Seasonal Biological Technician

Role Overview

Cramer Fish Sciences is hiring seasonal biological technicians to support a range of fisheries projects across the Pacific Northwest. This is a field-heavy role based out of Eugene or Portland, Oregon, running from July 1 through October 31, 2026, with a possible extension into December. The work is centered on hands-on biological sampling, habitat assessment, and field data collection in remote outdoor settings.

Technicians will spend most of their time in the field rather than in an office. Expect physically demanding days, frequent travel, and long stretches away from home base, including multi-day field rotations and camping in remote areas. Limited office time will be used for data entry, quality checks, equipment upkeep, and project preparation.

Primary Project Work

The position supports three main areas of work:

• Adult spring Chinook spawning surveys in the upper Willamette Valley, including stream walks and kayak-based surveys to count live fish and redds, as well as carcass sampling.
• Stream habitat surveys and backpack electrofishing on remote headwater streams in Washington State to document fish distribution and habitat conditions.
• Additional CFS assignments as needed, which may include bulk PIT tagging of juvenile Chinook salmon at hatcheries, juvenile salmonid snorkel surveys, piscivore diet sampling, and Pacific lamprey trapping. Some of these assignments may involve night work.

Field Duties

• Work as part of small crews of 2 to 3 people and contribute to safe, efficient field operations.
• Conduct long, physically strenuous days in rugged terrain and variable weather.
• Travel on foot, by kayak, and across remote stream systems while following field safety procedures, especially in wildfire-affected or otherwise hazardous areas.
• Handle adult and juvenile fish using safe techniques and accepted biological sampling practices.
• For carcass work, scan for PIT tags and coded wire tags, record fish measurements and biological details, and collect tissue samples such as otoliths, scales, and fin clips.
• For juvenile tagging, measure and weigh fish and implant PIT tags in large numbers of Chinook salmon.
• Maintain accurate field records, complete data uploads, and perform data QA/QC.
• Stay flexible and shift between projects, sites, and tasks depending on program needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Prior experience with fish identification, safe fish handling, and biological data collection is considered essential.
• Strong verbal communication skills for working with crew members, supervisors, and outside stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work extended hours outdoors in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfort living and working in remote areas without cell service for long periods.
• Ability to collaborate well in demanding, sometimes stressful field conditions.
• A consistently positive and adaptable attitude.

Preferred Experience

• Background in spawning ground surveys and carcass sampling.
• Experience with PIT tagging and biological sampling of salmonids.
• Swift water training or river kayaking experience; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Wilderness First Aid or CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience with electrofishing, stream habitat assessments, and snorkel surveys.
• Trailering experience.
• Experience with data QA/QC processes.

Working Conditions

This role requires regular work in forests, rivers, streams, and remote backcountry environments. Field rotations may last 4 to 8 days away from home base, with as many as 5 consecutive nights spent camping in remote locations. The schedule can include weekends and evenings. Candidates must be able to travel and work safely in hot, cold, rainy, foggy, and smoky conditions.

The job is both physically and mentally demanding and requires resilience, sound judgment, and readiness to work in varied field settings. Some assignments may occur in areas with limited or no cell service.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range is $21 to $24 per hour, depending on experience. Benefits include paid sick leave that begins accruing on the first day of employment and eligibility for the company’s voluntary 401(k) plan.

About Cramer Fish Sciences

Cramer Fish Sciences provides scientific expertise that supports informed policy decisions and advances natural resource management. The organization works with clients across the Pacific Northwest and California to develop practical, innovative solutions related to fisheries, riparian systems, and aquatic ecology.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cramer Fish Sciences is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.