Fisheries Technician- 2 positions available

Two full-time Fisheries Technician positions available within a multi-partner research team studying remediation of spawning habitats to improve reproductive success of native fishes (e.g., Cisco, Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout, Walleye). These roles are based at the USGS Lake Ontario Biological Station in the Port of Oswego, a few miles from the SUNY Oswego campus, and operate in close partnership with SUNY Oswego faculty, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy.

About the role

The Field Technicians will support aquatic biologists in field operations across Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and tributaries to the St. Lawrence River. Key activities include quantifying native fish embryo deposition (November–December), trapping larval emergence (March–May), and assessing physical conditions of spawning and incubation habitats throughout the winter. Technicians will also assist with laboratory experiments, maintain field equipment, manage data, and collaborate with faculty, staff, and agency biologists while adhering to field and lab safety protocols.

The incumbent is expected to contribute to an inclusive environment and possess communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with a diverse community of students and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with time-sensitive field research, including fish embryo deposition sampling, larval emergence trapping, and habitat condition assessments.
• Support laboratory experiments and maintain field equipment.
• Manage and organize data collaboratively with SUNY Oswego faculty, staff, and agency biologists.
• Adhere to all field and lab safety protocols.
• Operate boats (up to 26 ft) and trailering equipment.
• Engage in physically demanding work in challenging outdoor conditions (e.g., lifting equipment, adverse weather).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of relevant experience in aquatic field research.
• Demonstrated experience with aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., electrofishing, netting, deployment of specialized gear).
• Experience with boat operation (up to 26 ft) and trailering.
• Understanding and practical experience with field safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Strong attention to detail in data collection and sample handling.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in challenging outdoor conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems.
• Basic proficiency in data entry and organization (e.g., databases, R).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., first aid, boat safety).
• Familiarity with fish identification, particularly native species.

Pay

$19–22 per hour, full-time (37.5 hours per week), with an annual salary range of $37,050–$42,900.

Benefits

The Research Foundation for SUNY provides an excellent benefits package. More information.