Fisheries Technician 1- Rotary Screw Trap Lead

Position/Project Specifics:

This position will serve as the lead rotary screw trap technician in Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Lemhi Effectiveness Monitoring Program in Salmon, Idaho. This program is designed to monitor fishery response of ESA listed Chinook salmon, Steelhead, and Bull trout relative to habitat conservation actions that are being implemented throughout the Lemhi River Sub-basin. The purpose is to understand the effectiveness of various habitat actions, and to help guide the development and implementation of future restoration efforts through an adaptive management process. Data collected from screw traps will be used to monitor life stage specific abundance, survival, and outmigration timing of Chinook salmon and Steelhead. The specific duties of this position include operating and maintaining three rotary screw traps, intensive PIT tagging of juvenile and adult salmonids, and collection of biological samples. Additional duties may include operating adult fish weirs, conducting spawning ground surveys, collecting physical habitat data such as water temperature and discharge, and installing and operating trail cameras to monitor restoration sites. Office duties will include data organization and entry, data quality control, database management, assisting the lead biologist in data summary, and preparation of figures and maps. This position may also assist the Lemhi Conservation Program manager with various habitat project duties, as necessary, such as exotic weed treatment, irrigating re-vegetated areas, and video documentation of habitat construction projects.

Applicants should be mechanically inclined, detail-oriented with a strong work ethic, organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently with little supervision. Previous experience with methods described above that are used to monitor freshwater life stages of anadromous fish is preferred. Additionally, preference will be given to applicants who possess mechanical skills and are capable of operating a variety of hand tools. Applicants should be proficient with word processing, spreadsheet software, and databases. They should be able to accommodate a flexible schedule during the field season. This includes either 4 days on, 3 days off, 5 days on with weekends off, or an occasional 8 day on, 6 day off schedule as necessary, depending upon field activity. Long hours during peak sampling periods is also expected.

This position is considered full time, with a contract lasting one year that is likely to be extended from year to year. A range of education and experience may be presented. Preference given to candidates who present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences.   

Essential Functions:  (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band.  They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Support watershed and stream assessments by working as part of a field team that performs habitat surveys. Includes road inventories, stream habitat inventories, channel typing, habitat typing, woody debris and riparian inventories.
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks. 

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc.   If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results. 

Additional Mandatory Skills:  

• electrofishing-boat
• electrofishing-backpack
• operate trap/weir
• operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technology
• lift 40-50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills
• using fish keys
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• handheld data recorder
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• construction, fabrication and installation skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous.  In the latter case, the incumbent must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds.  Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.  Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water. 

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation.  The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field.  Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water.  Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.