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 tributaries


• Enumerate adult Spring Chinook salmon and identify, document, and monitor active redds


• Perform advanced carcass recovery and biological sampling activities in accordance with established protocols


• Examine carcasses for adipose fin clips, tags, and identifying biological characteristics


• Collect 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 condition


• Collect, preserve, organize, and document otoliths, scales, fin clips, and associated biological samples


• Cross-reference tag data and biological observations to support accurate fisheries monitoring datasets


• Scan fish for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and recover active tag information


• Perform field data QA/QC and ensure accurate completion of field logs, datasheets, and electronic records


• Assist with coordination of weekly survey schedules and field logistics


• Mentor and support less experienced field staff on survey methods, safety procedures, and biological sampling techniques


• Troubleshoot field equipment, vessels, sampling gear, and data collection issues


• Maintain compliance with AIS, USACE, and project-specific safety and operational requirements


• Support communication and coordination with project leadership and agency representatives as needed

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


• 2–3 years of professional experience conducting fisheries, biological, ecological, or environmental field surveys


• Experience conducting fisheries biological sampling and handling biological specimens


• Experience collecting, recording, and managing scientific field data with a high degree of accuracy


• Ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments under physically demanding conditions


• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and work in and around river systems and reservoirs


• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills


• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary field teams


• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record


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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience conducting salmon spawning surveys or salmonid monitoring programs


• Familiarity with ODFW fisheries survey methodologies and biological sampling procedures


• Experience with PIT tag scanners, Floy tags, GPS systems, and electronic field data collection platforms


• Experience operating small boats or working in swift water environments


• Previous experience leading small field teams or mentoring junior technicians


• CPR/First Aid certification


• Experience working on federally funded fisheries or natural resource monitoring projects
  

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