Position/Project Specifics:

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking a 12 mo., full-time benefitted fisheries technician 2, to work in the anadromous ageing laboratory at the Nampa Fisheries Research facility in Nampa, ID. This lab has two main ageing operations, one is to collect and age scale samples and the other to collect and age fin ray samples. The technician will serve half of the year (January – June) assisting with scale lab duties, and the other half (July-December) with fin ray lab duties.

Primary Duties:

From January – June, this position will be almost entirely lab based and the technician will collaborate with other technicians in the lab to prepare (clean, mount, and image) and analyze (age) adult and juvenile Chinook and steelhead scale samples. During the July-December period, the position transitions into more of a field based role, where the technician is involved with conducting carcass collection and spawning ground surveys at specific areas in the Salmon River Drainage. The technician will also help with data organization and management, preparing/editing datasheets, follow sub-sampling schemes, and perform database uploads as needed.

Additional tasks include organization and storage of scale/fin ray samples, conducting routine data checks, preparing field kits for trap tenders, and creating labels, and assisting with training and supervising 1 seasonal fin ray technician. Ability to aquire a Remote Pilot Certification from the FAA is desirable, as technican may be asked to assist with remote redd count survey activites. The technician will cooperate with the laboratory supervisor and other laboratory technicians on a daily basis, and must be a good team player. Many of the tasks performed in the lab are repetitive, so candidate must be self motivated.

Essential Functions:

• 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, fin clips or tags, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens.
• Lead and participate in crews engaged in captive fish-rearing activities including spawning, incubating, feeding, sampling, sorting, handling, medicating, anesthetizing, and transporting fish. The crew may also monitor the status of facility systems and equipment, and fabricate, construct, and maintain systems. Gather research data and organize information from fish samples or experimental projects.
• Update the database by entering, checking, and/or editing biological or habitat data that has been inputted on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. Maintain, organize, and provide access to databases. Write memoranda and short reports for the transfer of data. Produce summaries including corrections. Produce presentation-quality tables and graphs of data.
• Perform precision aging of two to four different species of fish in a laboratory setting. Record age and growth data in the appropriate format; summarize and input data. Collect and organize biological samples and collections. Document aging problems, techniques, and results in annual production aging reports. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, or technical report writing.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
• Knowledge of fish husbandry.
• Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
• Knowledge of the scientific method.
• Knowledge of sampling protocols.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
• Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
• Knowledge of basic math.

Employees have the knowledge to resolve common technical or procedural problems for themselves or their work crew. They are able to assess or interpret the significance of their results and relate that to the overall objective of the project. They have the knowledge to outline, organize and execute the details of projects where unusual or irregular procedural or technical problems arise.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.
• able to swim
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• valid driver's license
• hiking
• camping
• operate GPS
• habitat typing
• habitat monitoring
• fish aging (scale, otolith, other)
• fish species ID skills
• operate handheld data recorder
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate-including walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping 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 or living at sea in vessels with minimal amenities for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment:

The majority of the work (~7-9 months) is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Housing will not be provided during periods while working in the office. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Camping supplies and food are provided during the field season.

Qualifications/Technical Skills:
B.S. degree in fisheries, biology, or related field are preferred. Individuals with knowledge of anadromous fishes and have previous aging (and/or growth pattern recognition) experience with anadromous fish is highly preferred. The individual must be able to work and adapt to inclement weather and long periods of hiking in various and rugged terrain without supervision. Experience utilizing GPS/GIS systems is preferred. Experience trouble shooting technical equipment and software, managing data using Microsoft Excel and Access is preferred. Individual must be able to work well without direct supervision, follow protocols effectively, be punctual, adaptable, organized, and be extremely detail oriented.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is an experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.