Fisheries Research Technicians

UWSTP University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit at UW-Stevens Point is seeking Fisheries Research Technicians to support field and lab work on multiple projects, including sonar effects on catch rates and fish movements in Wisconsin waters.

This temporary full-time role offers extensive field duties, equipment maintenance, and potential independent projects, with housing considerations depending on availability.

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.

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.

Skills

Field gear operation

Lab techniques

Boat operation

Equipment maintenance

Angling knowledge

Education

B.S. in Fisheries

Tools

Boat motors

Job description

Current Employees

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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 smallmouth 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, smallmouth 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.

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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)

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [e-mail].

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx.