POSITION TITLE AND GRADE: Biological Science Aide, GS-0404-03, multiple positions
OPENING DATE: April 30, 2011
CLOSING DATE: when filled
SALARY: approximately $12.50/hr, commensurate with qualifications
WORK LOCATION: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia River Fisheries Program Office
1211 SE Cardinal Ct – Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98683
TOUR OF DUTY: All positions are full-time. Positions may begin between May 17 & June 19, 2011. Positions end between August 27 & September 24, 2011.

MAJOR DUTIES:
Certain positions may focus on native trout or salmon. Some work may consist of electrofishing and habitat surveys for bull trout in the Lewis and White Salmon river subbasins of SW Washington as well as headwater streams in the Mt. Hood National Forest and Eagle Cap Wilderness Area of NE Oregon. Some work may consist of electrofishing for coastal cutthroat trout in lower Columbia River tributaries. Some work may consist of seining for multiple species in lower Columbia River sloughs. Much of the work will involve tagging fish with Passive Integrated Transponders (PITs) as well as the collection of tissue for genetic analysis and habitat surveys. In general, field work will be conducted Monday through Friday, working with 1-4 other people. Overnight camping may be required while in the field, some trips lasting approximately 10 days. Some work will be conducted in remote, back country areas and, at times, that require hiking long distances over rough terrain, and then conducting instream work on potentially unstable substrate. Often the time between trips will be time off, with the exception of breaking down and preparing for the next trip.
Certain positions may focus on Pacific lamprey and western brook lamprey. Work may involve deep water electrofishing, backpack electrofishing, tagging fish with visual implant elastomer, the collection of tissue for genetic analysis and habitat surveys. Electrofishing techniques may be used to evaluate the distribution of larvae in the Columbia River as well as headwater tributaries in the Pacific northwest. To sample tissue for genetic analysis, Pacific lamprey may be collected throughout Oregon and Washington. To evaluate abundance, mark-recapture experiments may be conducted using electrofishing and elastomer tags. Surveys of aquatic habitat will often be conducted along with other tasks. In general, field work will be conducted Monday through Friday, working on crews of 2-4 people. Some overnight camping may be required while in the field. Some work may be conducted in remote, back country areas that require walking long distances over rough terrain, and then conducting work instream on potentially unstable substrate. Sampling on the mainstem of the Willamette or Columbia rivers will require working all day from a boat under varying weather conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be enrolled in college or graduate program for fall 2011. Must be able to perform all duties under the conditions described above. Preference will be given to applicants with an interest in pursuing a degree in the biological sciences.

TO APPLY: Please provide the following:
1) A C.V., Resume, or OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment)
(see http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf ), or any other written format. (PLEASE see OF-612 for a list of all information REQUIRED on a federal application.)
2) Copy of college transcripts
3) Contact information for three references
– If chosen for the position, it will be necessary for you to provide a letter from your college or university confirming your enrollment for the fall 2011 term.
– Please send application materials to the attention of “STEP: C-Team, c/o JJohnson”, at the address above.
– Questions and electronic applications are welcome at jeff_johnson@fws.gov