Fisheries Research Technicians

About the Role

The Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (WICFRU) is seeking fisheries research technicians to assist research scientists and graduate students on projects evaluating:

• Effects of front-facing sonar on angler catch rates of walleye.
• Behavior of blue suckers, shovelnose sturgeon, and lake sturgeon after trap-and-transfer above Prairie du Sac Dam.
• Movements of walleye, lake whitefish, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass in Green Bay.
• Latent mortality of walleye and lake whitefish discarded from commercial and recreational fisheries in Green Bay.

Technicians may also work on an independent research project and contribute to additional research projects focused on panfish, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, smallmouth bass, and lake whitefish.

This is a temporary full-time appointment, beginning around April 1, 2026, and lasting for approximately six (6) months.

Key Responsibilities

• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications.
• Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces.
• Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting.
• Performs lab and/or field tests on materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications.
• May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing.

Scope of Work

• Hook-and-line angling.
• Assistance with surgical implantation of electronic transmitters.
• Construction and maintenance of telemetry equipment.
• Operation of standard fish sampling gears including fyke nets, boat electrofishing units, and seines.
• Maintenance of boats, motors, and other field equipment.
• Extensive field work, which may include working in poor weather conditions (cold and wet).
• Extended travel and overnight stays in field stations and/or hotels.

Housing may be provided depending on project and field station availability.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• B.S. in Fisheries or closely related field.
• Experience with standard fisheries field gears and lab techniques.
• Experience operating and maintaining boats, motors, and field equipment.
• A satisfactory driving record as defined by UW-Stevens Point Transportation Services policy 6.1-6.3.
• Positive attitude with strong work ethic and desire for advancement in the fisheries field.

For the front-facing sonar project, preference will be given to avid anglers.

Compensation

• $18.00/hour.
• Duration not to exceed 1039 hours (approximately 6 months at 40 hours per week).

Application Requirements

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience.
• Resume/CV.
• Contact information for 3 professional references.
• Unofficial transcripts.

Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments.

Applications received by 2/1/2026 are ensured full consideration.

Contact Information

• Dan Dembkowski, Fisheries Research Scientist, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit
• Email: dan.dembkowski@uwsp.edu
• Human Resources
• Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu
• Phone: 715-346-2606

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment.

Employment will require a criminal background check.

It will also require you to supply three (3) professional references/one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor.

References will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.