Fisheries Technician 5

Description:

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL

Job Duties:

Generally, duties of the Fisheries Technician 5 may include planning and coordination with the Biologist for survey and inventory of aquatic species; planning and coordination of creel surveys; the collection of biological and habitat samples; recording, entry, management, and analysis of data; utilization of various equipment to monitor fish survival/mortality, movements, behavior, and reproductive performance; and the operation and maintenance of fisheries equipment. This position may supervise other fisheries technicians depending on the needs and goals of projects for the region. The position will be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and purchase of field equipment. The position will act as crew lead in the field for routine monitoring activities and will lead the area pond access program. Typical annual sampling includes night jet boat electrofishing the Missouri River, drift boat electrofishing the Sun and Smith rivers, and netting area reservoirs and ponds.

•Data collection, management, and field work, under the direction of staff.

oWorking with the supervisor and crew, the technician coordinates field and laboratory work schedules with biologists and other co-workers to collect a variety of scientific data associated with prioritized fisheries projects using established protocols and guidelines. Works with supervisor to develop field and laboratory schedules and coordinates specimen sampling with the biologist and coworkers to ensure efficient and thorough surveys. The technician works with minimal or no direct supervision and, as necessary, evaluates the situation and determines the best approach for data collection according to planned sampling designs.

oThe technician will help conduct aquatic investigations which can include capture and transport of fish using instream traps and electrofishing; installation and removal of large fish traps and instream fencing; fish habitat data collection; spawning surveys; streambed coring; and additional projects requiring similar skill sets. Assists with the eradication of undesirable fish populations or other aquatic organisms through application of piscicides. Proficiency in or willingness to learn the operation of an electro fishing jet boat on a dynamic river with hazards during all weather conditions, day and night, is required. Extensive hiking and occasional backpacking in Wilderness and non-Wilderness settings in grizzly bear habitat will be required.

oConducts the maintenance, purchase, repair, assembly, and testing of a variety of field equipment such as boats and motors, vehicles, electrofishers, nets, and other specialized fisheries survey and inventory equipment. Operates equipment such as electrofishing gear, boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and A TVs.

oServe as a lead worker for day-to-day operations; may lead and train co-workers and volunteers; assigns and monitors work tasks; establishes work pace; demonstrates proper work methods; resolves day-to-day problems and reports major issues to supervisor. Recommends process and/or procedural changes or provides modifications to improve efficiency or effectiveness of process. Performs work duties in a safe manner and ensures other crew members follow safety procedures.

•Maintain proficiency as a fisheries technician through education and training. Examples may include swift water rescue, wilderness first aid or responder, CPR, fisheries techniques, data management, and statistical analyses training.

oThe technician will enter, record, summarize, and manage ecological/biological data using standard software and existing databases. Technician completes basic analysis of samples collected using laboratory equipment. Assists in the preparation of and reviews draft versions of reports.

•Represents FWP in public education and outreach.

oDuring routine fieldwork, professionally represent FWP in a variety of situations and to a variety of people interested in the assigned research project. This may include university personnel, staff from federal, state, and local governments, FWP staff, the media, or the general public. Organizes and performs public outreach and education activities.

Special Information:

A working knowledge of fisheries science and management principles, techniques and methods of fish sampling, electrofishing and water safety, aquatic and biological research methods and study design, conservation genetics, stream mechanics and habitat management are all important job qualifications. Other important considerations include working knowledge of statistical analysis and theory and associated computer and software use, skills in writing and reporting, and speaking and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups, and agencies. A combination of excellent work habits, technical ability, applied knowledge and leadership/people skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position.

This position requires good health and physical condition. At times, this is a physically demanding job involving backpack and boat electrode electrofishing in small streams to large rivers, hiking into and sampling remote lakes or streams, and operating and working from various jet, propeller and manually powered watercraft on flowing and flat waters. The incumbent must have the ability and willingness to work in and around water in adverse and hazardous conditions, including inclement weather. The work schedule is sometimes variable, requiring work outside of normal business days and hours and may involve overnight stays in remote field locations for multiple days. The position requires electrofishing at night from a jet boat. This position involves eradication of undesirable fish populations through application of piscicides.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

A typical annual schedule for this position is as follows:

January-February: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning, Gear/equipment maintenance.

March-November: Various field work. Netting, eletrofishing, etc.

December: Data entry, Report Writing, Coordination, Planning, Gear/equipment maintenance.

Great Falls is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of north central Montana. Also known as the Electric City, Great Falls is Montana's third most populous city home to 60,000 people and is the county seat of Cascade County.

Please remember to attach the required documents, Cover Letter and Resume. Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a resume. This position closes at 11: 59 pm Mountain time on May 31, 2024. You must apply through the State of Montana Career Site.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

•Education:

oBachelor's degree in fish biology, fish and wildlife management, ecology, biology, or a related field.

•Experience:

oThe knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through combination of education and three years of progressive job-related experience closely related to fish and wildlife biology.

Combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Special Requirements:

oBackground Check

oValid Driver's License

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