Fisheries Technician - US Military Veterans Only

Mt. Adams Institute (Federal) | https://mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Details

Posting:

https://mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork/

Application Deadline:

06/09/2025

Published:

04/23/2025

Starting Date:

after 6/23/2025

Ending Date:

after 5/1/2026

Hours per Week:

Salary:

$2,000 to $2,500 per month

Education Required:

High School Diploma

Experience Required:

none

Location:

50 Ericson Ct (Arcata, California)

Description

The VetsWork program is a paid, AmeriCorps internship program (45 weeks) for military veterans who are interested in starting a career in the natural resources, public lands management, and conservation fields.

To view a full position description and application instructions please visit: mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Position Title: Fisheries Technician

Partner Organization: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Project Location: 50 Ericson Ct, Arcata, CA 95521

Service Dates: Open Until Filled (45 week, 1700-hour position)

Position Summary -

In partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will sponsor a VetsWork AmeriCorps Intern to serve as a Fisheries Technician. Do you have an interest in fisheries science? Want a hands-on experience directly sampling iconic salmon and trout populations in some of the most pristine watersheds in California? This might be your dream job!

Human development, water and land use, and habitat loss all affect populations of salmon and steelhead. We seek to understand how populations respond to both these pressures as well as ongoing restoration efforts. You could assist a team of scientists working to evaluate wild salmon and trout populations across coastal watersheds in Northern California. Catch and sample adult salmon and steelhead at weirs, observe them spawning in redwood forest streams, count them migrating up rivers with high-tech SONAR equipment and during snorkeling surveys. Use nets, traps and snorkeling in small streams to sample juvenile fish at different life stages. You would become an expert at species identification while learning a full spectrum of field methods used in the science of salmonid management. You would also be part of the department’s Natural Resource Volunteer Program (NRVP) providing an opportunity to assist the Law Enforcement Division to provide public service to the community and learn how Fish and Wildlife Officers help protect California's diverse resources from poaching and overuse.

This position will require a significant commitment to field work, but opportunities also exist for those that want to explore fisheries science by working with the data. You could learn approaches to visualize data, summarize information, and communicate project findings to others. Apply now!

Benefits:

$22,500 living allowance – paid monthly over the 10 ½ -month term of service ($500 weekly, before taxes)
$7,395 education award (can be used towards qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
$1,000/month housing stipend
Student loan forbearance
Health Care
Professional development, training and networking opportunities
Potential GI Bill benefits (up to $2,400 per month)

Essential Functions - to include, but not limited to:

Conduct fisheries investigations including assessing salmon and steelhead populations using SONAR, nets, traps, and snorkeling.
Monitor a salmon trapping station to capture, tag, and release adult and juvenile salmon.
Conduct field surveys of stream habitat and salmon use.
Assist Fish and Wildlife Officers in serving the public by assisting with land inspections, public outreach events, recruitment efforts, and conservation education programs.

Position Requirements - to include, but not limited:

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
Comfort with and ability to work in and around streams and rivers.
Physical ability to walk off-trail on uneven terrain, lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Complete the Natural Resources Volunteer application including a background check through CADFW to gain access to agency vehicles, equipment, buildings, etc. This background check process is in addition to the check for AmeriCorps explained below.
Enthusiasm to learn the science of fisheries research and management.
Must have served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, including Guard and Reserves and have a DD214 with an honorable discharge (or general under honorable on a case by case basis).
At least 21 years of age at beginning of service term.
U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
Ability to commit to the full 45-week term of service.
Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state of service and state of residence criminal history check, and a national FBI check.
Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Passion for the outdoors and natural resources.
Competence using computers (Outlook, Microsoft Word and Excel).

To Apply:
After reading the full position description on our website (linked at the top and below), email the following application materials to erica@mtadamsinstitute.org:

Resume
Cover Letter (include your motivation for applying in the letter)
3 professional references (include name, email, phone number, and relation to you)
DD214 with honorable discharge.
- A General Under Honorable discharge will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Must be long form "Member 4 copy" (has a total of 30 boxes of information)

Visit mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork for a full position description as well as a detailed program overview, application instructions, and frequently asked questions.

Contact Erica Bingham for further information or if you have questions about the VetsWork program at erica@mtadamsinstitute.org.

Contact

Erica Bingham

erica@mtadamsinstitute.org (preferred contact method)