Mitchell Gellhaus Email & Phone Number

Newport, Oregon, United States

Shellfish and Estuarine Assessment of Coastal Oregon (SEACOR)Conducted intertidal and subtidal surveys of shellfish populations and habitats in coastal estuaries with Shellfish and Estuarine Assessment of Coastal Oregon (SEACOR). Recorded data into field data sheets, ArcGIS Apps on tablets in the field, and Access databases. Performed rapid assessment and detailed assessment methodology for habitat data collection. Operated hydraulic pump for dredging sediment (megacore) and biological sampling. Enumerated, measured, weighed, and identified species of clams, crabs, and shrimp in processing of biological collections. Assisted with UAS eelgrass surveys in Tillamook Bay. Constructed and fixed ground control points across tide flats. Developed digital elevation and orthomosaic models of drone imagery using Agisoft Metashape and ArcGIS. Towed and operated 22-foot flat bottom boat on shallow mud flats in Oregon coastal estuaries. Communicate regularly with Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP), commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, and members of the public. Develop individualized projects using SEACOR data.

Elma, Washington, United States

Operated and maintained adult migrant weir trap at Bingham Creek to monitor Coho spawner abundance and marine survival in coastal Washington streams. Stationed at live-in remote trailer on site. Trapped, handled, and enumerated live adult salmonids. Collected relevant environmental & biological information on species composition, sex, age, size, mark status, tag presence, and condition. Collected CWT samples, DNA samples, scale samples and applies secondary marks (opercal punch) for later detection in trap recaptures. Recorded and verifies field data for accuracy, records and verifies field data for accuracy. Maintained and repairs trapping equipment, associated field gear and equipment, and prepare sites for trap installation and removal. Tools include: hydraulic pumps, pressure hoses, wheel barrels, outboard motors, generators, pumps, scissors, knives, scalpels, global positioning units, PIT reader, and coded-wire tag v-detector.

Edmonds, Washington, United States

Conducted test fishing and angling effort surveys in multiple marine areas of Puget Sound (areas 8-2, 10). Piloted, docked and maintained 18-foot outboard research fishing vessel. Performed various fishing methods to emulate recreational fishing fleet. Operated GPS, VHF, depth finder and electronic data collection devices. Collected DNA, scales, length, health and mark-status of sampled catches from test fishing and angler efforts. Interviewed angler efforts of recreational vessels at sea and returning to docks. Correctly identified and counted all marine species observed. Obtained Coho and Chinook salmon snouts containing coded-wire tags (CWT). Followed all procedures conducive to safety involving working with the public, agency vehicles, trailering and at sea vessel operations. Work in all weather conditions during all times of day.

Stevenson, Washington, United States

Monitored fish populations on the Wind River and surrounding streams. Constructed and maintained multiple floating screw traps in fast flowing water supported by heavy rigging (cables, winches, clamps). Additional daily tools included: ropes, kayaks, chest waders, hand/electric powered tools, electro scanners, anesthetizing agents. Regularly operated the Shipherd Falls adult ladder trap. Deployed internal (PIT) and external (Floy) tags on adult and juvenile steelhead. Collected biological and morphological data from fish species. Entered QA/QC data from screw traps on field forms and into tablets (MS Access). Performed work tasks during all types of weather, usually in cold, swift streams and on moving rigging systems (suspension bridges, screw traps). Safely drove work vehicles for daily travel to and from sampling sites.

Portland, Oregon, United States

Analyze aerial drone photography data of riparian shade habitat along multiple North Clackamas watersheds. Developed geographic maps, models and reports for the North Clackamas Watershed Council. Produced maps and models through Agisoft Metashape and ArcGIS Pro. Reports and maps used to prioritize locations for shade restoration and additional guidance for future project considerations.

Salkum, Washington, United States

Sorted and identified Salmonidae species on the Cowlitz River. Sorting line environment was fast-paced and very wet. Maintained ladder traps on Cowlitz River and below Mayfield Dam. Fish were safely handled, designated to specified holding areas and later transported to desired drop off areas for release. Salmon counts were input into MS Access and Excel programs. Assisted when necessary in the field, testing water quality for dissolved oxygen at designated locations. Electronically monitored fish for coded wire tags (CWT) and passive integrated transponder tags (PIT). Aided in PIT-tagging of parr steelhead. Performed redd and carcass surveys by hiking and wading up river. Collected biological data of carcasses and smolt counts (snouts, scales, sex, fork length, etc.). Data obtained of redds and carcass were recorded on data sheets as well as electronically input into tablet. Operated fish ladder crowder, work vehicles, and other machines when necessary. Work was performed during all weather conditions.

Lakeview, Oregon, United States

Collected biological data on greater sage-grouse populations in Southeastern Oregon. Employment was temporary anticipating the busy nesting and brooding season. Additionally, assisted other graduate students with tracking and banding grouse populations in Northern Nevada and California. Netting and light shine techniques were used at night to capture, band and release birds. Electronically-tagged hens were located across large, isolated rangelands by using GPS coordinates, often by all-terrain vehicle, and telemetry equipment. Bird or nest fate was observed from a distance and recorded. Temperature, vegetation and environmental data was collected on sites known for nesting, brooding and one randomly selected location. Work was usually independent for long hours each day over uneven terrain covered in sagebrush. This required lots of travel by work truck, all-terrain vehicles and walking. Study areas were open high-elevation deserts, making weather preparation important (thunderstorms, freezing nights, extreme heat, etc.). Data collection was completed as efficiently as possible each day then transferred to supervisor.

Seattle, Wa

Contracted employment was for 16 months. Collected North Pacific groundfish data for the North Marines Fishery Services (NMFS) on commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. Checked safety protocols and if appropriate fishing methods were being adhered to on each assigned vessel. Developed strong communication skills for interacting with vessel crew, all from incredibly diverse backgrounds and parts of the world. Calculated individual sample designs (simple, random, systematic, etc.) for each vessel to estimate population data for each haul. Observed and identified all birds, mammals, and fish in sample. Collect biological data of salmon, fish, and other species of interest (sex, lengths, otoliths, scales, snouts, full specimen, etc.). Recorded all haul, take and necessary information on data sheets as well as into work journal. Stationed primarily as the sole biologist, occasionally with a partner during vessel assignments. My fishery data was collected all times of day and year in many different types of weather and ocean conditions. Trips on vessels ranged from a couple days to over a month, with daily 12-hour shifts common. Debriefed deployment data with NMFS personnel at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offices in Seattle.

Bellingham, Washington Area

Tracked and observed mountain goat populations in the North Cascade mountain range for translocation study. Reaching sample areas required week-long backpacking trips (4-5 days), usually with one other intern. Observations were taken from a distance after scanning mountain slopes with binoculars. Mountain goat biological data was recorded on paper and GPS formats. Recorded their locations, population numbers, sex, age, and collected scat. Sampled random vegetation plots frequently after reaching destination area. Vegetation samples required taxonomic identification of plant species and their area percentages. Additional plant specimens were collected based on destination. All recorded information was returned to the lab at week’s end for analysis and transcription.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs

Certificate Program

Associate Of Science - As

Certificate Program