John B
@johnb1
Biological science and GIS technician combining field ecology, eDNA, and geospatial analysis.
What I'm looking for
I’m a Biological Science Technician focused on aquatic monitoring and field-based data quality, with hands-on experience collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) and conducting in-stream snorkel and wading surveys. In remote alpine lake settings, I’ve led intensive sampling—tracking water chemistry profiles, zooplankton, aquatic macroinvertebrates, water level and temperature, amphibian surveys, and spawning-related activity.
My work also includes fisheries field operations that require precision and safety, from operating in-stream gear to identifying and measuring juvenile salmon and other aquatic species. I’ve maintained electronic databases (including MS Access), performed data QA/QC on prior-year datasets, and used efficient data input workflows to support consistent, thorough reporting.
Across multiple USFS and state/tribal positions, I followed formal survey protocols and used a range of fish and habitat sampling methods such as electrofishing, fyke traps, seine netting, visual surveys, and snorkel surveys. I’m comfortable planning work in challenging terrain, navigating remote field conditions, and contributing to survey reports with georeferenced photos and GIS-supported analysis.
In parallel, I’m building advanced geospatial capability through my Master’s in Geospatial Information Systems, where I’ve applied ArcGIS-centered coursework and capstone GIS site selection analysis. I enjoy turning complex ecological information into clear GIS products (including StoryMaps, WebApps, Survey123, and Experience Builder dashboards), and I bring a collaborative, detail-oriented approach that helps teams move from field observations to decision-ready insights.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Biological Science Technician
US National Park Service (North Cascades)
Jun 2025 - Nov 2025 (5 months)
Collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples and conducted in-stream snorkel and wading surveys for spawning activity of federally listed species. Conducted intensive monitoring on remote alpine lakes, supported fish eradication efforts, produced GIS maps for field operations and NPS publications, and maintained electronic databases and QA/QC on prior-year datasets.
Biological Science Technician
US National Park Service (North Cascades)
Jun 2024 - Dec 2024 (6 months)
Collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples and conducted in-stream snorkel and wading surveys to monitor spawning activity of federally listed species. Performed remote alpine lake monitoring (water chemistry, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, amphibians), supported fish eradication in stocked lakes, and maintained field databases, GIS outputs, and QA/QC.
Seasonal Fisheries Technician
Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
Jan 2024 - Jun 2024 (5 months)
Crewing an in-stream rotary screw trap to collect data on out-migrating salmon, including assembling/maintaining the trap and operating it during high-flow and debris conditions. Identified and measured juvenile salmonids, collected fin clip and scale samples, performed efficiency calibration tests, and maintained a daily MS Access database of fish captures and water chemistry parameters.
Biological Science Technician 2
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Jul 2023 - Sep 2023 (2 months)
Conducted angler interviews for quota monitoring and catch per unit effort calculations, and performed adult salmon identification in the field. Collected scale and snout samples for analysis and maintained working knowledge of marine fishing regulations related to federally listed species while supporting public-facing outreach.
Store Associate (Team Lead)
The UPS Store (Sehome Village)
May 2022 - Jun 2023 (1 year 1 month)
Served as team lead by training and supervising new store associates and acting as point of contact for customers in the absence of the store manager. Managed cash registers, packaged fragile/sentimental items to UPS claims standards, provided shipping consultations, and handled mail sorting and spreadsheet-based pricing/data management.
Seasonal Research Technician
Skagit River Systems Cooperative
Feb 2021 - Aug 2021 (6 months)
Conducted long-term monitoring data collection using non-lethal fish sampling methods including seine-netting, smolt trapping, electrofishing, in-stream snorkel surveys, fyke traps, and visual surveys. Identified juvenile salmonids and aquatic invertebrates, performed physical habitat surveys, installed/maintained temperature and water level loggers, and operated vehicles/rafts in remote field con
Biological Science Technician
US Forest Service (Malheur NF)
May 2020 - Sep 2020 (4 months)
Completed USFS Region 6 Level I and II stream survey protocol work, including assessing habitat and grazing allotment impacts and performing fish and aquatic species biological surveys. Conducted spawning surveys for multiple federally listed fish species, performed Environmental DNA sampling, supported stream restoration implementation, and prepared field data for stream survey reports using basi
Biological Science Tech (Engineering)
US Forest Service (Malheur NF)
May 2019 - Sep 2019 (4 months)
Surveyed roads and associated infrastructure in remote forested areas and assisted with general maintenance of forest facilities. Operated 4x4 vehicles in remote/closed areas with route planning and hazard mitigation, performed basic vehicle maintenance, and used chains/saws to clear roads.
Food Service & Shuttle Driver
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Performed cooking and cashiering duties in a fast-paced food service environment while monitoring and safely selling alcohol. Safely drove 15-person vans in inclement weather, supervised passenger behavior, and provided reliable shuttle transportation for employees.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Geospatial Information Systems, Geospatial Information Systems
2022 - 2026
Pursued a Master of Geospatial Information Systems at Penn State World Campus. Capstone project analyzed GIS site selection in the Drawdown Zone of Ross Lake, Washington, investigating amphibian distribution and water-level effects on reproduction.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Bachelor of Science, Biology
2013 - 2017
Earned a B.S. in Biology with extensive coursework in microbiology, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and ecology. Completed independent study in the Department of Agronomy focused on corn breeding and genetics.
Sheboygan North High School
High School Diploma, High School
2009 - 2013
Activities and societies: Chick Evans Caddy Scholarship; National Honor Society; State Science Olympiad Silver Medal
Graduated with honors from Sheboygan North High School. Honors and recognition included the Chick Evans Caddy Scholarship, National Honor Society membership, and a State Science Olympiad Silver Medal.
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