ASIR Fisheries Biologist

Description: American Southwest Ichthyological Researchers (ASIR, LLC) is a small business founded over 30 years ago in Albuquerque, NM dedicated to the study and conservation of native freshwater fishes. We (ASIR) offer a unique suite of field, laboratory, and archival services and expert advice, assistance, or guidance to government agencies and private entities in need of fisheries or ichthyological research services. 

We (ASIR) are seeking to hire a full-time, permanent Fisheries Biologist to conduct and participate in fisheries research, including long-term early life history surveys, population monitoring of threatened and endangered species and remote detection of fishes in the San Juan River (NM and UT). The position is based in Albuquerque, NM. The position may also include research and field work in the Colorado River (Grand Canyon, AZ), Rio Grande (NM), and potentially other rivers in the American Southwest. Field work is expected to be 70 – 80% of the Biologist’s schedule during the field season. Off-season duties will include data entry and analysis, report writing, and project development.  

JOB DUTIES: 

• Plan and safely lead overnight field trips to remote locations. The position will require 12–18 overnight field trips per field season (March-November); trips vary in duration from one night to two weeks 
• Oversee permanent and seasonal field technicians 
• Conduct specimen and data collection using a variety of equipment and electronic gear 
• Develop scopes of work and budgets for continuing and future projects (with assistance from senior staff) 
• Manage data entry and conduct statistical analyses 
• Prepare annual reports summarizing research efforts and key findings 
• Facilitate internal project meetings; present and discuss ongoing research during external program meetings and workshops 
• Interact with state, federal, tribal, and NGO program partners 
• Prepare and submit publication worthy research (with assistance from senior staff) 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in fisheries science or a related biological/ecological field 
• At least three years of relevant field work experience sampling fish using multiple gear types 
• Experience in project development and management with proven ability to independently prioritize, plan, and oversee multiple projects 
• A valid Driver’s License that is DUI/DWI free and without serious moving violations within the last 5 years 
• Ability to swim at least 100 yards, lift and carry 50 pounds uninterrupted for 100 feet, carry a 40-pound backpack for at least a mile, and hike on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain 
• Must be comfortable working in aquatic environments, including wading in rivers, streams, and muddy backwaters 
• Applicants with experience navigating whitewater in oar-frame rafts in large rivers and have had Wilderness First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue training (within the last 5 years) will be given preference 

This position requires a mature individual who can maintain a positive attitude while spending long hours in the field, sometimes under adverse conditions, safely conducting important long-term research and monitoring projects alone or as part of a team. 

The successful candidate must adhere to the highest ethical principles of science (NAS 2017), have well-developed interpersonal skills, be able to work safely in remote field locations for extended periods (up to two weeks), demonstrate problem solving skills, be able to follow and execute detailed instructions, exhibit multi-tasking abilities (i.e., working on multiple projects simultaneously), and show an ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of resource agency personnel (e.g., NGO stakeholders, tribal members, state and federal biologists, contracting agency personnel, and undergraduate/graduate students).

Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be evaluated on abilities in the following areas: 

1) technical writing and data analysis skills, 2) experience whitewater rafting, 3) experience field sampling for biological studies, 4) experience camping in remote locations, 5) ability to work several consecutive long days (10-14 hours/day), 6) ability to lift and carry heavy gear long distances in adverse conditions, 7) clean driving record, 8) ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on paved and dirt/gravel roads and tow a boat trailer. 

Salary and Benefits: Minimum of $60,000 per year, negotiable, and commensurate with experience. Generous benefit package includes 12 earned vacation days/year, 12 earned sick days/year, paid holidays, health and dental insurance, employer 401K contribution (up to 4% of annual salary), and bonus vacation time for long field days. Merit and publication-based bonuses are possible.  

Submit letter of interest with a CV or resume AS A SINGLE pdf FILE to: steven_platania@asirllc.com 

References are not required at this time but will be requested later (as necessary). 

Closing date: Position will remain open until a candidate has been hired. Final selection of candidates is anticipated by January 2026. 

Learn more about the American Southwest Ichthyological Researchers (ASIR, LLC) and apply here.