sonar on angler catch rates of walleye;
• behavior blue suckers, shovel nose sturgeon, and lake sturgeon after trap-and-transfer above Prairie du Sac Dam (lowermost dam on Wisconsin River);
• movements of walleye, lake whitefish, muskellunge, and small mouth bass in Green Bay; and,
• 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.

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.

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

• 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)

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by 2/1/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience
• Resume/CV
• Contact information for 3 professional references
• Unofficial transcripts

After you submit your application, you are unable to edit it, so please be sure to include all application materials.

Name:
Dan Dembkowski, Fisheries Research Scientist, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit

Email: dan.dembkowski

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: human.resources

Phone:

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply three (3) professional references/one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor. (Preference to supply five (5) professional references/two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors.) Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request…