Fishery Biologist 1- Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Monitoring

Position/Project Specifics:

The incumbent will be overseeing the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Lower Granite Dam salmonid monitoring and part of the Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Monitoring and Evaluation Study. The individual will be responsible for insuring collection of data from juvenile and adult Chinook salmon and steelhead at Lower Granite Dam in Washington and in the Lochsa River basin in Idaho. Data collected at Lower Granite Dam are used for investigating Snake River basin stock assessment, monitoring trends and productivity, and inform management decisions for Idaho programs. Data collected at traps and arrays operating in the Lochsa River basin are used to investigate trends in wild steelhead escapement, productivity, and life history diversity.

Duties include but are limited to:
· Supervising and managing a crew of up to six fishery technicians
· Collection of data and maintenance of infrastructure in the Lochsa River basin
· Collection of data at Lower Granite Dam
· Coordination with staff from multiple agencies involved with Lower Granite Dam (e.g., USACE, NOAA) data collection
· Coordination with staff from multiple agencies (e.g., ITD, USFS) assisting with support for the Lochsa River project operations
· Coordination with the IDFG/PSMFC regional staff and Idaho Wild Salmon and Steelhead staff

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 under close to general supervision.)

Lead and participate in survey crews that conduct 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.

Lead and perform data entry for data from recovered tags, representative biological samples, telemetry devices, oceanographic data, fish tickets, commercial landing estimates, logbooks, scale cards, port sampling, onboard observers, etc. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.

• Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Competency

· Initiative: identifies what needs to be done and take appropriate actions
· Communication: have the ability to make clear and concise written and oral communication to fishery scientists and to the general public
· Leadership: have the ability to provide guidance and direction to technicians in order to achieve project goals
· Ethics and integrity: performs duties with professionalism, honesty, and earned respect of staff and other agency personnel
Science
· Knowledge of fishery management practices that includes fish population dynamics, fish biology, and stream ecology
· Knowledge and work experience in various fish sampling methods
· Knowledge of the scientific method
· Knowledge of technical writing guides
· Knowledge of computer applications and software used to store and/or analyze data 
· Knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods
· Knowledge of database management

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• snorkeling                                           
• electrofishing-backpack
• operate trap/weir                    
• operate nets (seine, gill, etc.)
• carcass and redd surveys                   
• creel census                            
• lift 40-50 lbs.                                     
• valid driver's license              
• tow & maneuver trailers
• hiking                                                 
• camping                                 
• CPR/First Aid
• operate GPS                           
• literature search/review
• 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)
• oral communication skills                  
• written communication skills
• construction, fabrication and installation skills  
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous.  In the latter case, the employee 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:

Work is performed in the office and at field sites. Some duties include analyzing data and report writing in an office setting. Field work involves exposure to environmental elements such as slippery uneven surfaces and varying weather conditions and requires moderate to rigorous ability of walking/hiking, climbing, reaching, lifting and bending. Tasks include wading streams, swimming, hiking for long distances, and carrying up to 50 pounds of gear and equipment. Some camping for extended periods might also be required.