Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fisheries Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fisheries Technician, you are the backbone of aquatic resource management and conservation efforts. You will work directly in the field and laboratory, applying scientific principles to collect critical data on fish populations, their habitats, and overall aquatic ecosystem health. This hands-on role involves a wide range of technical duties, from operating electrofishing boats and setting nets to identifying, measuring, and tagging fish. Your meticulous work directly supports the research of fisheries biologists and informs management decisions that ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for generations to come. This position is ideal for a rugged, detail-oriented individual谁 is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to the preservation of aquatic life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Graduate (Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science)
Environmental Field Intern or Volunteer
Aquaculture or Hatchery Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Fisheries Technician or Crew Leader
Fisheries Biologist
Hatchery Manager
Conservation Officer

Lateral Moves:

Wildlife Technician
Water Quality Technician
Environmental Technician or Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive fish population surveys and assessments using a variety of standard fisheries sampling techniques, including backpack and boat electrofishing, fyke netting, gill netting, and seining.
Operate, maintain, and calibrate a wide range of scientific field and laboratory equipment, such as water quality meters (YSI, DO, pH), GPS units, acoustic telemetry receivers, and fish processing tools.
Collect, record, and meticulously manage biological data from sampled fish, including species identification, length, weight, age structures (scales, otoliths), and signs of disease or abnormalities.
Perform fish tagging and marking studies using various methods like PIT tags, floy tags, and fin clips to support population dynamics, movement, and survival research.
Assist senior biologists in the design and implementation of field research projects, ensuring adherence to established protocols and scientific methodologies.
Conduct aquatic habitat assessments, including stream characterization, substrate analysis, and mapping of critical habitat features to inform management and restoration efforts.
semicolon- Operate and maintain motorized and non-motorized watercraft, such as johnboats, airboats, rafts, and canoes, often in remote or challenging water conditions, while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Participate in fish hatchery operations, including egg collection, fertilization, incubation, rearing, feeding, and disease monitoring to support stocking and conservation programs.
Analyze and enter field data into databases (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel) with a high degree of accuracy and assist in the preparation of summary reports, charts, and technical documents.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on vehicles, boats, trailers, and sampling gear to ensure operational readiness and safety for all field activities.
Engage with the public, landowners, and recreational anglers to provide information, answer questions, and promote conservation ethics and agency programs.
Process and analyze fish tissue, water, and invertebrate samples in a laboratory setting according to established scientific procedures.
Navigate to remote field sites using maps, compass, and GPS, often requiring hiking over difficult terrain while carrying heavy equipment.
Monitor fish passage facilities, such as fish ladders and bypass systems, to evaluate effectiveness and collect biological data on migrating fish.
Respond to and assist in the investigation of fish kill events, collecting environmental and biological samples to help determine the cause.
Conduct creel surveys and angler interviews to gather data on fishing effort, catch rates, and angler satisfaction to inform recreational fishery management.
Assist in the construction, deployment, and maintenance of fish habitat enhancement structures, such as artificial reefs, log jams, and spawning gravel beds.
Manage and organize large datasets, performing quality assurance and quality control checks to ensure data integrity for future analysis and reporting.
Prepare, age, and analyze fish hard parts (scales, otoliths, spines) in a laboratory environment to determine age and growth patterns of fish populations.
Write detailed field notes, maintain accurate logbooks, and contribute to the drafting of annual project reports, scientific summaries, and standard operating procedures.
Conduct inventories of aquatic invasive species and participate in control or eradication efforts as directed by management plans.

Secondary Functions

Assist with public outreach and education events, such as fishing clinics, school presentations, or local community fairs.
Provide logistical support for field projects, including purchasing supplies, organizing travel, and staging equipment.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from biologists and managers.
Contribute to the organization's safety protocols and participate in regular safety training and drills.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Fish Species Identification: Proficient in identifying common and regional freshwater or saltwater fish species.
Fisheries Sampling Techniques: Experience with electrofishing (backpack/boat), gill netting, trap netting, and seining.
Small Watercraft Operation: Skilled in operating, launching, and trailering motorized and non-motorized boats in various water conditions.
Data Collection & Management: Competency in accurately recording field data and managing it using software like MS Excel and Access.
Water Quality Monitoring: Ability to use and calibrate instruments like YSI, DO, pH, and conductivity meters.
GPS & Navigation: Proficient in using GPS devices, maps, and compasses for navigation in remote backcountry and open water.
seminar- Equipment Maintenance: Mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on vehicles, boats, and field gear.
Fish Tagging & Marking: Experience with PIT tags, acoustic tags, floy tags, and fin clipping.
Fish Ageing Techniques: Familiarity with preparing and reading scales, otoliths, or other hard structures for age determination.
Trailer Towing & Backing: Demonstrated ability to safely tow and maneuver trailers in various conditions.
Aquatic Habitat Assessment: Knowledge of methods for surveying and classifying stream, lake, or marine habitats.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Dependable and motivated, with the ability to work long, irregular hours in challenging conditions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in data collection and entry to ensure the highest level of accuracy and data integrity.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a small crew, often in close quarters.
Adaptability: Flexible and resilient, able to adjust to changing weather, project priorities, and unexpected field challenges.
Physical Fitness & Endurance: Capable of performing strenuous physical tasks, such as lifting heavy gear (50+ lbs) and navigating difficult terrain.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to personal and team safety in all field and lab environments.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and overcoming logistical hurdles in the field.
Communication: Clear and effective communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and the public.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

An Associate's degree in a relevant field or a High School Diploma combined with at least two years of directly related field experience.

Preferred Education:

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fisheries Science / Fisheries & Aquaculture
Marine Biology
Aquatic Ecology
Environmental Science
Wildlife Biology
Natural Resource Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-3 years of relevant field experience, often gained through seasonal positions, internships, or academic-related fieldwork.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct, paid experience in fisheries field data collection, hatchery operations, or a closely related role. Experience operating a variety of sampling gear and watercraft is highly desirable.