Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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KAITLIN J. WARDEN

Fairbanks,AK

Summary

Dedicated fish enthusiast and environmental steward with expertise in the evaluation and enhancement of scientific methodologies for the conservation of Alaskan salmon ecosystems. Proven track record in implementing sustainable practices that promote aquatic biodiversity and habitat preservation. Strong analytical skills and a commitment to advancing ecological initiatives.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fisheries Biologist

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Fairbanks, AK
09.2024 - Current
  • 37.5 Hrs Wk
  • Conducted thorough field surveys to inform management decisions by collecting data on fish abundance, size distributions, age compositions, mortality rates, and growth patterns.
  • Utilized four-wheel-drive vehicles efficiently.
  • Improved fisheries management practices through comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting on fish species diversity and distribution.
  • Contributed to the success of collaborative research projects by providing expert knowledge on various aspects of fisheries biology, ecology, and management issues.
  • Conducted foot surveys to gather valuable data on river systems.
  • Conducted aerial surveys to gather valuable data on river systems.
  • Conducted surveys on local fishing activities.
  • Compiled and distributed harvest data for subsistence permits in the upper Yukon region.
  • Prepared and aged Fall and Summer chum salmon vertebrae for data collection.

Fish and Wildlife Technician 3

Alaska Department Of Fish And Game
Glennallen, AK
06.2024 - 08.2024
  • 37.5 Hrs Wk
  • Skillfully lead, train, and mentor sampling crew members, ensuring precision and adherence to rigorous standards.
  • Ensured accurate data reporting by maintaining detailed field records and utilizing advanced tracking software.
  • Performed regular equipment maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality and accuracy in data collection efforts.
  • Promoted safe work practices among team members, minimizing injuries and incidents during fieldwork operations.
  • Collected age, sex and length as well as genetic samples from Chinook and Sockeye
  • Working with subsistence and personal use fisherman to collect necessary data
  • Active and extensive interaction with the public
  • Answered questions pertaining to fishing regulations and any upcoming or present projects
  • Purchased and organized all project supplies
  • Edited, organized and transported all collected samples
  • Appropriately identified Chinook and Sockeye salmon species
  • Made quick and effective independent decisions without the help of the supervisor
  • Worked odd and random hours with little to no notice
  • Occasionally lifting up to 100 lbs.
  • Daily operation of four wheelers or side by sides to job sites
  • Collaboration with UAF for collection of fat percentage of fish and gill content

Lab Research and Evaluation Supervisor

MACAULAY SALMON HATCHERY, DOUGLAS ISLAND PINK AND CHUM, INC
Juneau, AK
06.2021 - 05.2024

40+ Hr Wk

  • Skillfully lead, train, and mentor sampling and lab crew members, ensuring precision and adherence to rigorous standards.
  • Collaborated on the development and execution of innovative salmon projects, optimizing fisheries enhancement strategies.
  • Expertly collected, processed, and meticulously cataloged otolith voucher samples from diverse salmon species and geographic locales.
  • Arranged the coordination of coded-wire tag collection from adult brood stock and harvest zones.
  • Diligently conducted daily age assessments of returning salmon, employing scale and otolith extraction techniques.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with external entities such as NOAA & ADF&G, successfully securing revenue-generating contracts.
  • Executed the collection of pathological samples from chinook and coho salmon, demonstrating a deep understanding of their biological intricacies.
  • Proficiently managed operations of a 5-station tagging trailer, and mastering in CWT protocols.

Fisheries Technician II

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, GAME, COMMERCIAL FISH
05.2020 - 06.2021

37.5 Hrs Wk

  • Skillfully executed the precise removal of Coded Wire Tags (CWT) from chinook and coho salmon, adhering to stringent protocols.
  • Conducted meticulous daily readings of CWT tag codes, including Binary tag codes, ensuring data accuracy.
  • Played an instrumental role in the Thermal Mark Otolith Lab, adeptly processing and extracting otoliths from sockeye salmon.
  • Assumed leadership in primary and secondary aging of Weathervane Scallops, showcasing a mastery of scientific methodologies.
  • Displayed expertise in herring egg cleaning utilizing KOH (potassium hydroxide) and calibrations, contributing to data refinement.
  • Expertly collected, mounted, and performed scale aging tests for herring scales, underscoring a meticulous approach to research.
  • Operated, managed, and maintained intricate pit-tag arrays, ensuring consistent data collection and reliability.

Fisheries Technician

PACIFIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION
10.2018 - 04.2019

40 Hrs Wk

  • Demonstrated adeptness in the installation and maintenance of intricate screw-traps within tributaries, optimizing data acquisition.
  • Conducted comprehensive Redd surveys in the Sacramento River, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of salmon habitats.
  • Applied meticulous methodologies in fish habitat surveys and salmon fish weir monitoring, driving informed decision-making.

Fisheries Technician

KODIAK REGIONAL AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
05.2018 - 08.2018

40+ Hrs Wk

  • Served as a dedicated full-time backcountry technician on Kodiak Island, AK, showcasing adaptability and tenacity in challenging environments.
  • Conducted precise sampling and enumeration of Sockeye Salmon smolt, capturing critical data points for analysis.
  • Skillfully operated and maintained an ocean skiff with a propeller-driven motor, ensuring seamless transportation and data collection.
  • Collaborated closely with commercial fishermen, effectively communicating and coordinating efforts within a dynamic context.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in bay and stream surveys, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Education

B.S - Wildlife Science, Aquatic Ecology

New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM
12.2017

High School Diploma -

Socorro High School
Socorro, NM
05.2012

Skills

  • Excel, Microsoft, Access
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Data Pattern Identification
  • Comfortable identifying all stages of salmon species
  • Aerial Surveys
  • Analytical Laboratory Testing
  • Fisheries management
  • Sample Preparation Expertise
  • Laboratory Operations
  • Coded Wire Tag Operations
  • Recreational Vehicle Operation
  • Multitasking
  • Research and data collection
  • Field research
  • Water quality monitoring

Certification

  • Basic Firearms Training
  • Wildlife Safety Training
  • CPR/First Aid Certification

Timeline

Fisheries Biologist

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
09.2024 - Current

Fish and Wildlife Technician 3

Alaska Department Of Fish And Game
06.2024 - 08.2024

Lab Research and Evaluation Supervisor

MACAULAY SALMON HATCHERY, DOUGLAS ISLAND PINK AND CHUM, INC
06.2021 - 05.2024

Fisheries Technician II

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, GAME, COMMERCIAL FISH
05.2020 - 06.2021

Fisheries Technician

PACIFIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION
10.2018 - 04.2019

Fisheries Technician

KODIAK REGIONAL AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
05.2018 - 08.2018
  • Basic Firearms Training
  • Wildlife Safety Training
  • CPR/First Aid Certification

B.S - Wildlife Science, Aquatic Ecology

New Mexico State University

High School Diploma -

Socorro High School
KAITLIN J. WARDEN