Biological Science Specialist with Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting for a Research Associate (RA) to serve as a Biological Science Specialist at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility, Amargosa Valley, NV. The AMFCF is the home to the only captive population of endangered Devils Hole pupfish, including a 100,000 gallon refuge tank that simulates the Devils Hole ecosystem and provides habitat for a backup population of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish. Primary duties include implementation of a long-term ecosystem monitoring plan for the refuge tank, and assisting with daily fish care and captive breeding efforts. The RA works directly under the supervision of the Facility Manager and with project partners and cooperators.

 

·       Acts as lead technician on the inventory and monitoring of the refuge tank ecosystem. This includes planning, scheduling, and implementing a wide variety of protocols to monitor biotic and abiotic parameters, such as water chemistries, nutrients, substrates and algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish. 

·       Acts as lead technician on management of predaceous diving beetles in the refuge tank ecosystem.

·       Serves as data manager for the refuge tank monitoring programs including database management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and management of large datasets, statistical analyses, creating and updating SOPs, presentations, and reports to supervisors and cooperators. 

·       Works independently to provide daily care for endangered desert fishes in aquaria, monitoring the appearance and behavior of fish for any changes indicative of illness, disease, or stress; changes in physical condition or environmental factors that may be cause for concern, and takes action accordingly.

·       Assists in aquaculture of fish and aquatic invertebrates in aquaria. 

·       Works independently to maintain and troubleshoot environmental monitoring equipment such as YSI sondes and HOBO temperature loggers.

·       Accurately records and archives data and meticulously maintains and archives written records of laboratory and field activities. The incumbent will keep these records in such a manner that they may be referenced and interpreted by internal and external regulatory agencies for the purposes of endangered species management for high-profile species.

·       Follows SOPs and sterile technique procedures to ensure proper cleanliness, decontamination, and sterilization of laboratory and hatchery facilities, equipment, and sampling gear.

·       Works cooperatively with various U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners to address ecological, hatchery, and fish and invertebrate culture questions to further the successful propagation of native aquatic organisms in the southwest.

·       The work is completed in both indoor and outdoor locations, often in extreme conditions, and often working alone.

·       Requires considerable physical exertion such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, and cleaning. Weekend and odd-hour work may be required.

·       Applicant must be comfortable working at a facility that is located in a semi-remote desert location.