In this position, you will be working under the leadership of fisheries biologists and with other technicians to monitor for the presence of potential aquatic invasive species such as invasive carp and round goby in the Upper Mississippi River watershed. Our office uses a variety of gears that are deployed from small watercraft, including fyke nets, gill nets, and boat electrofishing. Our office also uses specialized monitoring tools such as acoustic telemetry and environmental DNA (eDNA). Additionally, there will be some opportunities to work on native fish and mussel species conservation efforts as well. The work our office conducts is rigorous and takes place across many locations in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Our monitoring efforts often include weeklong sampling events away from the office where staff are housed in hotels. In a normal year, our office is scheduled in the field 60 – 75 % of the time. Working on this team will provide you with a plethora of new knowledge about fishes and mussels as well as improving sampling skills necessary for permanent jobs. You will also receive on-the-job training on many aspects of the day-to-day duties of fisheries scientists including boat operation, trailering, and equipment maintenance.
Primary Duties:
- Assist biologists with fish monitoring projects in the Upper Mississippi River (60%) of duty time
- Telemetry
- Hydroacoustics
- eDNA monitoring
- Electrofishing
- Netting
- Assist biologists and other staff with tasks at the La Crosse FWCO (40%)
- Data proofing and entry
- Disinfecting and repairing fishing gear and boats after trips
- Public outreach events
- Training and team meetings
Please note that this position will include overnight travel. Expenses incured will be reimbursed with receipts.
Compensation
– $600/week* Living Allowance
– $1,100* To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
– Eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum of service)
*All Allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
Please note that housing is not provided for this position.
Please note that this position is not elegible for an AmeriCorps Education Award.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00734636
Expected Dates: September 11, 2023 - March 29, 2024
Location:
555 Lester Avenue
Onalaska, WI 54650
US
Training Provided: On-the-job training in fish identification, aquatic survey techniques, boat operation and trailering, data management. Additional opportunities for virtual training for professional development, etc.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Gain on-the-job training in natural resource management. Abundant hiking, biking, fishing and other recreation opportunities throughout the Driftless Region around La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Not Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Will likely need transportation from residence to Field Office.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes