Fisheries (Aquatic Species) Biologist

Fisheries (Aquatic Species) Biologist

The incumbent will be the District Fisheries & Aquatic Species Biologist for the High Sierra Ranger District. The position is a core team member on multiple Forest and District level Interdisciplinary Teams (IDT) and will function as the aquatic species specialist for the District. The High Sierra Ranger District has a very diverse aquatic species assemblage with habitats occurring from 1,000 to over 12,000 feet in elevation with Federally threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species; Forest Service Sensitive Species; and Management Indicator Species. The position requires the knowledge of amphibian, reptile, and fisheries resources. The position also requires the knowledge of multiple disciplines and how they relate to the aquatic species and their habitats. Other disciplines on the District that currently have active projects are hydropower, fuels, recreation, wilderness, timber, range, special uses, lands, engineering, culture, and watershed restoration. This position may also directly supervise the Assistant Fish & Aquatic Species Biologist and seasonal field crews. The position requires the knowledge of word processing programs, spreadsheet and database programs, and geographic information systems (i.e. ArcGIS) to store, analyze, and interpret aquatic and fishery data and prepare comprehensive evaluations, monitoring, and technical reports.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Team Assignments 20%: As part of a team assignment, the incumbent provides expertise and assistance in fishery resource management. Work includes the analysis of data with recommendations on fishery resource problems. Assignments may include: assessment of impacts of projects or license applications on fishery resources; coordinating fishery resources; and/or, recommending practices and procedures affecting fishery management or habitat restoration efforts. Incumbent ensures compliance with fishery management plans; coordinates studies of fishery populations; and/or, prepares a variety of written reports, plans, and/or environmental assessments. Is called upon to provide advice and assistance to Federal, State, Tribal, and/or local agencies in a local or multistate area.

Monitoring Program Activities 20%: Conducts fishery monitoring program activities for assigned projects. Provides reports as required. Provides assistance in preparing and reviewing environmental assessments and environmental impact statements affecting fishery resources. Provides aquatic ecosystem and fishery input during the planning phases of road construction projects, timber sales, micro-hydro projects, and livestock grazing allotment management plans, etc., on the land. Participates in the formulation and evaluation of alternatives and in the development of final recommendations. Provides advice and develops plans related to the protection and management of aquatic resources including fish passage, stream inventory, stream productivity, stream utilization, physical and biological characteristics, endangered or sensitive species, and habitat improvements or rehabilitation programs. Provides recommendations relating to fish habitat requirements and other management activities including streamside/riparian area and watershed protection. Leads and participates in the design of fish habitat and population monitoring studies and strategies to collect new data required for ensuring habitat and population maintenance. Coordinates and works with staff and project biologists in monitoring fish habitat and fish populations. Serves as a lead on specific monitoring projects. Reviews data and results from ongoing fish habitat projects, population studies, and monitoring. Analyzes and interprets project and study data and results, and provides information for use in fish habitat management and project proposal reviews and decisions.

Program/Project Evaluation and Assistance 20%: Either individually or through participation on interdisciplinary teams, studies and plans proposed management activities, or coordinates and/or implements approved resource management plans. Reviews reports, plans, and projects regarding fisheries resource management activities and prepares recommendations. Reviews environmental analysis reports to determine adequacy of coordination of fisheries needs. Analyzes and determines the effects of management activities on aquatic and riparian systems and prepares environmental assessment to document findings. Prepares biological evaluations for threatened, endangered or sensitive species.

Studies, Investigations or Surveys 20%: Plans and conducts studies/projects including cost/benefit analyses, methods to be used, timing, coordination with other organizations or agencies, follow-up investigations and evaluations. Recognizes problems that may develop and recommends preventative or mitigative actions. Develops detailed project documents as required. Prepares environmental assessments, biological evaluations and environmental impact statements. Prepares technical progress and final reports that present results of studies/projects or other activities.

Budgetary Functions 20%: Assists in the development of current and out-year work programs and associated budget proposals for the fishery program. Reports on program accomplishments for annual reports. Assists in developing and submits funding proposals for resource enhancement to private and governmental entities. May serves as COR for routine fishery studies and monitoring contracts.


COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREA:

The Sierra National Forest lies in Central California, on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This 1.3 million acre National Forest is bounded on the south by the Sequoia Kings National Park and on the north by the Yosemite National Park. Elevations on the forest range from 1000 feet to over 13,000 feet above sea level. The region offers endless opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts. Camping, fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, water skiing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, off highway vehicle travel, downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, hunting, and horseback riding are among the many activities which can be enjoyed on the Sierra.

The population of PRATHER and the surrounding Auberry and Tollhouse area is approximately 10,000 people. Prather is located approximately 25 miles northeast of the FRESNO/CLOVIS area at an elevation of 1700 feet. Temperatures are typical of the San Joaquin Valley but generally out of the winter fog. Average precipitation is 24 inches. Local community services include: 2 doctors, 2 dentists, 2 elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The price range for a single family, 3+ bedroom – 1.5+bath home in the Prather, Auberry, Tollhouse area goes from about $150,000 to over $1,000,000 with most listings under $400,000. There is a bank, approximately 10 churches of various denominations, 2 grocery stores, a drug store, hardware stores, and several dining establishments. Read More ...

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