What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal fisheries technician: Boat electrofishing survey in Lake Champlain position at Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab?
Overview: We are seeking a motivated seasonal fisheries technician to lead boat-based electrofishing surveys of nearshore fish communities in Lake Champlain. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to long-term fishery assessment and management efforts with potential pathways for continued employment or graduate studies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with fishery biologists and researchers from the University of Vermont, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the USGS, and US Fish and Wildlife Services. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding this position (thais.bernos@uvm.edu).
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently lead nighttime boat electrofishing surveys on Lake Champlain
- Safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot electrofishing boat and sampling equipment
- Collect biological data from fish (fish identification, length, weight, aging)
- Mark and tag target species (fin clips, floy tags, pit tags…)
- Assist with data management, quality control, and field logistics
- Work collaboratively with undergraduate students, graduate students, UVM faculty, and VT fish and Wildlife on fisheries research project
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, biology, environmental sciences, ecology, or related field
- Prior field experience with boat electrofishing surveys
- Comfortable working nights in varying weather conditions
- Ability to operate boats and trailer safely
Position details:
- Duration: This is a 4 – 6 months seasonal position with the option for rehire in subsequent field seasons based on performance.
- Start date: Ideally May 2026, but would consider June 2026 for the right candidate.
- Location: Burlington, Vermont
- Compensation: $18 to $24 per hour commensurate on experience
Opportunity for continued employment: Candidates have the opportunity to transition into a Master’s or a PhD program beginning in the Fall contingent on mutual research interests. Their project will focus on developing a nearshore fish monitoring survey for Lake Champlain. They would be co-supervised by Dr. Thaïs Bernos (UVM) and Dr. Mark Henderson (USGS coop) and work closely with project partners, including VT fish and wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Services.
How to apply: Please submit a one-page cover letter describing your prior experience with fisheries sampling, a two-page CV, and contact information for two references to Thaïs (thais.bernos@uvm.edu). Application materials should be combined in a single PDF file named “[your last name]_nearshoresurvey.pdf”. If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies (M.Sc. or PhD) as part of this position or in the future, please indicate this interest in your cover letter.
Application deadline: April 22nd, 2025
Pay: $16.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $24