Fish Habitat Assistant
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction, either (1) in a fish habitat improvement shop, perform and assist in the construction, installation, and maintenance of fish screens, ladders, traps, and fish habitat improvement on streams and lakes; or (2) in a field assignment, coordinate and implement fish habitat improvement projects on streams and lakes; and do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Constructs new fish screens and fish ladders; performs all shop techniques in steel fabrication; performs all tasks related to concrete work for fish screens and ladders; assists in installation of fish screens in irrigation diversions; checks fish screens and performs repairs; operates various wood and metal power tools; performs fish rescue; works on other fish habitat improvement projects such as barrier modification, building spawning riffles and constructing fish shelters; operates heavy equipment during construction and maintenance projects.
Conducts stream surveys to determine habitat conditions, locates barriers to fish migration, determines accessibility and assesses potential for habitat improvement including, but not limited to, barrier modification, stream bank stabilization, and exclusionary fencing; determines land ownership and secures agreements and permits from landowners and other agencies for stream and lake improvement; organize the stream and lake improvement activities of the California Conservation Corps, inmate crews, or private groups; assists with the removal of undesirable fish species from waters by treatment with chemicals; uses and maintains electrofishing gear, nets, seines, traps, boats, and automotive equipment; administers contracts for special fund fish habitat improvement work.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing duties comparable to those of a Fish and Wildlife Assistant II.
Or II
Experience: Two years of experience in the natural resources field such as parks, forestry or fish and wildlife, performing construction and maintenance work on habitat development projects. and Education equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Construction and installation of fish screens, ladders, traps and the materials used; wood and metalworking power tools; stream and lake improvement procedures; fisheries survey and management techniques; fisheries management activities in California; principles and techniques of safety.
Ability to: Communicate effectively; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; perform a wide variety of skilled work involving metal fabrication, concrete, carpentry and the operation of construction equipment; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to live and work throughout the State; willingness to work unusual hours and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Special Physical Characteristics
Ability to swim at least 50 yards and stay afloat at least five minutes. Ability to lift 40 pounds.
