Fisheries Technician - Fort McCoy, WI

Colorado State University; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Professional to support fisheries management and habitat restoration efforts. This role involves conducting assessments of fish populations, engaging with the public on fishing regulations, and leading field crews. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment, contributing to sustainable management practices while enjoying a robust benefits package. The position requires outdoor work in various weather conditions and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on local ecosystems. If you are passionate about aquatic biology and fisheries, this is an exciting opportunity to grow and thrive.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• Must have a BS/BA degree in fisheries or aquatic biology with 2 seasons of experience.
• Knowledge of upper Midwest fish and aquatic plant species is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fish assessments using electroshocking units and fyke nets.
• Lead field crews and ensure adherence to sampling procedures.
• Monitor water quality and conduct habitat assessments.

Skills

Fisheries Management

Communication Skills

Data Management

SCUBA Certification

Chainsaw Safety

Knowledge of Aquatic Species

Education

BS/BA in Fisheries or Aquatic Biology

Tools

Electroshocking Units

Water Quality Monitoring Devices

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Position Details

Working Title: Research Professional Position

Location: Fort McCoy, WI

Work Location: Position is fully in-office/in-person

Posting Number: 202500507AP

Position Type: Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title: Technical/Support I

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Hours/Week: 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range: $40,000 - $42,500

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/28/2025.

Description of Work Unit

The Center for Environmental Management for Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship.

This position supports all aspects of stream and lake management including stream improvement, fish sampling, creel surveys, stocking, aquatic plant management, water quality monitoring, and contributing to annual reporting. The position will require occasional weekend and evening work time and involves engaging with lead fisheries biologists, seasonal staff, and the general public. The ability to traverse difficult terrain and work outdoors in weather extremes is essential.

This is a temporary position that is expected to work continuously for 6 months in a calendar year, with the possibility of working 9 continuous months depending on funding availability and project needs.

Required Job Qualifications

• Must have BS/BA degree in fisheries, aquatic biology, or closely related field and at least two seasons professional experience in fisheries management.
• Knowledge of fish species and aquatic plant species of the upper Midwest is required.
• Experience using electroshocking units and handling various fish species is required.
• Experience in data management and entry on desktop computers is a must.
• The successful candidate must be, or be willing to become, SCUBA certified and chainsaw safety certified, and must obtain their commercial pesticide applicator’s license within the first six months of employment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Field crew leader experience.
• Experience interpreting and communicating fisheries regulations for the public.
• Experience operating flow meters, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and other remote water quality monitoring devices.
• Experience operating and maintaining electroshocking equipment (backpack, towed-barge, and boat electroshocking units), outboard and trolling motors, and laboratory equipment.
• Experience operating chainsaws, identifying invasive species, and conducting brush removal.

Job Duties

Fisheries Management (60%)

• Conduct assessments of the fish assemblages in streams and lakes using backpack, towed-barge, and boat electroshocking units and fyke nets.
• Educate and speak with the public on fisheries management, fishing regulations, and angling experiences during evening and weekend work hours.
• Native and invasive aquatic plant species identification and distribution surveys.
• Monitor water quality on lakes and streams through the collection of water samples and use of both handheld and remote sampling devices.
• Conduct stream habitat assessments.
• Record location, species, number, and activity of trout spawning during redd surveys conducted in the fall.
• Maintain and repair electroshocking equipment, outboard and trolling motors, and water quality meters.
• Assist in writing and reviewing reports in Microsoft Word and assist with data summarization and entry using Microsoft Excel.

Habitat Restoration (20%)

• Conduct SCUBA surveys to identify and remove invasive aquatic plants.
• Operate a chainsaw to remove invasive woody species along stream banks.
• Conduct miscellaneous habitat improvements.
• Identify areas of stream bank erosion and develop plans to remediate the erosion.
• Provide assistance to wildlife and invasive species programs as needed.

Field Crew Leadership (20%)

• Lead field crews on assigned daily tasks and delegate tasks as needed.
• Ensure adherence to established procedures for laboratory and field sampling.
• Coordinate with local schools and host student workdays.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License.

Search Contact

Nathan Tucker, [e-mail]

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

References Requested

Minimum Requested: 3
Maximum Requested: 3

Supplemental Questions

• * This is a temporary position that is expected to work continuously for 6 months in a calendar year, with the possibility of working 9 continuous months depending on funding availability and project needs. Please affirm your understanding that this is a 6-9 month position.
  • Yes, I affirm.
  • No, I do not affirm.